Carolinian Canada 2014 Ecosystem Recovery Forum

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Carolinian Canada hosted the 2014 Ecosystem Recovery Forum on Wednesday, October 29 at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington. This annual event brought together conservation practitioners, policy makers, students, researchers and volunteers from across Canada's "deep south" to share their achievements and learn from each other in a spirit of collaboration and common cause.

This year’s forum was a great success and a full house enjoyed informative and exciting lectures from our keynote speakers Dr. Dawn Bazely of York University and Dr. Brendon Larson of the University of Waterloo. Some of the exciting topics that were covered included invasive species, natural heritage systems, tracking and monitoring, planning and updates from Carolinian Canada partners. Jeff Yurek, MPP for Elgin-Middlesex-London, provided a welcome address to participants.

The Forum celebrated the 30th anniversary of Carolinian Canada as an organization, as well as the 15th anniversary of our Big Picture vision. The Big Picture is about restoring a green, healthy, functioning ecosystem of natural cores and corridors across one of Canada's most biologically diverse and threatened landscapes.

This year Carolinian Canada will celebrate the great conservation successes in the ecoregion as well as examine challenges we face. We will examine the tools we have at hand to monitor ecological change. And we will look forward, asking what must we do to achieve the Big Picture vision in coming years?

Thanks to the support of Environment Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and a host of other partners for supporting our programs to "Green the Future of Canada’s Deep South".

Dee Crilly, Network Coordinator

Save. Steward. Seed
Click here to join, or renew your membership with the Coalition.
Your support helps save species, steward ecosystems and seed habitats in the Carolinian Life Zone. Together we are a strong community.
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30/30 Celebration

Tree Planting at Dreamland
November 8, Dorchester
Dorchester Mill Pond Committee
Click Here to Learn More
Join the Dorchester Mill Pond Committee on November 8, 2014 at 10:00 for a tree planting event. Everything you need for the planting (trees, shovels, buckets, wood chips) will be provided along with some fresh apple cider. Please bring gloves!
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Feature News

Community Mapping Workshop
November 7, Stevensville
Climates Sake (formerly ACER)
please RSVP to info@greeningniagara.ca
climatesake.ca
Join Climates Sake for their 2nd Community Mapping Workshop at the Fort Erie Conservation Club - 255 Ott. Rd. Stevensville, ON, L0S 1S0. They will share progress being made in the community, locate and describe natural areas in need of protection, and discuss ways you can contribute! Learn how to use scaled, local maps to identify ecological areas of concern that are vulnerable to climate change impacts. Discuss plans to mitigate these impacts and share your ideas and concerns. Coffee and Registration at 9:30am, Workshop 10am-3pm
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Help Assess the Need for Project Management Training for Conservationists
COMPLETE THIS GLOBAL SURVEY
by November 12, Online
WildTeam
Click Here to Take the Survey
WildTeam (wild-team.org) is assessing the need for project management training for conservationists. You can help by filling out this 15-minute confidential survey by November 12th.
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HIEA CAP Meetings - Dates and Presentations
November 11, Hamilton
Hamilton Industrial Environmental Association
Click Here to Learn More
The Community Advisory Panel (CAP) was developed to provide an open forum where community and local association representatives can discuss environmental concerns with member company representatives. Expect presentations from both industry and environmental members, and look forward to potential tours of member companies. 2014 meetings have been scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday February 11, May 13, August 12 and November 11, 2014, in the ArcelorMittal Dofasco main office at 1300 Burlington Street East.
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Plight of the Pollinators
November 24, London
London Pollinators
Open Facebook Event
Pollinators face many challenges in our urban and agricultural-dominated landscapes including habitat loss, loss of food sources, disease and pesticides, with many of these factors acting in concert. Recent studies have shown that several pollinator populations including those of wild and honey bees have drastically declined. The City of London has been very supportive of pollinators but more can be done. World renowned bee expert, Dr. Laurence Packer, will share with us his insights on wild bees and will be joined by an expert panel to discuss conservation and restoration strategies in the city.
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Land Stewardship and Habitat Restoration Program Grants
by December 7, 2014, Ontario
Onatio Ministry of Natural Resources
Click Here to Learn More
Applications are now being accepted by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry for the Land Stewardship and Habitat Restoration Program (LSHRP) for projects to be undertaken in 2015-2016. Applications must be received by Midnight (EST) on Sunday December 7, 2014.
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Opportunities for Comment

