Five-lined skink © Scott Gillingwater
Protect Endangered Species
Giving Tuesday is a day for people to give to causes that mean the most to them. This year, on December 3rd we are raising funds to protect endangered species. In Ontario, about 270 plant and animal species are at risk. Their loss or decline affects the functioning and resilience of food webs and ecosystems – jeopardizing the well-being of all living things, including humans.
We hope you will help us raise $40,000 to protect endangered species in Ontario.
Piping plover and chick © Ian K. Barker
Why It Matters
Protecting endangered and at-risk species is essential for the long-term health and diversity of Ontario’s ecosystems and people. Yet, Ontario continues to lose more biodiversity than it conserves.
Biodiversity loss can cause extensive and far-reaching harm for the environment which we rely on. As more species vanish, entire ecosystems become increasingly fragile. The loss of species disrupts the interconnected food chains, causing the links within them to break down.
We must protect and restore at-risk species amid the biodiversity crisis. The long-term health and well-being of our ecosystems and people depend on it. With your support we can create a future where nature thrives!
Rusty-patched bumblebee, bergamot blossom © Johanna James-Heinz
Your Impact
With your support, we are working to protect endangered species by:
- Protecting and restoring vulnerable habitat at our 26 nature reserves across Ontario
- Standing up for a strong Endangered Species Act
- Partnering in research projects like Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas 3, which will guide environmental policies and conservation strategies
- Promoting good stewardship and more sustainable industrial practices
- Undertaking community science projects like Long-Term Monitoring Protocols to detect changes in populations and habitats of reptiles and amphibians over time
Golden eagle migrating above Sydenham River Nature Reserve © Mark Buchanan
Barn Owl
This unique-looking owl can be readily recognized by its distinctive white heart-shaped face, black eyes, golden colouration and lightly speckled pale underside. Rather than hoot or whistle, the barn owl’s vocalizations consist of hisses, cries and screams. It requires grassland habitats, which are being paved over by urbanization and development.
Barn owl © Glen Gaffney
Red-Headed Woodpecker
The strikingly patterned red-headed woodpecker has been aptly described as a “flying checkerboard,” with its crimson head, white body, and half white, half black wings. They are skilled at snatching insects out of the air, and they also consume large quantities of acorns and beech nuts – often storing extra food in tree crevices for later consumption.
They have experienced a significant population decline largely due to habitat loss and changes in its food supply.
Red-headed woodpecker © Bill McDonald
Wood Turtle
The wood turtle is known for its distinctive appearance, with orange or brick-red colored legs. Unlike other Ontario turtles, they do not shed their scutes (sections of shell) – in fact, their name comes from the wooden appearance that their shells take on over time.
Wood turtle © Ryan Wolfe
Rusty-Patched Bumble Bee
With a particularly short tongue, rusty-patched bumble bees feed by puncturing flowers to suck up the nectar. Although once abundant, the species population has declined by 90 percent throughout its range. Some of the factors that contribute to the decline of Canadian native bees are pesticide use, disease spillover, habitat loss and climate change.
Rusty-patched bumblebee © Christy M. Stewart
Black Ash
Black ash is critically endangered globally, and at least 25 percent of its range is in Ontario. It is a medium sized hardwood tree that is highly susceptible to the invasive emerald ash borer. Black ash is of great cultural significance to many Indigenous Peoples.
Black Ash, Altberg Wetland Nature Reserve © Smera Sukumar
Give Today
When you give today, your Giving Tuesday gift will go even farther. Thanks to a generous match up to $8,500 from our friends at Quest Nature Tours and $6,000 from our Board of Directors, every gift made up to $14,500 will be matched dollar-for-dollar. We hope you will give today to help us reach our goal of $40,000. Thank you for supporting endangered species in Ontario.
Drooping trillium © Doug McGrady CC BY 2.0
Contact
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. You will receive an official charitable tax receipt for your donation.
Prothonotary warbler © Bill McDonald