Latest BioSphere out Now! December, 2022
January 1, 2023 — Click here to view EBC's latest accomplishments and updates for December 2022.
Celebrating Nature
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Celebrating nature
EBC has lots to celebrate - the species we protect, our 200+ nature reserves and monthly spotlights on volunteers. -
Events
Learn about EBC's upcoming virtual and in-person events -
Campaigns
Read about EBC's current campaigns here. Take action for nature now and support one of our latest campaigns. -
New releases
View our latest Precipice and BioSphere newsletters! -
Job Opportunities
Get involved with EBC. View our volunteer and job opportunities here!
Volunteer of the Month: Melanie Hunt (December, 2022)
December 30, 2022 — Melanie knew about EBC for many years as someone who is a lover of the great outdoors and enjoys hiking. She saw informational signs about our organization on different trails that she hikes regularly. It was last year, when EBC's Heaven's Gate was conserved, that Melanie became more aware of the work that we do in the area she lives...
Nature Reserve(s) of the Month: Stein Properties (December 2022)
December 29, 2022 — This month, we are celebrating a collection of properties on which we have conservation agreements, thanks to Amy Stein who entrusted us with their protection and stewardship. There are 5 properties in total spanning over 440 acres located within Grey County and Wellington which we obtained this month. A further two properties from Stein will hopefully be secured in the...
Precipice - Fall 2022 Newsletter Out Now!
December 5, 2022 — Click here to view our latest Precipice Newsletter - Fall 2022!
BioSphere November Newsletter Out Now!
November 30, 2022 — Click here to view our latest updates and accomplishments!
Species of the Month: Eastern White Cedar (November, 2022)
November 22, 2022 — The eastern white cedar is also commonly known as the northern white cedar, swamp cedar or arborvitae (meaning tree of life). It is a coniferous tree that is native to Canada spanning from Manitoba to the easterly provinces. It can be typically found in sphagnum bogs, in swampy areas or in very shallow dry soils where limestone is the predominant...
Great News for EBC! 4th greatest acreage of all Land Trusts in Canada!
November 1, 2022 — EBC received some fantastic news last week during the Land Trust Summit Conference in Ottawa. EBC has been recognized to have the 4th greatest acreage of all 150 Canadian land trusts coming through Environment Canada's Ecological Gifts Program! Given the much larger property sizes in Alberta and the boreal forest, this is quite an achievement to be proud of! We...
BioSphere Newsletter Now Here! October, 2022!
October 31, 2022 — To view our latest successes and updates view our latest monthly newsletter by clicking here!
Species of the Month: Tamarack (October, 2022)
October 30, 2022 — Tamarack, otherwise commonly called eastern larch, and can be found in every province and territory in Canada. Tamaracks are among the few conifers that lose their leaves in the Fall. Before their leaves are shed, their needles take on a beautiful Fall coloration. Although Tamaracks can grow on many sites, it prefers swamps or wet organic soils and is...
Volunteer of the Month: Anita Pintulis (October, 2022)
October 26, 2022 — Anita grew up in Hamilton a few blocks from the Niagara Escarpment. Since the Niagara Escarpment was on her doorstep, she regularly hiked its trails, walked along its old railway tracks and explored waterfalls. It was a wonderful way for her to escape into nature and reap the benefits of all nature has to offer. Anita and her sister...
Nature Reserve of the Month: Zinkan Cove (October, 2022)
October 18, 2022 — This month we applied for species at risk stewardship funding for grassland habitat restoration and herpetofauna (snake and reptile) monitoring and signage. Hopefully, this funding will come through so we are able to conduct more herp monitoring on our properties in Northern Bruce. Zinkan Cove is one of our Northern Bruce nature reserves, located on the west shore...
Volunteer of the Month: Sheila Peacock! September, 2022
September 30, 2022 — "I have known about EBC for years and appreciate all their work. I co-owned a motel in Tobermory for 20 years and often hosted members. I have volunteered time with many volunteer organizations over the years and I was delighted to be able to assist this year with offering our property for the annual monarch tagging. Over the past 10...
Nature reserve of the Month: Nottawasaga 2 (September, 2022)
September 29, 2022 — Nottawasaga 2 is a 10-acre addition to the previous 143.53 acres in our care located in Township of Essa, County of Simcoe. Nottawasaga has important forest and wetland habitats. This addition will connect the interior forest to the riparian and wetland areas next to Nottawasaga River, which is part of the Provincial Area of Natural Scientific Interest (ANSI) as well....
Nature Reserve of the Month: Davidson (August, 2022)
August 31, 2022 — Davidson consists primarily of cultivated fields and Significant Woodland with two streams flowing through it, one which originates on the nature reserve from a natural spring. Falling within the Meaford Ecodistrict (6E-4) covering much of the south shore of Georgian Bay, it is characterized by a gently rolling landscape ranging in elevation with shallow calcareous, coarse-textured morainal deposits dominating...