Ontario Nature: Endangered Species Act Hearing Date Set
Hearing January 14-15, Ontario
Ontario Nature
contact Anne Bell at anneb@ontarionature.org
The date for Ontario Nature's hearing regarding the Endangered Species Act has been set for January 14-15, 2015. It will be 1 1/2 days in front of three judges (to be determined) in the divisional court. If you would like any further information on this you can contact Anne Bell at anneb@ontarionature.org or 416-444-8419 ext. 239
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Hemlock woolly adelgid – consultation on policy updates
Comment by January 9, Canada
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Click Here to Read the Draft
Click Here for Consultation Information
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is seeking feedback on updates to the policy directive D-07-05: Phytosanitary requirements to prevent the introduction and spread of the hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae Annand) from the United States and within Canada.
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Big Picture Talks

Figure 1. A beautiful gravid female Massasauga, from the Ojibway population in the Windsor/LaSalle region, basking at her gestation site in 2013.

Notes from the Field: The Ojibway Massasauga Recovery Project

On behalf of Wildlife Preservation Canada,
Jonathan Choquette, Project Coordinator

Monitoring surveys are ongoing in Windsor and LaSalle Ontario targeting one of the last populations of Eastern Massasaugas in Canada's Carolinian zone (the Ojibway Prairie population). Between late April and late August 2014 we conducted standardized detection surveys to better estimate detection probability and occupancy of this endangered and declining population. We are monitoring a total of 14 two-hectare sites within the historical range of the species. Sites were chosen based on the predominance of suitable open habitat.

At the end of the field season, Butler’s Gartersnakes and Eastern Foxsnakes (the two other Species at Risk snakes in the study area) were detected at 7 and 8 sites, respectively, whereas Eastern Massasaugas were only detected at three sites. These are the same three sites where the species was detected in 2013, all of which are in close proximity to each other. The total area occupied by this population is estimated at 35 ha (includes the three occupied study sites and the intervening natural area). Unfortunately, no gravid (i.e., pregnant) females were found this year, in comparison to three last year.

Click Here to Read the Full Article

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Members Notice Board

Announcements

Grand River Tree Orders for Spring
October - March, Grand River Watershed
Grand River Conservation Authority
Click Here to Learn More
Planning on planting this spring? If you live in the Grand River region, you can order your trees from the GRCA online. You can plant yourself, or arrange for GRCA to do it for you.
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Book a Rain Barrel Sale
October, Ontario
rainbarrel.ca
Click Here to Learn More
Organizations looking to setup a rain barrel fundraising sale this spring can sign up now.
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Nature in Education Lottery
October, Essex Region
Essex Region Conservation Authority and Essex Region Conservation Foundation
Click Here to Learn More
The nature in education lottery enables classrooms in the Essex region to connect with nature and experience great outdoor education programs. The Lottery is open to all grades 2-5 classrooms deemed eligible by their respective boards. Applicants must complete an environmental project in their school, and then they will receive a ballot for funding.
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Latornell Looking for Silent Auction Donations
November, Alliston
Latornell Conservation Symposium
Click Here to Learn More
Latornell 2014 is only a few weeks away, and the symposium is still looking for donations for their silent auction. If you have an item you would like to donate, contact Shelly McKay (smckay@forestsontario.ca) or Shelly McPherson (shelley.macpherson@rvca.ca)
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Submit a Nomination for the ERCA Conservation Awards
By December 5, Essex Region
Essex Region Conservation Authority
Click Here to Learn More
ERCA are looking for nominations in the categories of Youth, Education, Volunteer, and Environmental Achievement. Do you know a conservation conservationist?
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Canadian Bird Research and Conservation Project Funding Available
Due December 15, Canada
Bird Studies Canada
Click Here to Learn More
Bird Studies Canada is accepting applications to the James L. Baillie Memorial Fund for Bird Research and Preservation. A portion of funds raised through the annual Baillie Birdathon are allocated to the fund to provide grants to individuals or groups for projects that further BSC’s mission.
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1 Million Hawks and Counting!
October, North America
Migration Association of North America
Click Here to Read the Press Release
This year saw Hawk Migration Association of North America's first annual International Hawk Migration Week, where more than 1.2 million migrating raptors from 28 different species were counted. Counting took place at 100 sites throughout North America
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Watershed Champions Award
by April 17, 2015, Canada
Evergreen
Click Here to Learn More
Evergreen is offering eight awards of $2,500 and one grand prize award of $3,500 to publicly funded classes (Grades K–12) across Canada—just for learning about water! All you have to do is learn about water, take action to care for your watershed, and then tell Evergreen all about it.
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28th Project Feeder Watch Begins
November 8, North America
Bird Studies Canada
Click Here to Learn More
Join thousands of volunteers across North America, and turn your bird feeding hobby into research for bird conservation. Your counts will help scientists monitor changes in winter feeder-bird populations. You choose how much time you want to spend. New participants receive a kit with a handbook, a bird identification poster, a calendar, and an instruction booklet. Results are published in BirdWatch Canada and Winter Bird Highlights.
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Events

