June 2015
London Loves Go Wild Grow Wild!
 
Become a Member or Donate Today!
On April 18, hundreds of people from the London region and beyond gathered at the Western Fair Agriplex for Carolinian Canada's first ever Go Wild Grow Wild Expo. Some even came from as far as Windsor! All came for the promise of an outdoor expo like no other, bringing native plant nurseries, conservation authorities, and educational groups together with ecotourism companies, outdoor activity equipment vendors, and local food producers. If you love the outdoors, then there is something at Go Wild Grow Wild for you!
The fantastic response we have gotten from both expo attendees and exhibitors has confirmed for us just how important this event is for the region, and we hope that the Go Wild Grow Wild expo can return annually.
We Need Your Help! Spread the word about the Go Wild Grow Wild Expo by liking and sharing our Facebook Page with your friends and family.
Share Go Wild Grow Wild on Facebook
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".
Carolinian Canada Mayor's Featured Community Organization
Tuesday, June 30, 2015, London,
City of London
Carolinian Canada Coalition has been selected to be recognized by the Mayor at the City Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 30, 2015 as part of the Featured Community Organization program. This program is coordinated by Pillar Nonprofit Network on behalf of the Mayor’s office through a volunteer selection committee. Recognition consists of a mounted certificate presented by Mayor Brown at a Council meeting to representatives of the community organization. The program has been in place since 2002 and recognizes the important contributions of nonprofit organizations and their volunteer members to the community.
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Carolinian Canada Conservation Awards Recipients 2015
Carolinian Canada Coalition
Click Here to Learn More
Congratulations to our 2015 Carolinian Canada Conservation Award recipients! - Al Driedger - Grant and Mary-Ann Harvey - Danika Bax - Planting Seeds of Hope - Jackie Ryan - Essex Region Conservation Authority - Delaware Nation - Weelateéxung “The Good Path” Nature Trail - Lambton Shores Nature Trails - Woodland Garden - Garden Club of London - Rob and Eleanor Ward
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Support Jarmo's Big Year for Carolinian Canada
Carolinian Canada Coalition
Click Here to Donate
In celebration of Carolinian Canada's 30th anniversary, our very own Jarmo Jalava, Director of Ecosystem Recovery, has set the goal of trying to observe 270 (3 X 3 X 30) species in municipalities that overlap with the original Carolinian Canada boundaries. As of May 12, Jarmo has already reached 234 species, or 87% of his goal, with more than half the year to go - but it gets harder and harder to add species from here on in. Jarmo still has a ways to go to reach his fundraising goal, but you can help! Consider matching Jarmo's pledge of $1 per species, or give whatever you can and help Carolinian Canada celebrate over 30 years in conservation. You can do it, Jarmo!
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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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Feature News
Rooted in Nature Outdoor Family Festival
Saturday, August 15, 2015, Port Rowan,
Nature's Calling
Click to learn more The Rooted in Nature Outdoor Family Festival is the first nature festival in Ontario geared entirely towards families. The goal is to immerse families from across the province in a fun and educational weekend of all things nature, including Nature hikes, pond dipping, earth-caching, yoga, learn to fish, nature theatre (á la Spirit Walk), puppet shows, wildlife shows (i.e. raptor, reptile), arts and crafts, activity/learning stations in the woods; pioneer life, face painting, stilt walkers, displays, live butterfly enclosure, costume parade, musicians, food concessions, star gazing, storytellers and music around evening bonfires. The Festival takes place at Backus Heritage Conservation Area, 1267 2nd Concession Rd. Port Rowan, ON.
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Supporting the Expansion of Ontario Trails
Government of Ontario
Background Information
Ontario will introduce new legislation today to protect and improve thousands of kilometres of the province's urban, suburban, rural and remote land and water trails network while encouraging its expansion. If passed, the Supporting Ontario's Trails Act would: Provide the trails community with enhanced tools to effectively develop, operate and promote trails, remove barriers to help connect and expand trails across the province, Increase trail awareness and promote local tourism by enabling the recognition of trails of distinction, supporting communities and jobs across Ontario, and enable the development of a classification system to help users find trails that match their interest and ability. The proposed act would also improve, sustain and encourage the expansion of trails by addressing liability, trespassing and crown land issues.
