Citizen Science refers to volunteers from the community assisting scientists by collecting information about the environment. The reporting of simple, yet vital, observations can help scientists monitor important changes in the natural environment while providing valuable learning for various members of the community. This can provide useful information in various areas, including water quality and biodiversity.
NatureWatch is a series of programs encouraging people to become citizen scientists by aiding in ecological monitoring, including FrogWatch, PlantWatch, WormWatch, and IceWatch. |
Education and Outreach are crucial to getting the public involved and interested in environmental issues, and public involvement is the key to enacting change. Education and outreach initiatives serve to inform the public in a way that is engaging and relevant. These initiatives target various demographics, often appealing to the younger generations. They also aid in developing a love of and appreciation for nature, creating enthusiasts from all walks of life.
Shaw Woods Outdoor Education Centre offers curriculum-based outdoor education in a natural setting. They help to promote and increase knowledge of dominant local landscape features and their ecological, economic and cultural significance. |
Stewardship Initiatives
Adopt-a-Stream Program:
The Adopt-A-Stream Program was initiated in 1995 along with the establishment of Ontario Streams; since that time, the program has been a small but integral way in which we involve community members in ecological stewardship activities. Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society: CPAWS envisages a healthy ecosphere where people experience and respect natural ecosystems. We will achieve this by:
The Council is a leader in fights to protect Canada’s freshwater sources. Their campaign work focuses on recognizing water as part of a shared commons. David Suzuki Foundation: They collaborate with Canadians from all walks of life, including government and business, to conserve the environment and find solutions that will create a sustainable Canada through science-based research, education and policy work. Earth Day Canada: Celebrated every year on April 22, Earth Day is the largest environmental event in the world. More than six million Canadians—including nearly every school-aged child—participate in an Earth Day activity in their communities. We partner with and support hundreds of organizations across the country, as they engage Canadians in annual celebrations of this special day. Friends of the Earth Canada: Friends of the Earth Canada (FoE) has grown from a small group of volunteers in 1978 to one of the country’s most important voices speaking out on environmental issues. FoE is a voice for the environment, nationally and internationally, working with others to inspire the renewal of our communities and the earth, through research, education and advocacy. Greenpeace Canada: Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organization that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace by |
CleanFarms: Not-for-profit industry stewardship organization committed to proper management of agricultural waste across Canada
Ontario Federation of Agriculture: Canada’s largest voluntary farm organization representing more than 37,000 farm families across Ontario. Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association: Facilitating responsible economic management of soil, water, air and crops through development and communication of innovative farming practices. Canada-Ontario Environmental Farm Plan: Environmental Farm Plans (EFP) are assessments voluntarily prepared by farm families to increase their environmental awareness in up to 23 different areas on their farm. Through the EFP local workshop process, farmers will highlight their farm's environmental strengths identify areas of environmental concern, and set realistic action plans with time tables to improve environmental conditions. Environmental cost-share programs are available to assist in implementing projects Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food – Farm Stewardship: The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) together with its partners promotes environmental stewardship on farms in Ontario. OMAFRA staff coordinate the creation of booklets and infosheets about environmental issues on the farm, and promote our environmental programs. Stewardship Youth Rangers Bonnechere River Watershed Project (BRWP) is a community-based volunteer organization (supported by a paid coordinator and seasonal staff) established in 1998 and incorporated as a registered charity in 2006 whose mission is to inform and influence environmental stewardship and enhancement throughout the Bonnechere River watershed The Nature Conservancy: The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) protects areas of natural diversity for their intrinsic value and for the benefit of our children and those after them. Pollution Probe: Canadian charitable environmental organization that:
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