March 2014
Nominate a Carolinian Canada Act of Love
 
Become a Member Today!
We've passed our goal of 1000 Grow Wild! pledges, and it's all thanks to you!
Everyone has a different reason to Grow Wild! Youth want to save wildlife. Grandparents think about leaving a legacy. Farmers want to protect soil quality. Municipal leaders envision communities with clean air and water for all. Community groups can ‘sponsor’ an action for a local wild species or natural area close to their heart. Grow Wild! shows how many people care to create a greener future for southwestern Ontario.
Want to celebrate with us? Why not nominate a Conservation Hero for the 2014 Carolinian Canada Conservation Awards!
Every year, we accept nominations to celebrate the individuals, groups and youth who care for our unique nature in southwestern Ontario. Tell us about an act of love for the Carolinian Zone that has inspired you.
Download a Nomination Form Here
Submit Your Own Grow Wild Action, and Tell Us Your Story!
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".
Michelle Kanter - Executive Director
Calling All Teachers
SPECIES AT RISK IN ACTION EDUCATION KIT
Find Out More
Are you a teacher? Would you like to learn how to teach your students about local biodiversity? Download Carolinian Canada's Species at Risk in Action Education Kit. The Education Kit provides teachers with background knowledge, current and locally connected lesson plans, extensions for further learning, and all the support materials to deliver the lesson. You will find curriculum links for grades 6 through 10.
Back to Top
Congratulations Winners
PLEDGE TO GROW WILD, NEW PRIZES WEEKLY
www.growwild.ca
We'd like to congratulate January's prize winners: Neil won Lone Pine's Animal Tracks of Ontario, Janel won Stokes Beginner's Guide to Bats, and Linda won the Photo Field Guide to Some Caterpillars of Southern Ontario. Thanks for sharing your Grow Wild stories!
Prizes are being won weekly; make a Grow Wild pledge today for a chance to win!
Back to Top
Join the Action in Elgin County
ELGIN NATURAL HERITAGE INVENTORY
Launching Spring 2014
Find Out More
Join a growing group of citizen scientists and help us to create an accurate, up-to-date record of the county’s rich natural heritage. Register your participation today! Collect and record species observations, host a training workshop, or allow field surveys to be conducted on your lands. All registered participants will receive a free Participant Guide, with all the tools you need to identify significant species, collect and record accurate and reliable data, and report this information to the appropriate place. Contact ElginNHI@carolinian.org for more info.
Back to Top
Carolinian Canada Conservation Awards
NOMINATE A CONSERVATION HERO
Find Out More
Carolinian Canada Conservation Awards recognize outstanding contributions of people who protect Carolinian Canada's unique nature. Do you know someone who inspires you? If so, please visit our website to complete your nomination. Awards are given out at our AGM in the categories of Individual, Group, Youth, and Lifetime Achievement.
Back to Top
Draft Chatham-Kent Natural Heritage Implementation Strategy
CAPs BEING USED TO GUIDE CONSERVATION IN CHATHAM-KENT
Find Out More
With the completion of the Sydenham River Conservation Action Plan (CAP) this month, Carolinian Canada has now facilitated CAPs for three major biodiversity hotspots in Chatham-Kent. Combined, the three areas cover most of the C-K landscape. Over 20 different local groups contributed their expertise and knowledge to develop these plans, and many are helping to implement them. We’re thrilled to see that the CAPs are helping to guide the draft "Chatham-Kent Natural Heritage Implementation Strategy", which will hopefully be approved by the municipal council in the spring. Many of the strategic actions in the CAPs are already being implemented. Carolinian Canada has secured funding to focus our Landowner Leaders program, EcoTrail initiatives, and various outreach and restoration activities in the municipality. At present Carolinian Canada has two staff whose work is devoted almost entirely to the Chatham-Kent CAPs, with one of them working closely with C-K Greening Strategy staff out of the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority office. The CAPs have been received positively by a broad spectrum of stakeholders in the area. Thanks to all our partners for their ongoing contributions to this important work!
Back to Top
From Storytelling to Citizen Science: The Evolution of Carolinian Canada's Grow Wild! Species at Risk Outreach Program
Find Out More
The Grow Wild! Program has been a cornerstone of Carolinian Canada’s outreach efforts over the past few years. Our own Bronwen Buck and Jen van Overbeeke will be presenting program results at the 2014 International Association for Great Lakes Reserch (IAGLR) conference in May. Stay tuned for more info!
Back to Top
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.
Back to Top
Feature News
HIEA CAP Meetings - Dates and Presentations
May 13, August 12, 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 in the ArcelorMittal Dofasco main office at 1300 Burlington Street East.
