April
Go Wild Grow Wild is Just Around the Corner!
 
Become a Member Today!
Mark your Calendar for Go Wild Grow Wild 2015!
April 18th, 10am to 6pm, at the Agriplex Arena, Western Fair District in London!
Amazing value for $5 admission, under 12 free, free parking.
A Regional Outdoor show with a conservation twist!
Packed house of interactive exhibits and VENDORS with a focus on ADVENTURE SPORTS, ECO-TOURISM, and NATIVE PLANT GARDENING,....and so much more!
Over 25 workshops and speakers –including Lorraine Johnson, Scott Gillingwater, Robin Tapley, Garth Pottruff, Steve Martin!
Be inspired for YOUR next Adventure
PLUS amazing Kid's programming (raptors, snakes, tree identification, learn to pack a pack, cool apps!)
Learn more and follow program updates and link to our PROMOTIONAL CONTESTS at www.gowildgrowwild.ca
This Edition of the Carolinian Canada EcoNews is 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".
Go Wild Grow Wild at the
Carolinian Canada Annual General Meeting 2015
Conservation Awards & Reception
Friday, April 17, 2015
Find Out More
Agriplex, Western Fair District, London, Ontario
845 Florence Street, London ON N5W 6G6
Can't get enough of go wild or grow wild? Come out for the Carolinian Canada Coalition Annual General Meeting before you enjoy the expo. After the business meeting, enjoy the launch of the Big Picture Report Card project. How far have we come in 15 years as a community working together for a healthy ecoregion? Then, stay for the Go Wild Grow Wild Reception and Carolinian Canada Conservation Awards. Help us honour your local conservation heroes.
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EcoTrails
ECOTRAILS AND INTERPRETIVE SIGN WRITING WORKSHOPS
Early Bird Rate Ends April 15. Register Today!
May 22nd and June 3rd, 2015
Register Today
Join Carolinian Canada Staff and the Dorchester Mill Pond Stewards to tour an EcoTrail and develop interpretive writing skills through our set of hands-on workshops. Spaces are limited.
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Grow Wild!
DON’T LET YOUR PET BE A THREAT
Keep aquatic pets out of our waterways
Find Out More
You may believe that by releasing your pet turtle you are giving it a new lease on life. But think twice before you let your pet go – your actions could harm native species. St. Clair Region Conservation Staff are promoting this message in partnership with Carolinian Canada. It is linked to a two year aquatic inventory funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Show your support for healthy habitats by taking the online pledge.
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Ecosystem Recovery Webinars
THE BIG PICTURE REPORT CARD
Tuesday, May 5, Noon, 2015
Register Today
Get involved in tracking the progress of the Big Picture collaborative conservation strategy
Presented by Jarmo Jalava
The Ecosystem Recovery Webinar series is an educational and engaging series designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of the staff and volunteers of conservation organizations.
Group Memberships get in Free! Contact webmaster@carolinian.org if you have not yet received your group's discount code
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Landowner Leaders
MEET THE NEW LEADERS
Find Out More
We would like to share the exciting news that our Landowner Leaders Program has expanded! Recently signed on as Landowner Leaders are Denise and Wayne Shephard of Lambton County, Steve and Sharon Benishek of Chatham-Kent, and Ron Casier of Elgin County. These landowners have untaken significant stewardship projects on their properties, and the knowledge and experience they can share with others is invaluable. They will serve as excellent mentors for future Landowner Leaders participants. The passion and dedication these individuals have for ecosystem health is commendable!
Join Denise Shephard and the Benisheks as well as Landowner Leader David Ainslie at our Go Wild Grow Wild event on April 18th at Western Fair District. They will all share their experiences in stewardship with you, offer advice and answer questions from the audience. Watch upcoming EcoNews editions for more information.
We also have an updated Landowner Leaders Program Manual for landowners interested in participating in our program. The manual is available for download on the Landowner Leaders page of our website.
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Grow Wild High School Boot Camps
Funded again this year by TD Friends of the Environment!
Read the Full Release Online
Carolinian Canada Coalition will continue to deliver Grow Wild High School Boot Camps to four other schools across the Lambton/Chatham-Kent and Windsor-Essex region this spring! Interested schools in the area should contact Lauren Selby at education@carolinian.org or 519-994-4326. The program will continue to target youth to teach and inspire action towards species at risk recovery in Ontario in its expanded two workshop format. Recently, students at North Lambton Secondary School in Forest, Ontario participated in the first part of the program.
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Ecosystem Recovery Webinars
LEADING THE WAY AS A LANDOWNER
Now Available on YouTube!
Watch the Recording
For landowners and habitat partners interested in finding out more about Carolinian Canada's Landowner Leader Program. Presented by Kelly Johnson
Access more information on the Landowner Leaders and how you can get involved
The Ecosystem Recovery Webinar series is an educational and engaging series designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of the staff and volunteers of conservation organizations.
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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
Join Us For These Great 30/30 Events
Carolinian Canada 2015 Annual General Meeting
– April 17, 2015 - Western Fair Agriplex, London, ON Learn More
Go Wild Grow WIld Expo!
– April 18, 2015 10:00 - 6:00 - Western Fair Agriplex, London, ON Learn More
Feature News
Earth Day Every Day Get ready for #EarthDay2015!
April 22, Canada
Earth Day Canada
Click Here to Learn More
How do you plan to celebrate Earth Day? On April 22nd, Earth Day Canada encourages you to ‘clean your commute’ – to work, to school, to shop, to play or to your Earth Day event! Your commute represents the first green act of Earth Day Canada’s new “Earth Day Every Day" campaign, an on-line mobile friendly platform that encourages participants to choose green actions, post and share to win prizes. Sign up now to participate in the “Earth Day Every Day” campaign!
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Carolinian Canada at the Ontario Woodlot Association Annual General Meeting
March, Ontario
Carolinian Canada
Click Here to Learn More
Carolinian Canada's Jarmo Jalava introduced the Landowner Leaders program at this year's Ontario Woodlot Association annual general meeting. Learn more about the Landowner Leaders on our website! See Jarmo in action on twitter
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Opportunities for Comment
Comment on Government of Ontario Growth Plans
by May 27, Ontario
Government of Ontario
Click Here to Learn More
On February 27, the Government of Ontario launched a coordinated review of the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, the Niagara Escarpment Plan, the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and the Greenbelt Plan, as required under their respective legislation. These four provincial land use plans work together to manage growth, protect our agricultural lands and natural environment, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support economic development in Ontario's Greater Golden Horseshoe and Greenbelt. For the first round, the government wants to hear your ideas on how to make the plans stronger, work better together, and what parts of these plans you see as working well and should remain as they are.
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Guidance on Using Scientific Studies as part of an Overall Benefit Permit
April, Ontario
Government of Ontario
Read the Registry - Enter number 012-3380
Opportunity to comment on the draft policy closes April 27. The Endangered Species Act enables the Minister to issue an overall benefit permit under clause 17(2)(c) if the legislative requirements are met. One of these requirements is that the Minister is of the opinion that an overall benefit will be achieved within a reasonable time. The policy document builds on the policy principles provided in the Endangered Species Act Submission Standards for Activity Review and 17(2)(c) Overall Benefit Permits (MNR 2012). The purpose of this document is to provide additional guidance on the use of scientific studies as part of an overall benefit permit. The focus is on ensuring the proposed scientific studies are relevant, scientifically credible, the results have practical applicability and are made available to enable progress towards improved or new species protection or recovery efforts.
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CCC in the News
Carolinian Canada Landowner Leaders in the News
Read the Media Release Here
Big Picture Talks
Considerations for Natural Garden Design
by Lance Lane
I really enjoy the challenges and adventure involved when creating various gardening and design projects throughout Southern Ontario and beyond. This stimulating hobby and career combines a love of many interests that include nature, art, collecting, garden carpentry and wildlife with limitless possibilities for creativity. Here are some thoughts and ideas to consider whether you have dreams for your own property or a desire to pursue a fulfilling career in natural garden design.
Whether in gardening, the natural world, or one’s own life, variety and diversity are essential to our collective well-being. Therefore, it can be very rewarding to indulge in such an absorbing process. Garden design may involve; searching for natural and decorative features, drawing, observing nature, shaping the land or shopping for native plants and materials, while weaving all the elements together to achieve the desired variety, contrasts, harmony and balance.
It really isn’t necessary to have a complete blueprint for your project as the details or concepts for each garden area may be left open while getting a feel for your property. Take notes, make sketches, clip articles to accumulate your research and ideas. But be ready to take advantage of discoveries along the way that may lead to even better ones than you could have originally drawn up on paper. Besides, we are dealing with nature so it’s best to be prepared for change. Although I usually feel comfortable with a general idea very quickly, each area or project is a puzzle that will evolve continuously until all the elements are in place. For example, occasionally when out shopping for plants at a nursery say, just pulling my cart of plants around I have noticed interesting combinations while my selections were passing by other plants. As this example displays, the most pleasing results can never all be thought of in advance.
Click Here to Read the Full Article
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Members Notice Board
Announcements
Grand River Tree Orders for Spring
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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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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Conservation Science at your Doorstep
April, Online
Ontario Nature
Click Here to Learn More
Ontario Nature will soon launch a new blog called Conservation science at your doorstep to increase science literacy and enthusiasm across the province. This blog will give scientists the opportunity to present their hypothesis-driven research and the application and impact of their work. All research presented will be based in Ontario. Writers are already lined-up for the next 12 months, writing blogs that fall under one or more of these four themes: invasive species, habitat loss and fragmentation, conservation genetics and climate change. Release your inner #science geek!
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Land Stewardship Centre Launches Online Store
January, Online
Ontario Environmental Network
Click Here to Learn More
Launched late last week, this new online store offers instant access to an assortment of Land Stewardship Centre resources, publications and merchandise.
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Bring water to life in your classroom!
by April 17, Canada
Royal Bank of Canada - Evergreen
Click Here to Learn More
Engage your class in learning about your local watershed: Learn how you can apply for a watershed champions award for your classroom.
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Community HUB Project for Urban Forests
March, Ontario
The Ontario Urban Forest Council
Click Here to Learn More
The Ontario Urban Forest Council is pleased to announce a collaborative project with students from Fleming College, Environmental Management Program, focused on gathering information on Urban Forest issues through contact with Community Groups, Municipalities, Regions, and Counties in Ontario. This a project where they are seeking to contact Community Groups, such as Naturalists, Horticultural Societies, Ratepayers groups to name a few, who have an interest in tree issues. Further to this, they are also contacting Municipalities and other levels of Government to gather data on any existing Bylaws related to trees; Parks, Street, Private, Forest Conservation and any Heritage Conservation Districts/Bylaws in the municipality. The gathered information will be posted to a mapping system, allowing for easy web access to Community Group information and contacts as well as the state of Urban Forestry Bylaws in Ontario.
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Nominate a Watershed Hero
by May 1, Grand River Watershed Region
Grand River Conservation Authority
Learn More and Nominate a Hero
Do you know a watershed hero? They're the individuals, families, groups and businesses that put their time and energy into improving the Grand River watershed. Many do it without recognition, satisfied with the legacy they leave for future generations. The Grand River Conservation Authority thinks they deserve to be acknowledged, so is looking for nominations for its annual Watershed Awards. Nominations can come from anyone in the watershed.
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The Case for Protecting Pollinator Habitat
March, Online
Ontario Nature
Click Here to Learn More
The Ontario Nature Youth Council launched the campaign to Protect Our Pollinators last spring and became the youth voice for pollinator conservation. Recently, the Youth Council created a video about protecting pollinators. In this video you will see Mariel do an amazing job as she visits farmers in Norfolk County involved in the ALUS program. Farmers are leaders and essential partners in the important work of pollinator conservation.
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We Are Cities
March, Online
Evergreen
Click Here to Learn More
80% of Canadians live in urban areas, so whether you live downtown, in a suburb or in a rural area nearby, we all benefit when our cities work. We Are Cities is a new campaign to engage Canadians across the country to shape an action plan for building livable cities-exciting and healthy places to live, work and play. Visit wearecities.ca to submit an idea or host a roundtable, and help shape our urban future.
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Help Collect Vital Frog Data
April, Ontario
Ontario Nature
Click Here to Learn More
The sounds of summer are coming! Are you ready for more citizen science? Join Backyard Frog Surveys to monitor frog and toad species calling in your neighbourhood this year. Biologists will use the vital long-term monitoring data from Backyard Frog Surveys to map species distributions and population trends in the Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas. If you can commit to repeated surveying this year, please email atlas@ontarionature.org to ask for your Backyard Frog Survey materials. Calls start in April, so hop to it and sign up today!