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CCC in the News
Going wild, growing wild, in London
Monday, April 6, 2015, London
London Community News
Read the Article
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Opportunities for Comment
Government Response Statements Published - Barn Swallow and Showy Goldenrod
Friday, May 15, 2015
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Click Here to Learn More
Government response statements (GRS) for two species, Barn Swallow and Showy Goldenrod – Boreal population, have been published under the Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA). Recovery strategies containing scientific advice to government about what could be done to protect and recover these species were published on August 13, 2014. The ESA requires the government to publish government response statements summarizing and prioritizing the actions it intends to take in response to the recovery strategies. These statements will provide policy direction to government and partners about what should be done to recover a species at risk. In developing these GRS, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry considered the advice from the recovery strategies and input from the public, stakeholders, and Aboriginal communities. To view the final GRS, please visit the following links.
Barn Swallow
Showy Goldenrod – Boreal population
To view the Environmental Registry decision notice, please visit www.ontario.ca/environmentalregistry and enter #012-1745 in the search.
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Have your say: Rreview of the Municipal Act
Friday, August 7, 2015
Government of Ontario
Click Here to Comment
Ontario is launching an integrated review of the Municipal Act, City of Toronto Act, and Municipal Conflict of Interest Act. Over the next two months our government will be consulting with the public, municipalities, community groups and key stakeholders to hear about what’s working, what we can continue improving and suggested solutions.
- Submit comments online at www.ontario.ca/provincialmunicipalreview
- Email comments to municipalreview@ontario.ca
The deadline for comments is August 7, 2015
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Members Notice Board
Announcements
Unveiling a New Birding Interpretive Sign
Friday, May 1, 2015, Essex County
Essex Region Conservation Authority
The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA), in partnership with the Ontario Field Ornithologists, has created a new amenity to benefit the thousands of birders who visit the Pelee-Hillman region each May. The Shorebird Identification interpretive was unveiled at the Hillman Marsh Shorebird Viewing Habitat, located at 1826 Mersea Rd. 2, Leamington on Friday, May 1. Come on down to the marsh to check the new sign out for yourself!
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Conservation Science at your Doorstep
Ontario Nature
Read the Blog
Ontario Nature has launched 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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Help Collect Vital Frog Data
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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Community HUB Project for Urban Forests
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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Greenbelt Land Use Planning Review
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Government of Ontario
Click Here to Learn More
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has released performance indicators for the Greenbelt Plan, 2005 and the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2006, to help measure the effectiveness of the plans since they were released. The performance indicators show some initial results and progress in the Growth Plan and the Greenbelt Plan. More importantly, they provide a baseline against which performance can be measured. The Greenbelt Plan indicators report includes results for the Protected Countryside, Oak Ridges Moraine and Niagara Escarpment, where data is available.
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The Healthy Hike Challenge has Begun!
Friday, May 1, 2015 to Saturday, October 31, 2015
Ontario Nature
Learn More and Register
Conservation Ontario and Ontario's 36 Conservation Authorities challenge you to spend time hiking in nearly 300 Conservation Areas and track your progress for a chance to win great prizes! Healthy Hikes will teach you about the ways our environment boosts your health and how you can energize your body and mind by Stepping into Nature.
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The Latornell Leadership Award
Friday, June 26, 2015, Aliston
Latornell Conservation Symposium
Learn How to Nominate
The Latornell Leadership Award recognizes exemplary and leading edge career or voluntary achievements in the conservation field either in a sustained record over an extended period of time, or through individual outstanding examples. Nominations due by June 26th.
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New Naturewatch Features for Citizen Scientists
Nature Watch, Toronto Zoo
Click Here to Learn More
Spring is here and with it NatureWatch and the Toronto Zoo are encouraging Canadians to get into their backyards and local parks and contribute to scientific research at the same time. NatureWatch.ca is launching an enhanced, easy-to-use, mobile-friendly website to encourage Canadian families to reconnect with nature. People can become ‘citizen scientists’ and report sightings of frogs and toads, flowering plants, receding lake ice, and even earthworms. It’s a call to the public for a nationwide effort to help track how environmental changes are affecting Canadian nature.
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Funding available for plugging abandoned wells
Grand River Conservation Authority
Click Here to Learn More
It’s hard to throw money down a hole. That’s why the Brant Rural Water Quality Program offers grants of up to $2,000 to properly plug unused water wells. Old and unused wells threaten groundwater sources by allowing pollutants such as chemicals and bacteria to travel from the surface, through the ground to the aquifer and contaminate it, putting the water supply of rural residents at risk. Identifying and decommissioning unused wells will reduce the risk of contamination to groundwater and surface water sources. Approved applicants can be reimbursed for the work done by a licensed well contractor to properly seal the unused well. More information is available at the GRCA website at www.grandriver.ca or by contacting Sue Brocklebank at 519-621-2761, ext. 2278.
