October 20th, 2006, London, ON

Shaping the future of Conservation at annual Forum

Taking action to preserve the Carolinian Life Zone for the next generation

Over 100 community leaders, conservationists, planners, politicians, educators, researchers, landowners and citizens attended the Growing Sustainable Connections Forum, hosted by the Carolinian Canada Coalition on Friday October 20^th, 2006. “We are exceptionally pleased with the turnout,” says Michelle Kanter, Executive Director, Carolinian Canada. “The numbers are a strong indication that conservation is a high priority, that people do care passionately about natural lands and healthy balanced landscapes and are prepared to work together to protect what makes our communities unique.” 

Making connections, building relationships and strengthening links between sectors, the forum offered an optimum opportunity to get up-to-date on new conservation tools and strategies for sustainable landscapes, habitats and species at risk.  In his opening remarks, Dr. Gordon Nelson, Chair, Carolinian Canada, encouraged the audience to  ‘look over the fence’ to find out what conservation programs your neighbours are engaged in.’

Click here to download original picture (approx 500 KB)

Forum speakers included experts in the field of agriculture, planning and conservation sectors and all levels of government including First Nations.  Topics ranged from the impacts of nature on the economy, health, landscapes and way of life, to the broad spectrum of tools to support conservation efforts on private land, the socio-economic benefits of green space, action farmers are taking to reduce environmental risks and the significant role that Conservation Authorities have played in watershed management and conservation within the Carolinian Canada zone.

Reinforcing the message that conservation action cannot happen in isolation and that everyone must do their part to work together across sectors so landowners, wildlife and communities can benefit, Kanter is encouraged by today’s passionate, enthusiastic crowd. She says, “We have keen volunteers, landowners taking on stewardship initiatives and leading-edge communities putting ‘habitat corridors’ on the map.”  Launching their new strategic plan, Carolinian Canada Coalition is proud of their accomplishments and, with its conservation allies, working hard for a measure of change on the ground.  Carolinian Canada Coalition is sponsored by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.  For more information on the Coalition visit the website at www.carolinian.org.

Click here to download original picture (approx 500 KB)

Carolinian Canada Coalition is generously sponsored by the Ontario Trillium Foundation. 

For more information contact:

Michelle Kanter, Executive Director, Carolinian Canada
(519) 433-7077   mkanter@carolinian.org     www.carolinian.org

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