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Biodiversity Awareness Trail - Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a Biodiversity Awareness Trail unique?

A combination of trailside exhibits, natural demonstration features, social marketing techniques and community engagement set a BAT apart from other interpretive trails. A BAT will serve as:

  • An Outdoor Classroom: Trail features such as pollinator gardens, stream buffers, nesting boxes and even a place for removing of invasive species will create an educational atmosphere.
  • A Catalyst for Habitat Action: Signs associated with each feature will promote simple Habitat Actions. They will also provide a means for users to pledge commitment to these actions. An interactive website will help us track pledges and assist those in need of more information.
  • A Hub for Conservation Activities: The trail will be a "hub" for continual learning and activity. For example, we will promote student research and monitoring along the trail. Through trail-based community activities, we intend to maintain people's interest in carrying out Habitat Actions.

Why create Biodiversity Awareness Trails in the Carolinian Life Zone?

A key trail objective is to raise awareness of the uniqueness of the Carolinian Life Zone and how local actions can enhance existing conservation efforts. This region is relatively small, making up less than 1% of Canada's total land area. Yet biodiversity abounds and is unmatched elsewhere in the country. Forests, shore, tallgrass and wetland help create a mosaic of habitats here. These in turn support over 70 tree species, 47 different reptiles and amphibians and 40% of the nation's vascular plants. More than ¼ of Canada's population lives here, placing increasing development pressure on natural areas. The species that dwell here live in remnants of their former range. They face additional threats from the stress of climate change and air, soil and water pollution.

According to a recent Carolinian Canada Coalition (CCC) survey, Southwestern Ontario's public is aware local nature is under stress. But while many citizens want to help, they are unsure how. It is easy to feel helpless when reports continue to pile up about endangered species, extinctions and degraded landscapes. Yet much can be done. Our BAT will empower citizens with concrete ideas of how to make meaningful change. By using advances in community based social marketing, we will equip people to act consistently with the values they hold.

Where will the first BAT be located?

The first pilot BAT is proposed for a 2.5 km section of the Trans Canada Trail in Kingsville (Essex County). Essex is home to an array of rare and significant plants and animals. Some, such as the flowering Scarlet Ammannia and Gray Fox, live only in this corner of the province.

Locating a BAT within this Carolinian "Biodiversity Hotspot" is a great way to raise awareness about the natural treasures found here. With over 95% of county land in private ownership, the trail provides an opportunity to foster landowner participation. Nowhere else in Canada can citizens make such a difference than by committing to Habitat Actions along the trail and in their own backyards.

How will the Social Marketing component of the trail work?

Each trail feature will promote one or more Habitat Actions. These are simple activities trail users can do to benefit local species or habitats. Examples of Habitat Actions include planting native plants, refraining from harming snakes and avoiding use of invasive garden plants. Trail signs and brochures will include pledge forms where users will be asked to take on one or more Habitat Actions within a set time frame.

The BAT experience will continue after users finish the physical route. Technology such as web and social media will help us track pledges, supply users with more information and expand the circle of committed individuals. Monitoring pledge uptake and equipping people to carry out their actions is essential to the process.

Who will build and maintain the Biodiversity Awareness Trail?

The Carolinian Canada Coalition will jump-start and organize the project, always with a view toward growing community "ownership" to make the project effective over the long term. CCC has demonstrated experience playing the role of an enabling organization for citizen buy-in and engagement. We will work with partners such as the Town of Kingsville and Essex Region Conservation Authority to recruit businesses, service clubs, school groups and others to become designated Trail Keepers. By offering a series of training workshops, we will enable Trail Keepers to develop trail features they can adopt. These groups, in turn, will be able to draw upon their own resources for donations and volunteers who can inform and inspire Habitat Actions. The resulting supporters the trail will attract will help maintain it for years to come.

How can I learn more or become involved in developing a Biodiversity Awareness Trail?

For more information about opportunities for implementing a Biodiversity Awareness Trail in your area, or to learn more, contact Bronwen Buck: