Escarpment Corridor Alliance

Why are wetlands important? Wetlands are often referred to as the “kidneys of the Earth” because they play a crucial role in filtering pollutants, regulating water flow, and improving water quality—similar to how kidneys filter blood. They trap contaminants like sediments, excess nutrients, and heavy metals, safeguarding downstream ecosystems. Wetlands also help absorb rainwater, reduce flooding, and recharge groundwater supplies, making them vital during both droughts and floods. As noted by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, wetlands are essential for biodiversity, providing critical habitats for countless plant, bird, fish, and amphibian species. By storing and gradually releasing water, they contribute to stable ecosystems and act as natural buffers against environmental changes. Protecting wetlands means protecting the ecosystems and communities that depend on them. Thank you to Doug Burlock for the amazing photography. Reference: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. (2021). Wetlands. Government of Ontario.

Meet Mike Robbins: A tourism consultant with over 45 years of global experience! From Canada to Southeast Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and beyond, Mike has dedicated his career to responsible tourism. Career Highlights: - Former Chairman of the Board at CREST (Center for Responsible Travel) Current roles include: - Board member @EscarpmentCorridorAlliance - Board member & Tourism Lead @ Aspiring - Georgian Bay Geopark (seeking UNESCO designation) - TAPAS Group member (IUCN Tourism and Protected Areas Specialist Group) - Member of the Trebek Council (affiliated with the Royal Canadian Geographic Society and National Geographic) - Fellow @ Royal Canadian Geographic Society & The Explorers Club Mike also supports Indigenous cultural and ecotourism in northern Canada through his MakeWay donor fund.

Why a Protected Nature Corridor Matters: The Niagara Escarpment in South Georgian Bay is a natural treasure, and creating a protected nature corridor is essential for preserving its beauty and biodiversity. A key milestone in this effort is conducting an ecological study to identify the most critical lands for conservation, focusing on species, animals, and plants at risk. This initiative will help connect existing parks, farmlands, and private lands into a permanently protected corridor. We’re proud to partner with the Greenbelt Foundation, which has awarded an $85,000 grant, and the RBC Tech for Nature program to make this vision a reality. By working together, we can ensure these precious lands are protected for generations to come.

The holiday season is a time of magic, generosity, and reflection. It’s also the perfect moment to give back to the causes that inspire you. Whether it’s preserving nature, supporting your local community, or making a global impact, your contributions can transform the mission of a charity you love. If you’re ready to make a difference, here are six impactful ways to give:

Join the global movement to rally your community and give locally. Choose to give locally. When you donate to the ECA, you are a part of the solution to create an ecological corridor that will protect our escarpment for generations. Choose local this #GivingTuesday. Click the link below to donate now. https://lnkd.in/eDKWjmqy

The work we are doing at the ECA will benefit climate, increase biodiversity and overall improve human health to those who live near or visit South Georgian Bay's beautiful escarpment. Join the global movement to rally your community and give locally this #GivingTuesday. Choose to donate to the ECA, and become part of the solution to create an ecological corridor that will protect our escarpment for generations.

DYK the escarpment of South Georgian Bay has a large amount of wetlands which store a massive amount of carbon?

Sharing on behalf of the Beaver Valley Destination Stewardship: If you are a part of a local community group who wants to explore how Indigenous land-based knowledge, and our local heritage intersect to foster a deeper connection to our land and water, then you should register to attend! Event Details: When: Sunday, December 8, 2:00–5:00 PM Where: Kimberley Hall (235309 Grey Rd 13, Kimberley) What: 2:00 PM-4:00 PM-Landowner Event: Aki Guardians present their Stewardship Plan, followed by a Q&A panel. At this event, the Aki Guardians from the Saugeen Ojibway Nation will present their land assessment methods and discuss:   Why local ecosystem exploration of our lands are is essential How landowners can collaborate with the Aki Guardians to access these services 4:00 PM-5:00 PM-Stewardship Circle: These circles have been instrumental in sharing cultural and heritage stories, connecting local groups, and promoting conservation in the beautiful Beaver Valley. We will also celebrate what Beaver Valley Destination Stewardship has accomplished in partnership with the community throughout 2024. This indoor event wraps up our WOODS project series, fostering collaboration through Indigenous-led workshops and community storytelling. It’s a chance to explore holistic land stewardship and connect with neighbours in the beautiful Beaver Valley Watershed. How to Register Email beautifulbeavervalley@gmail.com to RSVP so we can plan refreshments and seating.

While climate and conservation support was less than 1% of Canadian philanthropy in 2023, today's announcement of a collaborative $405 million pledge from nine funders towards climate initiatives was extremely encouraging. READ HERE: https://lnkd.in/edY6Rf-9

What is an Ecological Corridor? By definition, it is a clearly defined geographical space that is governed and managed over the long-term to maintain or restore effective ecological connectivity (IUCN, 2020). Or, as Parks Canada puts it, “ecological corridors are areas of land and water that aim to maintain or restore ecological connectivity. They do this by allowing species to move, and natural processes to flow freely across large landscapes.” These large swathes of wild land run between parks and other ‘natural’ areas and overall assist in improving climate resilience and sustain biodiversity by connecting wildlife habitat for migration, mates and food sources while also being good for health, recreation, economy and the community. To learn more about ecological corridors in Canada, visit: #ecologicalcorridor #naturecorridor #ECA #sgbcorridor #EscarpmentCorridorAlliance #parkscanada