Latornell Symposium Registration Open
November 18-20, Alliston
Latornell Conservation Symposium
Click Here to Learn More
Online registration for the symposium is open. This year's theme is Growth and Transformation. The symposium will be held at the Nottawasaga Inn Resort and Conservation Centre.
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Lambton Wildlife - Indoor and Outdoor Fall Program
October - November, Lambton County
Lambton Wildlife Incorporated
Click Here to Learn More
Lambton wildlife has an exciting program planned for the fall: Learn about Important Bird Areas Program with Mike Burrell, and Our Place in the Universe with Richard Weatherston. Don't miss great outdoor activities including: a visit to the Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation, and Tree Identification at Canatara Park
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Are We Planning to Make Sarnia a Great City?
November 12, Sarnia
Green Drinks Sarnia
Click Here to Learn More
November's topic: Are We Planning to Make Sarnia a Great City? with Jane Cooper, Director of Planning and Building, City of Sarnia
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Waterfront Enhancement Strategy Workshop
November 15, Essex Region
Essex Region Conservation Foundation
Click Here to Learn More
The Essex Region Conservation Foundation is calling all runners, walkers, and Santa enthusiasts to don a Santa suit and running shoes on November 15th, 2014 to race along a five kilometre route for the annual Super Santa Run.
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Greenway Projects Webinar
November 26, Online
Ontario Nature
contact sarahh@ontarionature.org for more information
You're invited to join Ontario Nature for a Greenway Program webinar on November 26. This hour-long session will focus on two new projects within the Greenway Program, the Best Practices Guide to Natural Heritage Systems Planning and Biodiversity Offsetting. Josh Wise, Greenway Program Coordinator, and Sarah Hedges, Conservation Education Coordinator, will host the webinar. For more information on how you can participate, contact Sarah at sarahh@ontarionature.org
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Urban Forest Forum
November 9, Toronto
Ontario Urban Forest Council
Click Here to Learn More
Participation is limited so please book early! November 9th join Ontario Urban Forest Council for the Urban Forest Forum and Dovercourt Park Tree Tour in Toronto.
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Celebrate 10 Years Protecting Ontario's Farmlands
November 20, Milton
Ontario Farmland Trust
Click Here to Learn More
Enjoy local food, a silent auction, music by Norman Liota, the opportunity to connect with friends of farmland from across the province, and entertainment by humorist and award-winning playwright Dan Needles on: "Land, Community and Lost Sheep". All proceeds support OFT's Farmland Forever campaign to expand the protection of Ontario farmland through direct land securement, policy, research and education.
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Homestead’s Harvest Moon – A Lark in the Dark
November 8,
Essex Region Conservation Authority
Click Here to Learn More
An unforgettable autumn evening family program is planned. Get hands-on in the harvest as you make your own traditional craft, help to press the fresh apple cider, dry apples by the hearth and explore the 1842 farm house by candlelight. Also, guests can enjoy star gazing and learning about the night sky and the seasonal Harvest Moon.
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Nature in the City 2015
January - February,
Nature London and London Public Library
Click Here to Learn More
Mark your calendars now for next winter’s Nature in the City lecture series at London Public Library’s Central Library on six consecutive Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m.
January 13th Urban deer: co-existing with Bambi - Kyle Stanley
January 20th Monarchs in peril: why are they disappearing? - Bruce Parker
January 27th Restoring nature: a helping hand for beleaguered ecosystems - Mhairi McFarlane
February 3rd Winterized insects: lessons in coping with the cold - Brent Sinclair
February 10th Celebration of bats: the current news - Brock Fenton
February 17th Medway Valley Heritage Forest: a special Environmentally Significant Area - Greg Thorn
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30/30 Celebration
Here