Back to Top
Big Picture Talks
1000 Acts of Love for Carolinian Canada
This February, the birds and bees got a big green valentine from Carolinian Canada’s Grow Wild! supporters. “We’ve surpassed our initial goal to collect over 1000 pledges to support healthy ecosystems,” explained Jennifer van Overbeeke, Grow Wild! Coordinator and Metcalf Foundation Intern. “Pledges range from braking for Foxsnakes in Chatham-Kent, helping to survey wildlife in Elgin County or choosing native plants to support the birds ’n the bees.”
Read the Full Article on our Website
Back to Top
Members Notice Board
Announcements
Monitoring Marsh Birds
March, Canada
Bird Studies Canada
Click Here to Learn More
Volunteers are needed to monitor marsh birds and frogs this spring throughout the Great Lakes basin of Ontario and the United States. Participants in the Great Lakes Marsh Monitoring Program provide long-term information about bird and frog populations. The results are also used to assess the state of the Great Lakes and their marshes.
Back to Top
Spring Trees Now Available
March, Essex Region
Essex Region Conservation Authority
The complete plan can be viewed on ERCA's website
Orders are now being accepted for spring trees. Landowners who wish to order trees for this spring are also able to do so. The cost of seedling trees begins at 69 cents, while prices for large stock trees begin at $13. A minimum purchase of 100 seedlings or 15 large stock trees is required.
Back to Top
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.
Back to Top
Help Protect Rouge Park
February - March, GTO
Friends of the Rouge Watershed
Click Here to Learn More
As Parks Canada prepares to release draft legislation and plans for a national Rouge Park, FRW is working with a broad coalition, to urge the Federal Government to strengthen and extend the park system. You can help to protect the Rouge during the transition to a National Park by signing the online petition.
Back to Top
Free 2014 Native Plant Catalogue
February, Zephyr and Tottenham
Native Plant Nurseries
Click Here to Learn More
Native Plant Nurseries would like to help you get started with any gardening or planting projects by offering you a FREE copy of their 2014 native plant catalogue. It includes all of the info you would need to select the most suitable plant species for your specific site.
Back to Top
Grants Available for Landowners
March, Essex Region
Essex Region Conservation Authority
Click Here to Learn More
The ERCA is offering to provide up to 90% grant funding for landowners to undertake projects to improve their property and the environment In their continued quest to improve the environment of Windsor and Essex County. Landowners who wish to plant trees or undertake other restoration opportunities are invited to contact the ERCA to see how these grants could help.
Back to Top
Spring Birding Pass Introduced
April, Essex Region
Essex Region Conservation Authority
Click Here to Learn More
The Essex Region Conservation Authority has introduced a new pass to allow more birders to experience the unique shorebird migration at Hillman Marsh. The Hillman Spring Birding Pass will provide unlimited entry to Hillman Marsh Conservation Area from April 15 - May 31
Back to Top
Grants Available to Waterloo Region Farmers for Cover Crops
Available Now, Grand River Region
Grand River Conservation Authority
Click Here to Learn More
Cover crops are good way to reduce soil erosion and protect water quality. Now farmers in Waterloo Region can take advantage of a financial incentive program to put cover crops in the ground. Starting this year, the Waterloo Rural Water Quality program will pay $100 an acre, for a maximum of 30 acres, to farmers who establish crops used exclusively to cover the soil. Crops that are harvested or grazed are not eligible for the incentive. Farmers interested in applying for the incentive grants should contact the staff of the Rural Water Quality Program at the Grand River Conservation Authority at 519-621-2761
Back to Top
Emerald Ash Borer Survey
March, Online
Invasive Species Centre
Click Here to Take the Survey
The Invasive Species Centre (ISC) is conducting a survey of people concerned with the Emerald Ash Borer and its effects. The ISC is very interested in understanding the informational needs and the best methods of delivering that information to as wide an audience as possible.
Back to Top
Campaigning for Wildflowers in West Elgin
February, West Elgin
West Elgin Nature Club
Click Here to Learn More
Stan Caveney and the West Elgin Nature Club have been working with the West Elgin Council to revise road side cutting schedules that are having a detrimental impact on wildflowers, bees, and butterflies. West Elgin currently cuts roadside brush twice a year, and have agreed to discuss a better schedule for cuttings that would lessen the impact on important pollinators.
Back to Top
Events
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.
Back to Top
Carolinian Life Zone Exhibit Opens
Opening April 23, 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
Back to Top
March MapleFest and Other Events on the Grand!
March - April, Grand River Region
Grand River Conservation Authority
Click Here to Learn More
Come out for MapleFest March 29 at Apps Mill Nature Centre - discover the history of maple syrup making with a hike through the ages. Also, don't miss the Trees and Bees Workshop, or the March Break Environmental Day Camp.
