You cannot protect what you do not know. Nature’s diversity exists all around us. SCCF works with individuals, partners and community groups to promote knowledge of wildlife and natural environments. We work to preserve and protect for all to enjoy, both now and in the future.
We are thrilled to announce the safe arrival of the first right whale calf for the 2019-2020 calving season.
Yesterday, this sweet newborn and mother pair were sighted off Sapelo Island off the Georgia coast.
This is the first calf for right whale #3560, and she is 14 years old. There are four other expectant mothers who are being monitored by our allied agencies, and we are hoping that more pregnant mothers have yet to reveal themselves.
November 13, 2018, in her last annual report issued two days before the termination of her office the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario, (ECO), Dianne Saxe, issued an eloquent plea to bolster protection for southern Ontario’s besieged forests. Forming Chapter Three of her Back to Basics, the report was expressively termed, “Southern Ontario’s Disappearing Forests.” Here Saxe wrote, “Conserving forests must become a top priority in land-use planning, and creating the conditions for healthy urban trees must become a top priority in urban planning.”
Photo: Oka memorial (Quebec). Many of the Mohawks buried here are from families involved in the planting of the forest which took place between 1880 and 1920. Since for most of this period there were no tree nurseries geared to reforestation, the Mohawks had to gather pine seedlings from considerable distance to the north in canoes from forests where white pines still grew. Photo credit MaryLou Jorgensen-Bacher.
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Canadians have made it clear they want action on the environment, and Monday will be the day to have your say about who will lead our country on the single most important issue of our time.
Don’t stay home.
Some helpful FYI's:
Today Niagara Region serves as a carbon sink thanks to its extensive wetlands south of the Niagara Escarpment. While over 90% of Southern Ontario’s wetlands have been drained, the degradation has not hit southern Niagara, where only 10% have been lost. These wetlands, mostly forested except the 1,500 hectare Wainfleet Bog, contribute to the cooling of our traumatically overheating earth.
The Objiway community of Eabametoong and Cree of Nestantaga in northern Ontario have found themselves on the front lines to avert catastrophe from climate change. They are anticipating a three-year struggle to oppose two new roads planned to accommodate mines in what has become known as Ontario’s Ring of Fire. The battle takes place via co-ordinated federal and provincial Environmental Assessments (EAs).
Hiking trails have historical roots as places of transportation for people, goods, livestock, and wildlife with long-distance passages connecting villages and towns. Walking for leisure took place along garden paths or local forested trails. Recreational hiking grew dramatically in North America in the 20th century as leisure time increased post-war. A surge of outdoor recreationists coincided with the environmental movement of the 1960s and 1970s. People felt an attachment to the outdoors and hiking became a means to explore nature, increase fitness, and express individuality.
Sierra Club Canada Foundation – Atlantic Chapter is searching for an outgoing, energetic, and dedicated individual to carry out tasks associated with our Watch for Wildlife program in Nova Scotia (www.watchforwildlife.ca).
For registration, click here!
Presentations from a range of speakers including Dr. John Pomeroy - Global Institute for Water Security, the Saskatchewan Farm Stewardship Association, and the School of Environment and Sustainability - U of S will cover many topics such as:
Two major environmental victories have taken place recently, derailing important parts of the war on the environment. Both victories saved programs to plant trees. Trees are critical to rescuing Lake Erie from massive algae blooms brought on by the twin evils of deforestation and phosphorus pollution.
Photo by Alex Walker
The Sierra Club Ontario has long supported the protection and re-naturalization efforts within the Rouge Watershed, specifically within the Rouge National Urban Park. The Friends of the Rouge Watershed (FRW) have been advocating for the continued protection of the Rouge, especially as it relates the Rouge National Urban Park (RNUP) Management Plan.
When the Minister of Transportation, Steven Del Duca, announced the termination of an environmental assessment for the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) West Corridor in December of 2015, those who cherish the earth in Ontario gave a great sigh of relief. The proposed 50 kilometer-long expressway planned to slash through entirely environmental and agricultural zones, much of which is protected by the Greenbelt. The plan was a salt tipped dagger on Lake Ontario.
Written by Jaclyn Layton
With over 72 square kilometres of lush river valley, Edmonton presents a unique intersection of urban and green space. More expansive than Stanley Park of Vancouver (4 square kilometres), or even Central Park in New York City (3.4 square kilometres), Edmonton’s greenery is an aspect of the city that is celebrated, and therefore should be preserved and protected. The natural wonder of the North Saskatchewan River Valley has been at risk over the past 18 months over a proposed solar farm that would degrade the Valley’s natural state.
You likely recall the joyous news in the new year at the safe arrival of seven right whale newborns (see the photo album of the 2019 Calves below.)
It was extraordinary news, given that not one baby had been born the year before.
But we find ourselves facing the devastating reality that eight critically important right whales have died in Canadian waters this summer.
It means these new little lives must be protected on an emergency basis.
I fear for their safety, at such a precarious time in their first precious year of life.
Edmonton City Bylaw 7188
The North Saskatchewan River Valley Area Redevelopment Plan is a comprehensive plan which envisions the major portion of the River Valley and Ravine System for use as an environmental protection area and for major urban and natural parks. […] As Edmonton grows and changes and as land becomes more valuable the River Valley may become the threatened by commercial and industrial uses, as well as by civic uses such as public utilities. The municipal level of government has probably exerted the greatest development pressure on the River Valley with public utility proposals and transportation plans. These uses tend to be incompatible with the aims of nature preservation and parkland development.
Those excerpts from our North Saskatchewan River Valley Area Re-development Plan, Bylaw 7188, are found in its purpose, which is explicit in its regard for the importance of protecting our river valley and ravine system. The details surrounding exceptions are strict, and the bar set high. Give it a read.
Sierra Club Canada Foundation is determined in its effort to conserve our River Valley, Edmonton’s most unique and valuable asset.