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ERCA Launches Teen Ranger Program
Thursday, May 21, 2015, , Essex County
Essex Region Conservation Authority
The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) will introduce a TeenRanger program this summer for young people aged 12 – 15 to provide pre-workplace leadership skills. “Our certified education staff will guide Teen Rangers through hands-on experiences,” explains Danielle Breault Stuebing, ERCA’s Director of Community Outreach Services. “Program graduates will have an increased appreciation for the world and people around them; better team-building skills; and greater awareness of themselves and their abilities.” Cost for the four week program is just $100. Participants may be dropped off at each of the locations by parents, or, thanks to a very generous donation by Unifor Local 200, participate in school bus transportation from the Unifor Local office at 1855 Turner Road, Windsor, which is accessible by public transit.
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Funding Available to Brant Farmers for Cover Crops
Brant County
Grand River Conservation Authority
Click Here to Learn More
Farmers in the County of Brant can get paid to try out a best management practice that is growing in popularity in Ontario: planting a cover crop. The Brant Rural Water Quality Program offers an incentive of $60 per acre up to 50 acres per applicant. A cover crop will protect soil, reduce erosion and promote better soil health. Under the program, priority is given to fields adjacent to watercourses or wetlands, or to fields that are tile drained. Cover crops that are used solely for cover – not harvested or grazed – are eligible under the program. The cover crop program is new in Brant but has been in place for several years in Waterloo Region and Wellington County. The Grand River Conservation Authority administers the Brant Rural Water Quality Program in partnership with the City of Brantford and the County of Brant. More information is available at the GRCA website at www.grandriver.ca or by contacting Sue Brocklebank by email at sbrocklebank@grandriver.ca or at 519-621-2761, ext. 2278.
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Canada’s Important Bird Areas Website Goes Mobile
Important Bird Areas Canada
Click Here to Learn More
Connecting Birds and People: Canada’s Important Bird Areas Program is a science-based initiative to identify, conserve, and monitor a network of sites that provide essential habitat for Canada’s bird populations. Now You can visit the mobile version of the site any time you are out in the field.
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Petition: Help Chippewas of the Thames Appeal The Line 9 Pipeline Decision
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Chippewas of the Thames
Sign the Petition
In June, 2014, the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation launched a legal challenge to the National Energy Board's approval of Line 9, an Enbridge Oil Pipeline running through Southern Ontario and Quebec, stating that constitutional obligations for consultation and accommodation of Aboriginal rights had not been met. Enbridge has filed 'leave to open' on Line 9 which means that by mid-October or early November, 2014, Line 9 could be pumping tar sands dilbit and fracked Bakken oil throughout southern Ontario and Quebec. The Chippewas of the Thames First Nation is appealing the National Energy Board's approval of Line 9, with the first court date set for June 16! Sign the petition and learn how you can help through the link. A rally was held outside the courthouse at 11am, June 16, and you can still help by donating to the legal cost fund.
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Events
Lambton Wildlife’s Butterfly Count
Saturday, June 27, 2015, Lambton County
Lambton Wildlife
Click to Learn More
Don't miss the Annual Butterfly count on Saturday, June 27th, or Habitat Thursdays throughout July.
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White Sweet Clover Challenge
Saturday, June 27, 2015, 10:00 a.m. to Noon, Point Pelee
Point Pelee National Park
Click to Learn More
You are invited to participate in the first annual White Sweet Clover Challenge at Point Pelee National Park. White Sweet Clover is an invasive species that crowds out native sun-loving plants and animals, such as the Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus, Five-lined Skink, and Monarch Butterfly. During the challenge, teams of volunteers will hand-pull White Sweet Clover from assigned zones. Prizes will be awarded to the team that pulls the most clover by weight. Other prize-winning categories include the longest root, best team name, and best clover joke. Individuals, families, teams, and organizations are invited to register by Friday, June 26, 2015. To register or for more information, please email pelee.info@pc.gc.ca or call 519-322-5700, extension 0.
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Turkey Creek Canoe Race and Cleanup
July 27, 1pm, LaSalle
Essex Region Conservation Authority Click to learn more
The Friends of Turkey Creek (FOTC) are pleased to once again host the Turkey Creek Canoe Race and Cleanup on Saturday, June 27, 2015. This event is FREE but on-site registrations are required. Registration begins at noon, and the race starts at 1:00 pm sharp at Vince Marcotte Park in LaSalle (parking located at the corner of Monck Ave. and LaSalle St.). All are welcome – including families, high school teams and corporate teams! Donations are gratefully accepted and will go towards future stewardship efforts of the Friends of Turkey Creek. A free lunch will be available for all participants before the start of the race. In an effort to reduce the use of plastic water bottles, participants are encouraged to bring their own refillable water bottle. For more information, please contact Caroline Biribauer, Outreach Coordinator, at 519-776-5209, ext. 245, cbiribauer@erca.org
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You can Help Protect Pollinator Habitat
Ontario Nature
Register for a Planting Event
The Ontario Nature Youth Council launched the campaign to Protect Our Pollinators last spring and became the youth voice for pollinator conservation. So how can you help? Join Youth Council members at one of the pollinator habitat planting events they are holding with community groups across the province. The events are part of the Youth Council’s annual Our Special Spaces initiative
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The Underwater World of the Grand River
Grand River Conservation Authority
Click Here to Learn More
Learn about Damsels and Dragons at Shade's Mills, The Underwater World of the Grand River at Brant Conservation Area, and enjoy Campfires and Fireflies at Guelph Lake Conservation Area. There is lots to do this summer all along the Grand River!
