Common loon © Peter Ferguson
Mission
To protect wild species and wild spaces through conservation, education and public engagement.
A registered charity (# 10737 8952 RR0001), Ontario Nature represents more than 30,000 members and supporters, and 150 member groups from across Ontario.
Together, we are the voice for nature in Ontario.
Boreal caribou © Mati Kurg
Values
- Collaboration – We protect nature through sharing knowledge and working with partners and communities.
- Inclusion – We embrace diverse perspectives and engage with and learn from people of all cultures, abilities and backgrounds.
- Leadership – We strive to achieve the best outcomes for nature through innovation, perseverance, and ethical decision-making.
- Reconciliation – We seek to work with Indigenous Peoples in the spirit and practice of reconciliation, honouring Indigenous interests, responsibilities, rights, Treaties, protocols and Knowledge Systems.
- Respect – We welcome diverse opinions and worldviews and will operate with kindness and compassion.
- Integrity – We aim to be transparent, accessible and accountable, using best available knowledge and advice.
- Responsibility – We work to achieve a nature-centred sustainable and equitable future for generations to come.
Bald eagle © Missy Mandel
Vision and History
Since it was established as the Federation of Ontario Naturalists in 1931, Ontario Nature has been a champion for nature. Our vision is simple: An Ontario where nature inspires and sustains us for generations to come.
Ontario Nature’s success today, is due to the hard work of the men and women who, realized the need for a group to unify and lead the conservation movement in Ontario. On February 17, 1931, J.R. Dymond presented a proposal entitled, “Federation of Ontario Naturalists” to the Brodie Club (the leading naturalist organization in North America at that time). After review and discussion, the Federation of Ontario Naturalists was officially created and given federation status on May 15, 1931 founded by 7 affiliated clubs and 28 individual members.
Goals
Protect and restore nature to reverse the ongoing trend of biodiversity decline in Ontario.
Build grassroots capacity and a collective voice for nature conservation with the Nature Network.
Connect people with nature to help build a commitment to life-long stewardship and nature conservation.
Strengthen capacity to increase impact.
Carolinian Life Zone © Anita Caveney