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The Great Canadian Birdathon
Now, Canada
Bird Studies Canada
Click Here to Learn More
This spring, the time you spend birding can help the birds. Participating is easy: simply register, ask your friends and family to support your effort, choose any day in May and go birding. The funds you raise support bird conservation across Canada
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Events
Youth: Apply now for Young Ornithologist's Workshop!
due April 30, Long Point
Long Point Bird Observatory
Click Here to Learn More
The Doug Tarry Young Ornithologists' Workshop occurs annually each summer at Long Point Bird Observatory (LPBO). The goal of the Doug Tarry Bird Study Award is to foster the interests and development of ornithology in Canadian teenagers. Recipients of the award attend a ten day workshop/natural history camp at LPBO, located along the north shore of Lake Erie, Ontario, in the Long Point World Biosphere Reserve.
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The Huron Fringe Birding Festival
May 22 - 31, Saugeen Shores
Friends of MacGregor Point Park
Click Here to Learn More
Come out for an eight-day Birding and Nature Festival held annually on the first two weekends after the May (Victoria Day) long weekend. The "Huron Fringe" along the Lake Huron coastline offers birders, naturalists and photographers unique opportunities to discover nature in the early spring, and lends the festival its name.
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A Day on the Grand
May 23, Cambridge
Ontario Nature and RARE
Click Here to Learn More
Ontario Nature and rare Charitable Research Reserve invite you to A Day on the Grand at rare ECO Centre along the beautiful Grand River in Cambridge. This joint event is the perfect opportunity to connect with old friends and new, and have a day of fun in the outdoors. Highlights of the day include bird banding, guided nature hikes, a special presentation on sustainability and the chance to become a citizen scientist alongside local researchers.
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ReForest London: 101, Community Liaison, and Tree Captain Training
April 8, 25, London
ReForest London
Click Here to Learn More
Community Liaisons attend community events to share information, staffing a display for ReForest London, talking to individuals who pass by. At Community Liaison training learn the logistics of staffing ReForest London booths, an overview of print and online resources, more about trees, their benefits, planting, and care, as well as tips on communicating with the public. 101 training session familiarizes you with ReForest London and provides information on volunteer opportunities. You are also introduced to native trees and how to plant them. New volunteers should take this class before continuing on to other training sessions. Neighbourhood Tree Captains are people who want to see more trees planted in their own neighbourhoods. They promote tree planting and tree related events within the neighbourhood.
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The Great Canadian EcoFest
June 14, Komoka
Click Here to Learn More
Come out for the 3rd annual EcoFest in beautiful Komoka Ontario! All are welcome to join in and enjoy a day of fun, shopping and entertainment. All vendors and awareness groups support Eco-friendly products or services. Learn how to take care of our planet and all the wild species that need our help. Admission is free! Parking is free! 10am to 4pm. 133 Queen St. Komoka Ontario N0L1R0. Call Steve Gelinas for more information 519-434-6224
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35th Annual Sarnia Horticultural Society Plant Sale
May 9 - 8 am to 1 pm, Sarnia
Sarnia Horticultural Society
Click Here to Learn More
Perennials, bulbs, groundcovers, shrubs, houseplants, huge variety of gardening books, containers, pots, garden décor, etc. Healthy plants and free advice from knowledgeable gardeners. Create a new garden or expand the one you enjoy. Contact Barb Toye, 519-332-5837 for more info.
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Annual North American Native Plants Sale
May 9, 16, 17, 24, Markham, Toronto
North American Native Plant Society
Click Here to Learn More and Find the Plant List
Come out for the Annual North American Native Plant Society, now with four dates at three locations in the GTA! Plants at the sales are from NANPS-approved ethical growers. All plants are neonicotinoid-free. The North American Native Plant Society is a volunteer-based, non-profit registered charitable organization dedicated to the study, conservation, cultivation and restoration of native plants.
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Headwater Hikes
April - May, Greenbelt Region
The Ontario Headwaters Institute
Click Here to Learn More
The OHI is pleased to announce Headwater Hikes - a series of ten hikes in the headwaters of the Greenbelt. Developed in partnership with the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation and 19 regional organizations, Headwater Hikes encourages people to get some fresh air of fresh water, explore ten headwater areas in the Greenbelt, and to consider becoming engaged in the 2015 review of the Greenbelt.
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Celebration on the Thames and Workdays
April - May, London
Thames Talbot Land Trust
Click Here to Sign Up for the Fundraiser
Come out and Celebrate on the Thames with Thames Talbot Land Trust. Carol and Rick Richardson will be honored for their donation of TTLT's first property, Meadowlily Nature Preserve, in 2002. Wine, beer and hors d'oeuvres will be served, and there will be a silent and live auction. Also, come out and help at three upcoming workdays: Read the Workday Flyer Online
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Spring Events Along the Grand
Spring, Grand River Watershed Region
Grand River Conservation Authority
Click Here to Learn More
Check out some fantastic programming all along the Grand River this season, including: New Forest in the City Tree Planting in Brantford, Protecting and Managing the Grand talk in Kitchener, Brant County Tree Planting in Paris, Rotary Forest/Earth Week Tree Planting in Guelph, and so much more. Check out GRCA's website for even more events!
