October - November, 2013
Tracking the Big Picture in Carolinian Canada
 
Become a Member Today!
Monitoring is an important part of conservation – it can help us measure success and respond to the unexpected. There are inherent challenges with most long-term monitoring programs. How to analyze data and maintain funding are just two examples
Our Ecosystem Recovery Forum, co-hosted with Royal Botanical Gardens, explored monitoring as a theme. While it’s easy to be pessimistic about drawbacks, I was comforted by the optimism in the room. It was exciting to hear stories from those who have been working hard to make big change happen in Carolinian Canada. 113 people attended the Forum, and speakers and attendees alike were proud of the sheer amount of work that has been accomplished in the last 50 years.
I am particularly excited by the evolution of citizen science. These volunteer based programs are a great way to gather vast amounts of data and engage new people. In coming years, I expect we will hear more and more about how these initiatives contribute to science.
Are you engaged in a monitoring program or considering signing up? If so, let us know (there are prizes to be won). Fill out our Grow Wild! habitat action form and tell us about it. Not only are you helping us reach our goal of 1000 pledges and stories, but you will help us understand your interests.
To help us further understand your interests, take a moment to let us know what next year’s theme should be. Fill out our Forum evaluation form by clicking here. We want to be sure we are addressing your needs as we move forward
Thanks to the support of Ontario Trillium Foundation, Parks Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment Canada and a host of other partners for supporting our programs to "Green the Future of southwestern Ontario".
Jen van Overbeeke, Carolinian Canada Coalition’s Metcalf Foundation Intern
Grow Wild! Pledge a Habitat Action
SUBMIT A PLEDGE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN
Watch our Facebook Page for Updates
Over the last three years, you’ve told us you would garden with native plants, get outside more, leave snakes alone and contribute to citizen science. With each new pledge submission, you are eligible for a weekly prize. You could win a hat, t-shirt, mug, nature guide or stocking stuffer
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THIS WEEK’S THEME: CELEBRATE CITIZEN SCIENCE
Click Here to Tell Us Your Citizen Science Story
Or Click Here to Tell Us Your Habitat Action on Facebook
Are you participating in a citizen science program or volunteering for a conservation cause? If not now, are you planning to? Tell us your interests using the online links for a chance to win.
This week’s prize: you choose from a Bird Studies Canada hat, t-shirt or guide
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Grow Wild! Get Started with this program
PROJECT FEEDERWATCH SEASON LAUNCH
Register at http://feederwatch.org/
Then, click here to tell us about it!
Want to be a citizen scientist but think it’s too cold? Think again!
We often think of winter as a time when nature sleeps. Project FeederWatch volunteers can tell you differently. November marks the launch of the winter-long survey of bird-feeder action. There’s still time to sign up, and new volunteers are always welcome. You will help paint a picture of winter bird distribution and abundance. Thanks to Bird Studies Canada for this week’s prize
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Grow Wild! Species at Risk Bootcamp
OPPORTUNITY FOR SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTAL CLUBS
Click Here to Learn More
Teachers and students: Do you want to involve your environmental club in local issues? Are you interested in leading change within the school or beyond? Carolinian Canada is developing a one-day workshop to inspire you to take actions that will benefit species at risk. Workshops include discussion, hands-on activities and materials. Let us help you promote the messages about stewardship you care about. We are booking dates for Jan-April 2014 now!
Contact woodland@carolinian.org for more information.
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Grow Wild! High School Outreach
HELP US GROW OUR SCHOOL CONTACT LIST
If you, or your group, works closely with a high school environmental club or leadership program, let us know who. We are seeking to grow our school contact database so we can bring programs, like our Grow Wild! Bootcamp to youth in your neck of the woods.
Contact woodland@carolinian.org to point out a school in your area.
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Ecosystem Recovery Forum 2013
PRESENTATIONS AVAILABLE ONLINE
carolinian.org
Forum 2013 was a huge success, drawing over 100 attendees from accross the zone! You download some of the exciting presentations online.
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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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Members Notice Board
Announcements
SCAR: South Coast Adventure Race
July, Grand River Region
Grand River Conservation Authority
Click Here to Learn More
The SCAR: South Coast Adventure Race is a multi-sport adventure race that takes place in several municipalities in the Windsor-Essex region, including Amherstburg, Essex and Kingsville, Ontario. You will be challenged and amazed at your mental and physical toughness.
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300,000 Native Trees Available for Order
October, Grand River Region
Grand River Conservation Authority
Click Here to Learn More
The GRCA has an inventory of 300,000 native trees available to watershed landowners with a property that is greater than one hectare (2.5 acres) exclusive of buildings, within the Grand River watershed. The GRCA has over 30 native species available for next spring.
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Count Feeder Birds for Science!
November - April, Canada
Bird Studies Canada
Click Here to Learn More
Project FeederWatch is a Citizen Science Program where participants can share their stories about the birds that visit their feeders. This helps reveal important patterns on bird numbers and distribution. Join in today from November to April with brand new web tools!
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Christmas Bird Count Fast Approaching
December 14 - January 5, Canada
Bird Studies Canada
Click Here to Learn More
Be part of one of the most important sources of information on bird population trends! Over 13,000 participated last year. Participation fees are no longer required, although donations are still very much needed.
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Fundraising Opportunity: Raise $3,000+
November, North America
Rainbarrel.ca
Click Here to Learn More
Rainbarrel.ca is seeking partnerships for spring 2014 with non-profit organizations throughout Canada and the United States.