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Back to the River
London
London Community Foundation, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, City of London
Click Here to Learn More
Back to the River is a an initiative for the entire community. The Thames River belongs to everyone and, so now is the time to share your thoughts! London Community Foundation, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority and the City of London are hosting a series of community consultations to collect input from citizens to help inform the Back to the River design competition.
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Ontario Farmland Trust Annual General Meeting and Farm Tour
Saturday, June 27, 2015, Guelph,
Ontario Farmland Trust
Click Here to Learn More
Take a tour of the farm OFT is working to protect and learn about the site’s ecology and farming activities, enjoy afternoon tea and fresh strawberries, meet the Ontario Farmland Trust Board of Directors, other members & supporters, and stay for the 2015 AGM. Date: June 27, 1:00-3:30 pm. Social Time, Food and Farm Tour, followed by Annual General Meeting at 2:30pm Place: 5479 Seventh Line North, Guelph-Eramosa, ON N0B 2K0 RSVP by June 19th: (519) 824-4120 x52654 or info@ontariofarmlandtrust.ca
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Weathering Change - Navigating a New Climate at Latornell 2015
Tuesday, November 17, 2015 to Thursday, November 19, 2015, Aliston,
Latornell Conservation Symposium
Click Here to Learn More
This year's lineup of Keynote speakers has been announced! There is no longer a debate about whether or not climate change is happening but rather what actions we can take to navigate the new normal. This year’s Latornell Conservation Symposium will explore the climate change impacts we are seeing in Ontario’s watersheds as well as current and emerging best management practices that are underway or can be used to build environmental, economic and social resilience.
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2015 Walk And Run for RARE
September 27, 9am, Cambridge
Rare Charitable Research Reserve
Click Here to Register
Registration is now open for the 2015 Walk & Run for rare! Come out on Sunday, September 27, 2015, for the sixth annual community fundraising event. Whether you’re looking for a corporate team building experience, a group outing or just an opportunity to get outside and have fun, it will be a great time! Register before August 1 for a special early bird rate of $10! Children 12 and under are free!
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In this Month's News
Carolinian Canada Mayor's Featured Community Organization
Carolinian Canada Conservation Awards Recipients 2015
Support Jarmo's Big Year for Carolinian Canada
Feature News
Rooted in Nature Outdoor Family Festival
Supporting the Expansion of Ontario Trails
CCC in the News
Going wild, growing wild, in London
Opportunities for Comment
Government Response Statements Published - Barn Swallow and Showy Goldenrod
Have your say: Review of the Municipal Act
Members Notice Board
Announcements
Unveiling a New Birding Interpretive Sign
Conservation Science at your Doorstep
Help Collect Vital Frog Data
Community HUB Project for Urban Forests
Greenbelt Land Use Planning Review
The Healthy Hikes Challenge Has Begun
The Latornell Leadership Award
New Naturewatch Features for Citizen Scientists
Funding available for plugging abandoned wells
ERCA Launches Teen Ranger Program
Funding Available to Brant Farmers for Cover Crops
Canada’s Important Bird Areas Website Goes Mobile
Petition: Help Chippewas of the Thames Appeal The Line 9 Pipeline Decision
Events
Lambton Wildlife’s Butterfly Count
White Sweet Clover Challenge
Turkey Creek Canoe Race and Cleanup
You can Help Protect Pollinator Habitat
The Underwater World of the Grand River
Back to the River
Ontario Farmland Trust Annual General Meeting and Farm Tour
Weathering Change - Navigating a New Climate at Latornell 2015
2015 Walk and Run for RARE
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)
Caroline Biribauer (Vice-Chair)
Mark Helm (Secretary)
Chris Turner (Treasurer)
Dawn Bazely
Kristen Bernard
Brian Craig
Paul General
Audrey Heagy
Jessica Kakevicius
Alistair MacKenzie
Owen Williams
Ron Wu-Winter
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