Malcolm Bluff Shores Nature Reserve © Joe Crowley
Support Our Nature Reserves This Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday is a day for Canadians to give to causes that mean the most to them. This year, Giving Tuesday is on November 28, 2023 and we are raising funds in support of our province-wide nature reserve system. With 26 nature reserves totaling 3,156 hectares (7,798 acres), our reserves protect some of the province’s best remaining examples of imperiled and vulnerable habitats.
When you give today, your Giving Tuesday gift will go even farther. Donations up to $18,000 will be generously matched by our friends at Quest Nature Tours. We hope you will give today to help us reach our goal of $40,000. Thank you for supporting our nature reserves.
Sydenham River Nature Reserve © David Coulson
Why Nature Reserves Matter
Our nature reserves protect some of the province’s best remaining examples of vulnerable habitats. From rugged coastlines to old-growth forests to orchid-carpeted swamplands, Ontario Nature’s properties safeguard the province’s most imperilled habitats.
Our nature reserves are home to many rare and endangered species such as the blue racer snake, ramshead lady-slipper and the red-headed woodpecker. By protecting their habitats, we are providing these species, and many others, with a safe haven for them to recover and prosper.
Red-headed woodpecker © Bill McDonald
Nature reserves provide the opportunity to conduct important scientific research. One example is the work we are doing to manage biodiversity on our Stone Road Alvar Nature Reserve on Pelee Island. We are improving knowledge of prescribed burn impacts on species at risk and establishing best management practices for prescribed burns to help species recover.
Nature reserves help to ensure people can safely access nature. Several of our nature reserves feature accessible trails that provide a unique, up-close and safe experience to explore. They have interpretive signage to help visitors traverse the trail and identify plant and animal species. These features make it easier for people to experience nature while also protecting plants and animals from wayward footsteps.
Butterfly milkweed, Stone Road Alvar Nature Reserve © Ryan Wolfe
Your Impact
With your support, we are continuing to build our province-wide nature reserve system that is:
- Safeguarding habitat for endangered plants and animals
- Protecting biological diversity
- Setting benchmarks for scientific research
- Campaigning to protect 25% of Canada’s lands and waters by 2025
- Creating opportunities for recreation and nature appreciation
Reilly Bird Nature Reserve, Community event © Noah Cole
Contact
You will receive an official charitable tax receipt for your donation.
If you have any questions or would like to make your gift by phone, please contact Hayley Raymond at 1-800-440-2366 ext. 248. or hayleyr@ontarionature.org.
You can also send your gift by mail. The address is at the bottom of this webpage. Please indicate that your donation is for Giving Tuesday.
Sydenham River Nature Reserve © David Coulson
Blanding's turtle © Scott Gillingwater