Escarpment Corridor Alliance

Discover the rich history of the Petun (Betan) people, who lived in the Blue Mountains region from Craigleith to Creemore, Ontario, from 1580–1650. Known as “People Among the Hills,” they left an enduring legacy in their villages, trails, and burial grounds. Divided into the Wolf and Deer clans, the Petun were visited by explorers like Samuel de Champlain and Jesuit missionaries, shaping their history. Tragically, their dispersal during the Beaver Wars in 1649 marked the end of their time in this area. Today, artifacts, ossuaries, and historic trails remain, offering a glimpse into their lives. As you explore the Bruce Trail, Petun Conservation Area, and Pretty River Valley, take a moment to honor the stories of the Indigenous people who walked these lands and preserved their beauty for generations.

Celebrating Roberta and Paul Woolner 🌿 For the past three years, Roberta and Paul Woolner have been invaluable supporters of the Escarpment Corridor Alliance (ECA). Through their dedication and passion, they’ve played a vital role in preserving the natural beauty of the Beaver Valley and South Georgian Bay Niagara Escarpment. From hosting benefit concerts to leading mindfulness workshops, this dynamic duo raised over $20,000 in the past year alone to protect our region’s natural legacy for future generations. Their creativity, commitment, and leadership continue to inspire us all to contribute to the preservation of these cherished lands. 💚 Discover more about their incredible efforts at myescarpment.ca.

Thrilled to share that South Grey News has recognized the work of the ECA by featuring it as one of their Top Ten News Stories! If you’ve missed it, the ECA recently hosted a community update on December 7th in Kimberley, ON, to discuss the exciting developments and progress being made on the Talisman Resort lands. A big thank you to South Grey News for their incredible support and to everyone who joined us at the event. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to move forward with this impactful project!

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. 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?