Species of the Month: Butternut Tree (August, 2022)
August 31, 2022 — The butternut tree, commonly referred to as the white walnut, is a native of North America and one of the toughest nut trees. Rich, buttery-flavored nuts that are harvested in late October are popular for fresh eating, confections, and baking. The nuts are valuable food for deer, squirrels and birds. Defining Characteristics: - Mature butternut trees are 50-60 feet...
Volunteer of the Month: John Willetts (August, 2022)
August 31, 2022 — John Willetts was president of Friends of Claireville in the Toronto area, a fairly active network of environmental groups. During this time, he was introduced to EBC's Executive Director, Robert Barnett for the first time. Then he later saw Bob at a community display up north. Once John acquired his 50-acre property in the Bruce Peninsula a few years...
Volunteer of the Month: Tomasz Majcherczyk (July, 2022)
August 8, 2022 — Tomasz Majcherczyk started volunteering for EBC this year and has already been assigned two nature preserves to monitor and steward - Misery Bay and Gallagher, both located on Manitoulin island. Tomasz has an off-grid property (which he built himself) located next to Misery Bay Provincial Park. He was hoping that since the park is just around the corner, with...
Nature Preserve of the Month: Mooi (July 2022)
August 8, 2022 — This is a 96.95 acre nature preserve located in Meaford, Ontario. Thanks to Jean and Frederick Mooi, who donated their land this year to EBC, we will protect your beautiful gift permanently!The northern-east and south-east portion of the land area is located within North Spey Wetland which constitutes approximately 15% of the total area. The nature preserve is also in...
Species of the Month: White Trillium (July, 2022)
July 29, 2022 — Defining Characteristics: They have three broad leaves, three small green sepals, three white petals, and a three-sectioned seedpod. Habitat and Seed Dispersal: White Trilliums are native to northeastern North America and thrive in rich deciduous or mixed wood forests. They prefer moist, well-drained woods and wet areas at low to mid-elevations. When looking for these flowers, look for...
Species of the Month: Wood thrush (June, 2022)
June 30, 2022 — Species of the Month: Wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) Defining Characteristics: - Reddish-brown feathers on top - White pot belly with black spots - Juveniles, similar in appearance just less vibrant colour/pattern. - Short tail and straight bill - Shape and posture look similar to a scaled-down robin. - Distinctive alarm calls which sound like a machine gun. - Wood...
Nature Reserve of the Month: Nottawasaga (May, 2022)
May 31, 2022 — History: This wilderness preserve is 143.53 acres located in Township of Essa, County of Simcoe. It has important forest and wetland habitats. EBC is looking into preserving an additional 8.5 acres to extend this area in the near future. The addition of the 8.5-acres will connect the interior forest to the riparian and wetland areas next to Nottawasaga River,...
Species of the Month: Cougar (May, 2022)
May 31, 2022 — Cougars otherwise referred to as pumas or mountain lions, are Canada's largest and most formidable wildcat. They are extremely elusive, so the likelihood of you coming across one in the wild are very slim!Defining Characteristics: Males may grow to be two meters tall and weigh more than 60 kg Females are approximately 40-45kg short brown or greyish hair that is...
Volunteers of the Month: Marissa Dolotallas and Chris Scerri (May, 2022)
May 31, 2022 — 1) How did they discover EBC? Marissa has always had a love of nature, exploring new trails and finding hidden gems. It was through her own research, she discovered us, what we did and why along with our many wilderness preserves and trails to explore. Chris learned about EBC from Marissa. They were exploring the Grey/Bruce and Marissa mentioned...
Nature Reserve of the Month: Springer Congers (January 2022)
February 1, 2022 — Springer Congers is a 51.23-acre plot of land in the Township of Chatsworth, Grey County. History: Springer Congers was originally a Conservation Agreement given in 2010 by Gunter and Vicky Springer. However, in 2021, the owners decided to upgrade the CA to a Fee Simple and the 51 acres are now fully under EBC'S protection. Significant Features: The Nature Reserve has...
Volunteer of the Month - Robert Burcher (January 2022)
January 30, 2022 — Robert Burcher has been involved with Kimbercote Farm (a retreat centre) in Meaford, Ontario since the mid-eighties. When it was disbanded, half of the property went to us at EBC and this was when Robert first learned about our organization. Interestingly, Robert was on the team that planted the forest that is now EBC land. Amazing what can happen in...
Nature Reserve of the Month: Michael's Bay East (December, 2021)
December 28, 2021 — EBC secured Michael’s Bay East Nature Reserve earlier this month. It is on Manitoulin Island in the traditional lands of the Odawa and Anishinabewaki. This natural sanctuary starts a new chapter, where EBC will seek to engage with Indigenous communities, and proceed in a spirit of reconciliation with respect to the site’s name, its uses, and the interests...
Species of the Month: Black-Capped Chickadee (December, 2021)
December 23, 2021 — Black-capped Chickadees are one of North America's most loved little birds. They are easily identifiable for their black cap of feathers that covers the top of their head which extends just below the eyes. They have a thick, white band across their cheeks and a black throat. Their chest is white, their wings are gray with white edges, and their sides...