Back to Top
The Great Canadian Ecofest
June 22, Komoka
The Great Canadian EcoFest
Click Here to Learn More
Come to Komoka to celebrate the Great Canadian Ecofest's second year of fun, food, environmental education, entertainment and shopping at our eco-friendly marketplace. From 10-4 at the Komoka Community Centre ( 133 Queen St. Komoka). Please call Steve Gelinas 519-434-6224 for more information.
Back to Top
Environmental Project Management Planning Workshop
March 24, Spencerville
Environmental Project Management and Sustainability Solutions
Click Here to Learn More
This Workshop is a complete toolkit for Planning, Communicating and Managing Projects. Learn about Project Proposal/Charter Writing, Creating a Project Deliverable Breakdown structure, Identifying and Analyzing Project Stakeholders, and much more.
Back to Top
Five Points Forest and Meadowlily Photo Exhibits
April, London and Ingersol
Thames Talbot Land Trust
Click Here to Learn More
Join Thames Talbot Land Trust and the London Camera Club for two exhibits during the month of April. Come out to the London Central Library and the Ingersoll Public Library to enjoy these events.
Back to Top
11th Annual Earth Day Colloquium
April 9-10, London
University of Western Ontario
Click Here to Learn More
The Earth Day Colloquium (EDC) is now in its 11th year! This conference is organized by graduate students at Western University and FREE to attend and participate in. This event aims to bring together the knowledge and research of undergraduate and graduate students and community members involved in environment and sustainability.
Back to Top
Private Woodlots: a treasure for landowners
March 8, Peterborough
Ontario Woodlot Association
Click Here to Learn More
Come out for the 21st AGM and Conference of the Ontario Woodlot Association at the Evinrude Centre, Peterborough, Ontario. The theme this year is Private Woodlots: a treasure for landowners, a treasure for Ontario. For more information please call (613) 258-0110 ex. 221 or 223.
Back to Top
Food Security 201
March 28, Niagara
Greening Niagara
RSVP: Greening Niagara can.admin@cogeco.net
Learn techniques for maintaining the freshness of Niagara's bounty! Learn about proper storage, drying, smoking, pickling and salting and how to convert a basement window into a mini fruit cellar.
Back to Top
Farmland Forum 2014
March 7, Guelph
Ontario Farmland Trust
Click Here to Learn More
The Forum will address the challenges of urban growth management and the protection of agriculture in Ontario's near-urban farming communities. At the Arboretum Centre, University of Guelph.
Back to Top
Insects of the Port Franks Forested Dunes
March - April, Lambton County
Lampton Wildlife Incorporated
Click Here to Learn More
Robert Di Fruscia, long-time member of LWI and now living in the Peterborough area, will share his knowledge of the insects of the Port Franks Forested Dunes. Also, don't miss the Woodcock Peenting Outing, or the LWI AGM and Banquet in April.
Back to Top
Volunteer for Earth Week 2014 Clean Ups
Volunteer by March 14, Oakville
Oakville Community Centre for Peace, Ecology and Human Rights
Click Here to Learn More
Neighbourhood Clean Up's will meet at the parks and nature sites across the region, with the aim to see even more parks, ravines, woodlots, trails, green spaces and sections of the lakefront cleaned up. Individual citizens, not for profit groups or business organizations can set-up a new clean up location and join in cleaning our green spaces.
Back to Top
2014 Sustainable Sarnia-Lambton Conference
April 24, Sarnia
Bluewater Sustainability Initiative
Register Now
This FREE half-day conference and workshop will highlight and celebrate the great work being done in Sarnia-Lambton to make it a more sustainable community. Receive a copy of the 2014 Community Snapshot, meet local visionaries and find out how you can support the sustainability initiatives.
Back to Top
Great Lakes Wetlands Day Agenda Available
March, Ontario
Ontario Nature
Click Here to Learn More
Join the 100+ participants who have already registered for the 2014 Great Lakes Wetlands Day. As a follow up to the 2012 Ontario Wetlands Conference, this day will examine the wetlands of the Great Lakes basin.
Back to Top
March Break Adventure Camps
March, Niagara
Heartland Forest
Click Here to Learn More
Sign up your kids this March, 10-14, for exciting adventure camps. Where leaning comes naturally!
Back to Top
Teen Birders Invited to Apply for Young Ornithologists' Workshop
August, Long Point
Bird Studies Canada
Click Here to Learn More
The Doug Tarry Bird Study Awards foster the development of ornithological interests in Canadian teenagers. Recipients of the awards attend a week-long workshop/natural history camp or a month-long student internship at Long Point Bird Observatory
Back to Top
|
