January 2014
Measuring Biodiversity in Elgin County
 
Become a Member Today!
Carolinian Canada Coalition and its many local partners are set to launch a three-year Natural Heritage Inventory for Elgin County in spring 2014. Volunteer “citizen scientists” will collect and record observations of plants, animals and ecological communities throughout Elgin County in this important initiative.
The strength and success of this effort will depend on both the number of participants reporting their observations and the area of land that can be covered. We need your help! Take Action in the following ways:
- Have an inventory conducted on your lands by a skilled surveyor. All information gathered will be shared with you, helping you to plan for the long term stewardship of your property
- Conduct surveys and report results (Participant Kit and training provided)
- Host a training workshop
Together we will build the capacity of the community and develop an accurate, up-to-date database of the county’s rich natural heritage. Knowing where local species occur and keeping track of their population trends contributes to wise planning decisions for a healthy and sustainable future for species, as well as ecosystems and human communities. This information is also essential to the work of agencies and researchers studying rare and vulnerable species not just locally, but also at provincial, national, and even global scales.
To participate in the Elgin Natural Heritage Inventory or find out more about how you can Take Action, visit https://caroliniancanada.ca or contact Jessica Steiner at cap.specialist@carolinian.org
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".
Jessica Steiner - Conservation Action Planning Specialist
Grow Wild!
Pledge a Habitat Action
SUBMIT A PLEDGE & WIN COOL PRIZES
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 or nature guide.
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This Week’s Pledge
Win a Photo Field Guide to Some Caterpillars of Southern Ontario
Record your Pledge Online
We challenge you to start planning for spring! Create some habitat for important pollinators (butterflies!) -- pledge to grow a native plant in your garden. If you already grow a few native plants, commit to growing more & tell us about it!
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Grow Wild! Species at Risk Bootcamp
OPPORTUNITY FOR SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTAL CLUBS
Find Out 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 Feb-April 2014 now!
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Take Action in Elgin County!
ELGIN NATURAL HERITAGE INVENTORY
Launching Spring 2014
Register Online at caroliniancanada.ca
Register your participation now! Collect and record species observations, host a training workshop, or allow field surveys to be conducted on your lands. Contact cap.specialist@carolinian.org for more info.
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Celebrate Family Literacy Day - Jan 27th
Exploring our Favourite Nature-Themed Books
Read On!
If you are young or young-at-heart, you’ll enjoy some of our favourite nature themed books. Check out our Facebook page for weekly picks that leave us inspired. We want to hear from you as well, so be sure to let us know what you are reading.
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CAROLINIAN CANADA WELCOMES NEW STAFF
Read about our newest additions
Carolinian Canada is happy to welcome our three new staff members, already hard at work greening the future of southwestern Ontario! Welcome Jessica Steiner, Deirdre Crilly, and Kelly Johnson.
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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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Big Picture Talks
Carolinian Canada Coalition, Municipality of Chatham-Kent and Western University partner for restoration and learning
In the fall 2013 term, the Biology3222F (Special Topics in Restoration Ecology) class partnered with Carolinian Canada Coalition and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent to provide students with a unique learning experience allowing them to apply theory they learn in the classroom to a real world scenario. The class is run as a Community Service Learning course which includes community service with local partners. Groups of students worked on projects related to management and restoration of habitat along the Canada South Corridor in eastern Chatham-Kent, which will be converted to a natural heritage multi-use trail. The many challenges of restoring the former rail corridor are opportunities for students at Western University to learn the science and practice of restoration. The class included a field trip to the corridor where students were able to study the site and collect data to help them write their plans.
Read the Full Article on our Website
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Members Notice Board
Announcements
Conservation is Good For Business
November, United States
U.S. National Wildlife Refuge System
Click to Read the Report
A recent study released by the U.S. National Wildlife Refuge System, titled Banking on Nature, reports on the indisputable economic benefits of operating the United States wildlife refuges. Benefits include a boost in local economy, thousands of jobs, a significant boost in tourism and so much more. The ERCA reports that the study casts a promising light on the proposed Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, a joint effort between the Windsor-Essex Region and the Detroit Metropolitan Area.
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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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Updated Rural Landowner Stewardship Guide Available Now
December, Online
Stewardship Network of Ontario
Click Here to Learn More
The 2013 update to the Rural Landowner Stewardship Guide is now available online. The health of the rural landscape depends on the actions of all landowners, and the Rural Landowner Stewardship Guide was created for non-farmers to help them protect and enhance natural features and environmental quality on their properties.
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School - Community Grants for Environmental Projects
By February 28, Grand River Region
Grand River Conservation Authority
Apply Today Online
The Grand River Conservation Authority and Grand River Conservation Foundation want to help school and community groups turn green dreams into reality.
