© Willy Waterton
About
Ontario Nature is built on a strong foundation of commitment and concern for nature that is shared by a province-wide network of groups and individuals, the Nature Network.
The Nature Network connects Ontario Nature with people making their communities better places in which to live. It is a dynamic vehicle through which Ontario Nature brings provincial initiatives to the local level, and community groups bring local efforts and concerns to provincial attention.
Many of Ontario Nature’s conservation initiatives would not have been possible without the help and support of the groups in the Nature Network.
Please read our Nature Network Primer for more information.
Tiny Marsh BioBlitz © Ken MacDonald
A Powerful Collective Voice
The Nature Network unites 150 dedicated conservation groups from across Ontario. Member groups help Ontario Nature identify and engage with local issues that are provincially significant. Through the network, Ontario Nature shares environmental concerns with communities and supports grassroots initiatives.
The network is a powerful voice for nature in Ontario. Together, member groups are there whenever and wherever nature needs us most. They hold voting rights at Ontario Nature’s AGM and are represented on its board of directors.
Membership Benefits
- Group Insurance: Receive extensive coverage with competitive premiums. Groups can add other packages (e.g., property damage, cyber security, director’s and officer’s liability).
- Regional Meetings: Be invited to attend spring and fall regional meetings that foster collaboration among like-minded groups to address local environmental issues.
- Profile: Raise public awareness about your group – including its events, campaigns and activities –through Ontario Nature’s events calendar, blog, newsletter, magazine and social media channels.
- ON Nature Magazine: Receive complimentary print copies of Ontario Nature’s award-winning magazine, as well as discounted advertising rates.
- Nature Network News: Receive a monthly online newsletter directed to Nature Network groups and their members, which covers updates from the network, environmental threats and conservation news.
- Conservation Awards: Become eligible to both receive an award and nominate other candidates to honour the work that individuals, groups, government agencies and corporations do to protect nature in Ontario.
- Resources for Running a Conservation Group: Participate in webinars and receive print material free of charge from Ontario Nature’s expert staff and partners about campaigns, land management, advocacy, governance, communications and other pertinent topics. Ontario Nature continues to develop resources based on feedback from our member groups.
- Ontario Nature’s Annual Gathering: Be invited to a conservation event with expert keynote speakers, guided field trips and workshops. Learn more at ontarionature.org/annual-gathering.
- Advocacy: Be notified about issues of concern for nature and opportunities to get involved (e.g., joint letters to decision makers, action alerts, joint media releases). Ontario Nature provides guidance and support on environmental policy concerns related to all levels of government.
- Speaker Lists and Fundraising Advice: Have access to fundraising advice and shared speaker lists that are amalgamated from groups across the province.
- Volunteer Posting Newsletter: Get more volunteers by submitting postings to Ontario Nature’s newsletter, which has a distribution of 2,800 prospective volunteers.
Fees
The annual fee for an Ontario Nature member group is determined by the size of its membership:
- Fewer than 100 members costs $83
- 100–200 members costs $165
- More than 200 members costs $248
- Provincial partners costs $55
Payment is due upon receipt of an invoice in the fall. Membership and fee structure are subject to periodic review by the board.
For further information, please contact Lesley Rudy, Nature Network Organizer, at (416) 444-8419 ext. 224 or
Milkweed tufts, Hamilton Naturalists Club