At-risk species get $20 million

Some 46 community-led conservation projects protecting a range of at-risk species, such as monarch butterflies, Blanding’s turtles, and butternut trees, will share $20 million in provincial funding.

The Species Conservation Program replaces and improves on the former Species at Risk Stewardship Program, which was created to encourage involvement in conserving species at risk and their habitats through stewardship activities.

“Under the new Species Conservation Program, Ontario has quadrupled its investment in species conservation, expanding the impact of community‑driven projects in every corner of the province,” Environment, Conservation and Parks Minister Todd McCarthy stated in a Feb. 12 release. “By making strategic investments to support experienced conservation leaders, we are taking action to restore habitat, support species recovery efforts and protect Ontario’s rich biodiversity for generations to come.”

Groups set for funding

Program funding will support 15 new projects and 31 multi-year initiatives, including:

• ALUS Canada restoring more than 4,700 acres of farmland to create new habitat for a wide range of at‑risk species across the province
• Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre rehabilitating injured turtles and releasing hatchlings, supported by research and education
• Ducks Unlimited Canada restoring and enhancing wetlands to support at-risk wildlife in key wetlands areas, including turtles and birds like the Least Bittern
• Land Care Niagara improving habitat for Monarch butterflies through restoration and stewardship work in the Niagara region
• Georgian Bay Forever removing invasive phragmites to improve wetland habitat used by several at‑risk turtle species
• Forest Gene Conservation Association conserving disease‑resistant butternut trees to support the recovery of this threatened native tree
• Ontario Land Trust Alliance supporting land trusts across the province to secure and manage high-value conservation lands and protect priority species

Click here to learn more about the program

Click here for more outdoors news

Watch on-demand videos anytime on OFAH Stream