Tree Planting at Dreamland

Feature News
Here

Community Mapping Workshop

Help Assess the Need for Project Management Training for Conservationists

HIEA CAP Meetings - Dates and Presentations

Plight of the Pollinators

Land Stewardship and Habitat Restoration Program Grants

Opportunities for Comment
Here

Ontario Nature: Endangered Species Act Hearing Date Set

Hemlock woolly adelgid – consultation on policy updates

Big Picture Talks

Notes from the Field: The Ojibway Massasauga Recovery Project

Member Announcements
Here

Grand River Tree Orders for Spring

Book a Rain Barrel Sale

Nature in Education Lottery

Latornell Looking for Silent Auction Donations

Submit a Nomination for the ERCA Conservation Awards

Canadian Bird Research and Conservation Project Funding Available

1 Million Hawks and Counting!

Watershed Champions Award

28th Project Feeder Watch Begins

Member Events
Here

Latornell Symposium Registration Open

Lambton Wildlife - Indoor and Outdoor Fall Program

Are We Planning to Make Sarnia a Great City?

Waterfront Enhancement Strategy Workshop

Greenway Projects Webinar

Urban Forest Forum

Celebrate 10 Years Protecting Ontario's Farmlands

Homestead’s Harvest Moon – A Lark in the Dark

Nature in the City 2015

Why is Carolinian Canada Coalition Unique? Click here to find out. The Carolinian Canada Coalition connects people who care about nature in southwestern Ontario. Together our members give strong voice to a green future and a healthy landscape. Visit this link to support our work.

Carolinian Canada Coalition News Network: Connecting Our Community

Reach people across southwestern Ontario. If your event or announcement promotes the protection and restoration of our natural heritage in Carolinian Canada, we'd love to hear about it.

Read more about the Coalition and our board here

Don Pearson (Chair)
Ron Wu-Winter (Vice-Chair)
Gordon Nelson (Past-Chair)
Mark Helm (Secretary)
Chris Turner (Treasurer)
Dawn Bazely
Kristen Bernard
Caroline Biribauer
Tara Borwick
Brian Craig
Mary Elder
Carla Grant
Audrey Heagy
Alistair MacKenzie
John Urquhart
Owen Williams
Jim Oliver

Help Us Grow Carolinian Canada

Feel free to forward this Eco-News to help 'grow' our community of people who care about the unique nature of Carolinian Canada. To receive Carolinian Canada Eco-News, click here. There is no obligation and we will not share your e-mail with anyone else. We are a registered charity.

Thank you to our generous partners, sponsors and contributors who support Carolinian Canada Eco-News and other vital programs to green the future of southwestern Ontario.

Our Vision is to protect and restore the unique nature of southwestern Ontario's Carolinian Life Zone through effective collaboration and researched understanding for healthy, balanced and sustainable landscapes.
Yours in Conservation,

Michelle Kanter

Carolinian Canada Coalition brings together diverse groups and individuals to advance a collaborative conservation strategy for healthy ecosystems and thriving communities in the Carolinian Life Zone. Stretching from Toronto to Windsor, Canada’s Deep South is among North America’s most vibrant and fragile ecoregions.

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This email has been sent on behalf of the Carolinian Canada Coalition Staff and Board
Learn more about Carolinian Canada’s Staff: caroliniancanada.ca/staff
Learn more about Carolinian Canada’s Board: caroliniancanada.ca/board-directors

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Carolinian Canada Coalition