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2013 Minister's Report on Drinking Water Released
December, Online
Minister of the Enviromnet
Read the Report Online
The 2013 Annual Report on Drinking Water has been released. The report outlines Ontario's efforts to protect the province's drinking water, including a section on the Water Opportunities Act report.
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Big Creek Watershed Plan Completed
December, Essex Region
Essex Region Conservation Authority
The complete plan can be viewed on ERCA's website
The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA), along with the Big Creek Steering Committee, has developed a Watershed Plan to identify and assess the natural resources in the Big Creek watershed. The Plan includes appropriate recommended strategies for the protection and management of the natural resources under current conditions and as changes in the watershed occurs.
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GRCA 2014 Photo Contest Has Launched!
January, Grand River Region
Grand River Conservation Authority
Click Here to Learn More
This year's contest has a historic twist to recognize that 2014 is the 20th anniversary of the designation of the Grand River and its tributaries as Canadian Heritage Rivers. There will be more than $2,000 in prizes, including monthly giveaways, for the best photos of riverscapes, recreation, or historic photos taken before 1975.
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Ontario Nature 2013 Conservation Awards Accepting Nominations
Nominate by March 31, Ontario
Ontario Nature
contact Lauren Wright at laurenw@ontarionature.org
Honour the individuals and groups who have worked tirelessly to protect our province's wildlife and habitats. All Ontario Nature Conservation Award recipients will be honoured at the AGM on June 21.
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Events
South Coast Adventure Race
Early Bird Ends February 28, Essex Region
Essex Region Conservation Authority
-and-
Rotary Club of Windsor St. Clair
Early Bird Registration Open!
Race for the thrill of it! The course of this year's South Coast Adventure Race will include cycling, paddling, obstacles, orienteering and trekking. Get your teal registered early for special early-bird pricing!
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Great Garbage Patch: How tiny plastics are becoming a big problem for the Great Lakes
December 11, Sarnia
Bluewater Sustainability
Click Here to Learn More
Come on out to Ups N' Downs and join the Green Drinks discussion with speaker Karen Alexander, Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation. Every month Green Drinks brings together people who are interested in environmental issues to socialize, network and engage in light-hearted conversation about serious topics.
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Climate change: weird weather is the new norm
January - February, London
Nature London and London Public Library
Click Here to Learn More
Nature in the City 2014 continues with even more great lectures that can't be missed. Look forward to learning about brainy Insects with Jeremy McNeil, Climate change with Gordon McBean, urban forests with Bruce McGauley, small mammals with Alison Lake, and backyard biodiversity with Nina Zitani.
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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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Carolinian Life Zone Exhibit Opens
Opening January 27, 48346 John Wise Line, Aylmer
Jaffa Environmental Education Centre
Click Here to Learn More
A new exhibit is opening dedicated to the Carolinian Life Zone at the Jaffa Environmental Education Centre. For more information, RSVP to Johanne Beasley: j.beasley@tvdsb.on.ca or 519.773.5196
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Great Winter Events All Along the Grand
January - February, Grand River Region
Grand River Conservation Authority
Click Here to Learn More
Look for an event at a conservation area near you: Owl Prowls at Taquanyah and Apps Mill Nature Centres, Winter Adventure Days and Valentine's Moonlit Snowshoeing at Guelph Lake Nature Centre, and Sweetheart Snowshoe Hike at Apps Mill Nature Centre.
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In this Month's News
Submit A Pledge & Win Cool Prizes
Win a Photo Field Guide to Some Caterpillars of Southern Ontario
Opportunity For School Environmental Clubs
Elgin Natural Heritage Inventory
Exploring our Favourite Nature-Themed Books
Carolinian Canada Welcomes New Staff
Big Picture Talks
Carolinian Canada Coalition, Municipality of Chatham-Kent and Western University partner for restoration and learning
Member Announcements
Here
Conservation is Good For Business
Count Feeder Birds for Science!
Updated Rural Landowner Stewardship Guide Available Now
School - Community Grants for Environmental Projects
2013 Minister's Report on Drinking Water Released
Big Creek Watershed Plan Completed
GRCA 2014 Photo Contest Has Launched!
Ontario Nature 2013 Conservation Awards Accepting Nominations
Member Events
Here
South Coast Adventure Race
Great Garbage Patch: How tiny plastics are becoming a big problem for the Great Lakes
Climate change: weird weather is the new norm
Great Lakes Wetlands Day
Huron Fringe Birding Festival
Carolinian Life Zone Exhibit Opens
Great Winter Events All Along the Grand
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)
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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