Volunteering for nature can be a rewarding experience. Many of us highly value our experiences with nature, deriving satisfaction from contributing to the enhancement of the natural environment, sharing knowledge with others and helping make nature experiences more accessible to those who wish to share in them.
There are many ways to contribute as a volunteer at Ontario Nature.
Join a Local Nature Organization The chances are that there is a nature club or conservation organization within your community. Ontario Nature’s Nature Network consists of 150 local groups that provide opportunities for contributing to nature conservation and meeting others with similar interests.
Become a Nature Reserve Steward Ontario Nature maintains 26 nature reserves conserving some of Ontario’s areas with high ecological value. Volunteer stewards periodically visit their adopted nature reserve to monitor native species and take note of invasives and other threats. With direction from Ontario Nature staff there may be scope for participating in conservation enhancement efforts on the property.
Nominate a Champion for Nature Through its Conservation Awards program each year Ontario Nature recognizes the outstanding contributions that people and organizations have made to nature in a variety of ways. By reviewing the award categories, you may have someone in mind deserving of an award for whom you can submit a nomination during the time period when recommendations are accepted.
Become an Advocate for Nature There are many causes and issues that arise affecting nature conservation that can benefit from people making their voices heard. By signing up to be an Advocate for Nature you can be notified about how you can bring attention to conservation worthy causes through Ontario Nature petitions.
Sign up to the Ontario Nature Volunteer Posting Newsletter Frequently Ontario Nature and other groups within the Nature Network provide volunteer opportunities for individuals. Postings can be for a single day event, a special project, seasonal work or an ongoing position. If you are looking for ways to contribute to nature conservation sign up to the Ontario Nature Volunteer Posting Newsletter.
Ron Corkum is a retired environmental chemist and was Ontario Nature’s Carolinian East regional board director. A long-time member of Ontario Nature with a keen interest in conservation, Ron has been a regular volunteer for the charity since 2014.
To help advance our objectives related to Bill 5, Ontario Nature is partnering with Legal Advocates for Nature’s Defence (LAND). An environmental law non-profit, LAND advances access to justice in northern Ontario to protect nature and Indigenous rights. Ontario Nature is providing financial and in-kind advocacy support to LAND to advance legal challenges by Indigenous rights holders to Bill 5. Ontario Nature and LAND will also collaborate on events, and amplifying Bill 5 opposition and Indigenous voices.
