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© Lora Denis
Wilfrid Crozier Nature Reserve © Keeva Fitzpatrick
Since 1961, Ontario Nature’s Nature Reserves Program has protected vulnerable habitat across the province while providing opportunities for both scientific research and recreation. Crucial to the success of this program are volunteer stewards who act as eyes on the ground for the Nature Reserves team. Currently, Ontario Nature is looking for volunteer stewards for Baptist Harbour and Wilfrid G. Crozier Nature Reserves.
Becoming a steward means joining our province-wide Nature Network and helping to protect invaluable habitats across Ontario. This is a flexible, hands-on role that only requires three site visits per year and is customizable around individual interests and schedules. Opportunities include:
Off the coast of Lake Huron, Baptist Harbour is a small property rich in rare species—some found nowhere else in the province. Composed of globally significant alvar habitat within the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula, Baptist Harbour is one of Ontario Nature’s most unique properties. Local stewards are needed to help monitor this biodiverse property.
Just under an hour from Toronto, Wilfrid G. Crozier is located in a section of Halton Forest North. Easily accessible by the Bruce Trail, visitors here get the chance to view the tree-covered Niagara Escarpment as well as old farm fields being reclaimed by native wildflowers and grasses. Stewards at Wilfrid G. Crozier will assist in managing invasive species, participate in restoration planting, and monitoring biodiversity.
Nature reserve stewards are more than volunteers. They are integral to our Nature Reserves. Whether you’re looking for a chance to get outside and meet new people or to gain skills in the field, stewarding is a rewarding role that helps both volunteers and Ontario Nature grow.
In addition to protecting habitat, we want these spaces to be accessible to the general public, that is why many of our nature reserves have trail networks that anybody can enjoy. Check out this new video from our accessible boardwalk at Petrel Point Nature Reserve:
To apply to become a steward and for more information about the Nature Reserves program, contact the Nature Reserves team at: 416-444-8149 or email: reserves@ontarionature.org.
Northern leopard frog © Jozsef Szasz-Fabian