Volunteer of the Month: Elizabeth McRae (December, 2021)
December 23, 2021 — Elizabeth has been an avid supporter of the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy for more than 20 years. Her husband and Bob Barnett (EBC's Executive Director) knew each other from a long time ago, back in University days. Her awareness of the EBC started on memorable camping and canoeing trips with Bob and Anna (Bob's wife) before the EBC came into being....
Species of the Month: Lake Sturgeon (November 2021)
November 30, 2021 — Characteristics: Lake Sturgeon can weigh more than 300 pounds and grow to nine feet in length! Similar to their prehistoric ancestors, these sturgeons have a distinct shark-like tail and armoured plates called “scutes” in rows for protection. The skin is covered with tiny tooth-like projections that give it the feel of fine sandpaper. Lake sturgeon are very slow-moving fish that will migrate during early summer up rivers. Female sturgeons reproduce between...
Volunteer of the month - Sage Jeffrey (October, 2021)
November 1, 2021 — (EBC's youngest volunteer yet!) When prompted with a series of questions, Sage (AKA dad, Andrew), responded with the following: 1) How did you learn about EBC? Grandpa has been an active member LITERALLY since before I can remember. He’s taken me on lots of the trails and shown me lots of fossils and fun things all over EBC...
Contest! Photography, Short Story, Artwork!
July 6, 2021 — Trout Hollow Reserve was generously donated by the Knight family to EBC earlier this year and is a truly unique property of 160 acres. The former site of the Georgian Bay Milling and Power Company, visitors can still see remnants of the mill that powered the Georgian Bay region 100 years ago, now lush with native flora and fauna. Also...
EBC celebrated Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21st
June 30, 2021 — June 21st marked National Indigenous Peoples Day. We recognize the history, heritage and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. EBC spent the day at our Stephen's Nature Reserve located in Glencairn. We planted 215 milkweed seeds in commemoration of the lives lost at Kamloops Indian Residential school. If you ever get a chance to visit our...
Species of the month: Black Bear (May 2021)
June 14, 2021 — Species of the Month: American Black BearHabitat and Diet:Black bears can be found throughout forested areas of Ontario. Their entire waking day revolves around food. When they are not hibernating, bears spend much of their day in search of berry crops, hazel and beechnuts. They will also feed on carrion, insects, fish, deer fawns and moose calves! Since berry patches are a...
Heaven's Gate is PROTECTED!
May 4, 2021 — As of Wednesday, April 28th, 2021, Heaven's Gate was CONSERVED! 2,000 acres of wilderness between the Provincial Parks of Killarney and La Cloche, protecting 12+ at-risk species, 3 lakes, 2 mountains and part of a third is now protected. On behalf of the staff, board members, volunteers and wildlife of Heaven's Gate, we thank everyone who has made this dream a reality!
Species of the month: Peregrine Falcon (March 2021)
March 23, 2021 — Conservation Status: Species-At-Risk The Peregrine Falcon is all about speed. They have long pointed wings allowing them to fly at diving speeds of more than 300km/hr. The Peregrine Falcon wins the world's fastest bird competition.Identifying features:- Easily identified by the black facial mask - Females are larger than males and a pair will generally mate for life Habitat: The Peregrine Falcon can be found...
Species of the month: Barred Owl (December 2020)
December 15, 2020 — Species of the month: Barred Owl - Spotted on one of EBC's reserves! Conservation Status: Special Concern Identifying Features: Barred Owls are predominately brown and white in colour presented in a mottled fashion. Their chest has vertical brown lines on top of a white background. The upper half of its body displays horizontal brown bars. The wings and tail are barred brown...
Virtual AGM Success!
October 1, 2020 — EBC’s AGM capped a successful year of conservation results while working within the parameters of COVID-19. We would like to send a special thanks to our retiring directors: Robert Wilson, Gord Edwards and Gillian Leitch. Robert Wilson was a founding director of EBC, he wrote our original by-law and got us incorporated. Robert also did a lot of legal work...
Species of the month: The Golden Eagle
August 25, 2020 — The Golden Eagle is one of the largest, fastest, and most agile raptors in North America. They have also been spotted on our Page and Palmer Reserve! Conservation status: Endangered Identifying features: Dark brown, with lighter golden-brown plumage on their heads and necks. 33 to 38 inches in length and wingspan is 6 to 7.5 feet Behaviour: Usually mate monogamously for life...
Featured Reserve Bidwell Bog - August 2020
August 18, 2020 — Nature Reserve of the Month: Bidwell Bog (Manitoulin Island)Bidwell Bog is a unique reserve that has a rare savannah landscape and a bog. This property has a beautiful hiking trail close to our Cup and Saucer reserve.History: This property was purchased in two parts. The first, in 2006 (329 acres) followed by another in 2007 (53 acres). The combined total...
Featured Reserve Cape Hurd - Barney Lake
January 29, 2020 — Featured Nature Reserve of the month: Cape Hurd - Barney Lake History: Barney Lake Nature Reserve is located on the Northern Bruce Peninsula, near Tobermory. It is over 400 acres and was acquired by EBC over a number of years beginning in 2002. After acquiring the lake as part of a 300-acre acquisition donated by a family in Owen Sound,...