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Get Active With Essex Region Spring Events
Spring, Windsor and Essex Region
Essex Region Conservation Authority
Click Here to Learn More
As the weather warms and days grow longer, people from across Windsor-Essex will be emerging from their winter hibernation itching to get active in the great outdoors. Join the Friends of Cedar, Mill, and Wigle Creeks for the Cedar Creek Canoe Excursion, come out for the second annual South Coast Adventure Race (SCAR), the Essex Region Conservation Foundation Golf Tournament, and so much more!
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Clearing the Air
May 4-5, Toronto
The Asthma Society of Canada
Click Here to Learn More
The Asthma Society of Canada is holding its Second Annual Conference, May 4th and 5th in Toronto. The conference brings together leaders from government, industry, academia, and the not-for-profit sectors to examine asthma and respiratory allergies in a time of climate change and issue a call-to-action for decision makers. Clearing the Air is an opportunity to demonstrate that health and the environment are inextricably linked. Asthma and allergies, including both the social and economic impacts of climate change on respiratory health demand more attention from policy makers and the public.
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Lambton Wildlife Icorporated Annual General Meeting
April - May, Lambton County
Lambton Wildlife Incorporated
Click Here to Learn More
Come out for the LWI annual general meeting with guest speaker Tom Chatterton on Iceland's Natural Wonders. Also, don't miss the LWI properties tour, April 25th, the annual Native Plant Sale, May 2nd, or camping on Pelee Island, May 7th - 10th.
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Upper Thames Earth Day Celebration
April 26, London
Upper Thames River Conservation Authority
View the Flyer (pdf)
The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority is holding its 22nd annual Earth Day celebration at the Watson Street Park. We are inviting environmental groups from London to join us and help make this year's Earth Day celebration the biggest one yet! Enjoy tree planting, a Scout food booth, children's bird box building, face painting, and more! If you have any displays or activities that would fit well with the festivities, it would be great to bring together a wide variety of the London area's environmental groups into one event. If you have any questions, or to reserve a table, please contact: Steven Spriensma, Marketing Specialist, (519) 451-2800 ext. 311
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In this Month's News
Carolinian Canada Annual General Meeting 2015
EcoTrails and Interpretive Sign Writing Workshops
Don’t Let Your Pet Be A Threat
The Big Picture Report Card
Meet the New Landowner Leaders
Grow Wild High School Boot Camps Funded
Leading the Way as a Landowner
30/30 Celebration
Here
Feature News
Here
Get ready for #EarthDay2015!
Carolinian Canada at the Ontario Woodlot Association Annual General Meeting
Opportunities for Comment
Here
Comment on Government of Ontario Growth Plans
Guidance on Using Scientific Studies as part of an Overall Benefit Permit
CCC in the News
Read the Latest Headlines
Big Picture Talks
Considerations for Natural Garden Design
Member Announcements
Here
Grand River Tree Orders for Spring
Watershed Champions Award
Conservation Science at your Doorstep
Land Stewardship Centre Launches Online Store
Bring water to life in your classroom!
Community HUB Project for Urban Forests
Nominate a Watershed Hero
The Case for Protecting Pollinator Habitat
We Are Cities
Help Collect Vital Frog Data
The Great Canadian Birdathon
Member Events
Here
Youth: Apply now for Young Ornithologist's Workshop!
The Huron Fringe Birding Festival
A Day on the Grand
ReForest London: 101, Community Liaison, and Tree Captain Training
The Great Canadian EcoFest
35th Annual Sarnia Horticultural Society Plant Sale
Annual North American Native Plants Sale
Headwater Hikes
Celebration on the Thames and Workdays
Spring Events Along the Grand
Get Active With Essex Region Spring Events
Clearing the Air
Lambton Wildlife Icorporated Annual General Meeting
Upper Thames Earth Day Celebration
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.
Carolinian Canada Coalition Board of Directors
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
Carla Grant
Audrey Heagy
Alistair MacKenzie
John Urquhart
Owen Williams
Jim Oliver
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