Private landowners own most Carolinian natural areas and their stewardship has conserved these habitats to the present. We all depend on their continued good stewardship to secure our natural heritage.

From 1987-1994, Carolinian Canada sponsored ground-breaking landowner contact programs for landowners in the 38 Carolinian Canada sites. That work resulted in private landowners agreeing to conserve over 15,000 acres. Stewardship awards were presented to many of these landowners. Many lessons learned from this work has shaped the way private land stewardship programs are designed today. This history of emphasizing cooperative, voluntary approaches to conservation continues to guide Carolinian Canada today.

Carolinian Canada offers publications such as "Caring for Your Land" for landowners and six fact sheets to help guide private landowners in their stewardship of Carolinian species and ecosystems:

• Appreciating the Uniqueness of Carolinian Canada
• Identifying Carolinian Canada Indicator Species
• Carolinian Canada and the Environmental Farm Planning Program
• Planting Guidelines for Plants and Shrubs
• Sources of Native Stock for the Carolinian Zone
• Ecological Woodland Management

Many conservation groups work with landowners to provide information and assist landowners in making good conservation choices for their properties. Conservation authorities and stewardship councils across the Carolinian zone assist landowners, as does Ducks Unlimited and Wildlife Habitat Canada.

Several conservation property tax incentives are offered by Ontario including the Conservation Land and Managed Forest Tax Incentive Programs. The federal Ecological Gifts is an incentive for land and easement donations.

Private land forestry is promoted by the Ministry of Natural Resources through many different publications. The Ontario Woodlot Association also provides excellent publications on forestry for private landowners including a silvicultural guide for Carolinian and other forests

Farmers face particular challenges in making a living from their land and conserving habitat as well. The Environmental Farm Plan program is tailored to assisting farmers in developing a comprehensive environmental plan for their lands. Best Management Practices publications offer practical guide to many aspects of on-farm environmental management. Many rural water quality programs also offer financial incentives to farmers for water quality and habitat improvements.