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School Ground Greening Grants
3 Due Dates: November 29, February 28, May 2, Your Community
Toyota and Evergreen
Click Here to Learn More
Toyota Evergreen Learning Grounds helps schools create outdoor classrooms to provide students with a healthy place to play, learn and develop a genuine respect for nature, up to $3,500 for schools and up to $2,000 for daycares
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ALUS New Website
October, Online
Alternative Land Use Services
Click Here to Learn More
Alternative Land Use Services has launched their new website. Learn more about this innovative community-developed, farmer-delivered stewardship program. ALUS is leading cultural change in Canada by raising awareness about the important role farmers can play in building a healthy, sustainable environment for wildlife and people.
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Excellence in Water Stewardship Award Nominations
Nominate by January 15, Ontario
Government of Ontario
Click Here to Learn More
The Premier of Ontario is inviting nominations for the 2014 Council of the Federation Excellence in Water Stewardship Award. Eligible organization's activities or projects align with the COF Water Charter. Recognize water stewardship in your area!
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Events
Events on the Grand
December - January, Grand River Region
Grand River Conservation Authority
Click Here to Learn More
As usual, there is lots to do along the Grand River. Enjoy Christmas for the Animals at Guelph Lake Nature Centre, Winter Adventure Days and more!
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Christmas Tree Decorating Party
December, Niagara
Heartland Forest
Click Here to Learn More
Kids will love the Christmas Tree Decorating Party, or the Children's Gift Making Workshop. There is always something happening in Heartland Forest!
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Green Drinks Sarnia: Beyond the Valley
December 11, Sarnia
Bluewater Sustainability
Click Here to Learn More
Come on out to Ups N' Downs and join the discussion with special guest George Mallay, Sarnia Lambton Economic Partnership. Could industry in Sarnia-Lambton be headed for greener pastures?
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Appreciating the Dark at the Homestead
December 17, Essex Region
Essex Region Conservation Authority
Click Here to Register Today
Get outside and explore the natural world at the John R Park Homestead Conservation Area with the Candlelight Christmas. Enjoy ornament crafting, bake on the hearth, and take a candlelit tour through the house and farmstead.
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The Sydenham River Conservation Action Plan
December - January, Lambton County
Lambton Wildlife Incorporated
Click Here to Learn More
Our own Jarmo Jalava will be speaking this January at Lambton Wildlife Incorporated! His presentation will highlight programs in the Carolinian landscape with a focus on the significance, the challenges and the opportunities for conservation in the Sydenham River area and what they hope to accomplish with the action plan. Also, don't miss the Christmas Bird Count in December!
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Our Native Land And Modern Footprint
January 14, London
Nature London and London Public Library
Click Here to Learn More
Nature in the City 2014 kicks off with John Riley's illustrated talk Our Native Land And Modern Footprint: Ecological Change through Time. Experience the story of southwestern Ontario’s ever-changing landscape, and hear a message of cautious optimism for the future. John Riley is a popular speaker and passionate advocate for the natural world.
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2014 Great Lakes Wetlands Day
February 4, Toronto
Great Lakes Wetlands Conservation Action Plan
Click Here to Learn More and Register
This one day event will examine the wetlands in the Great Lakes basin. Keynote speaker this year is John Riley, chief science advisor for Nature Conservancy of Canada and author of The Once and Future Great Lakes Country: An Ecological History. This event features three concurrent sessions with wetlands topics ranging from research and monitoring to policy to environmental conservation and management.
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Huron Fringe Birding Festival
May, MacGregor Point Provincial Park
Friends of MacGregor Point Park
Click Here to Learn More
Come up to MacGregor Point Park to enjoy guided hikes, photography and bird identification workshops, and more! The Huron Fringe Birding Festival celebrates the end of the migration period, when birds are on their nests, migrants are everywhere, insects abound and wildflowers are beginning to bloom. The festival will feature a banquet with guest speaker, and an evening program of excellent presenters and night hikes. Online registration is open February 1.
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Essex Soil and Crop Improvement Association Annual Meeting
December 5, St. John's Hall, Woodslee
Essex Soil and Crop Improvement Association
Contact: Michael Dick at (519) 776-5209 ext. 369.
The Essex Soil and Crop Improvement Association (ESCIA) is having their 2013 annual meeting on Thursday, December 5, 2013, from 9:00 am. to 3:00 pm. Current issues in agriculture will be the emphasis of the meeting with displays from various government organizations, agricultural suppliers, local retailers, and equipment dealers.
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In this Month's News
Submit A Pledge For A Chance To Win
This Week’s Theme: Celebrate Citizen Science
Project Feederwatch Season Launch
Grow Wild! Bootcamp
Help Us Grow Our School Contact List
Forum Presentations Now Online
Member Announcements
Here
SCAR: South Coast Adventure Race
300,000 Native Trees Available for Order
Count Feeder Birds for Science!
Christmas Bird Count Fast Approaching
Fundraising Opportunity: Raise $3,000+
School Ground Greening Grants
ALUS New Website
Excellence in Water Stewardship Award Nominations
Member Events
Here
Events on the Grand
Christmas Tree Decorating Party
Green Drinks Sarnia: Beyond the Valley
Appreciating the Dark at the Homestead
The Sydenham River Conservation Action Plan
Our Native Land And Modern Footprint
2014 Great Lakes Wetlands Day
Huron Fringe Birding Festival
Essex Soil and Crop Improvement Association Annual Meeting
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)
Mark Helm (Secretary-Treasurer)
Caroline Biribauer
Tara Borwick
Brian Craig
Wendy Cridland
Douglas Desmond
Marc Dupuis-Desormeaux
Mary Elder
Carla Grant
Audrey Heagy
Alistair MacKenzie
John Urquhart
Owen Williams
Jim Oliver
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