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North Shore Resilience Project Awarded Wawanesa Climate Champions Grant

Important dune restoration will continue between Port Glasgow and Long Point with support from Wawanesa Insurance.

Dune restoration completed as part of the North Shore Resilience project.

December 11, 2025 (Port Rowan, ON) – The Long Point Biosphere Region is pleased to announce that critical dune restoration work along the north shore of Lake Erie will continue through 2026 thanks to funding from Wawanesa through its Wawanesa Climate Champions: Local Grants initiative. The $50,000 grant will extend on-the-ground efforts to safeguard communities, infrastructure, and beaches from intensifying coastal hazards from Port Glasgow to Long Point. 

“This new funding is an important lifeline for our coastal communities,” says Sarah Emons, Director of Conservation at the Long Point Biosphere Region. “It means we can keep protecting beaches, homes, and infrastructure, while restoring natural dune systems that support both people, the local economy, and wildlife.”

Warming winter air and rising lake temperatures have led to a marked increase in ice-free days on Lake Erie, extending the open-water season and raising wave energy in winter by across the north shore. Combined with more extreme weather events, this has led to increases in flooding, erosion, and beach deterioration. These conditions threaten homes, municipal infrastructure, and regional tourism that relies on healthy shorelines. 

The new funding will use nature-based solutions to restore natural shoreline with locally sourced native grasses. Sand dunes form at the back of beaches when sand is trapped by beachgrass and other native plants. Healthy dunes create a barrier against natural coastal hazards, such as flooding and erosion, and improve habitat. 

“Climate change is affecting the places we live and work in ways that require practical, local solutions,” says Mitchell McEwen, Wawanesa’s Director of Sustainability, Climate Resilience & Community Impact. “As a member-owned mutual insurer, we believe in supporting those working closest to these challenges. That’s why we’re helping organizations like the Long Point Biosphere Region advance practical solutions forward and strengthen their capacity to protect their communities.”

The North Shore Resilience project is a collaborative effort involving municipal, First Nations, government, and non-profit partners:

  • Norfolk County
  • Municipality of Bayham
  • Township of Malahide
  • Municipality of Central Elgin
  • Municipality of Dutton-Dunwich
  • Municipality of West Elgin
  • Townships of Southwold
  • Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
  • Long Point Region Conservation Authority
  • Catfish Creek Conservation Authority
  • Kettle Creek Conservation Authority
  • Lower Thames Conservation Authority
  • Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Integrated Planning Unit
  • Birds Canada
  • Nature Conservancy of Canada

The project was launched in 2024 with funding from the Canada Water Agency to address threats to coastal communities, ecosystems, and infrastructure through the development of scientific and technical knowledge, community engagement, and nature-based solutions such as dune restoration. The project is managed by the Long Point Biosphere Region.

 

About the Long Point Biosphere Region

Designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Region in 1986, Long Point is part of a global network of more than 750 Biosphere Reserves, including 19 in Canada and four in Ontario. The Long Point Biosphere Region is the charitable non-profit organization established to uphold the values and vision of the UNESCO biosphere designation and is dedicated to connecting people to the unique natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the Long Point region and Norfolk County. The organization is responsible for demonstrating leadership in conserving biodiversity; promoting sustainable economic, social and ecological development; providing logistical support for education, training, and research; and advancing truth and reconciliation with Indigenous communities. 

About The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company 

The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company, founded in 1896, is one of Canada’s largest mutual insurers, with over $4 billion in annual revenue and assets of $11.5 billion. Wawanesa Mutual, with its National Headquarters in Winnipeg, is the parent company of Wawanesa Life, which provides life insurance products and services throughout Canada, and Western Financial Group, which distributes personal and business insurance across Canada. Wawanesa proudly serves more than 1.87 million members in Canada. The company actively gives back to organizations that strengthen communities, donating more than $3.5 million annually to charitable organizations, including over $2 million annually in support of people on the front lines of climate change. Learn more at wawanesa.com.

 

Media Contacts

Sarah Emons
Director of Conservation
Long Point Biosphere Region
conservation@longpointbiosphere.com

Michel Rosset
Manager, Corporate Communications & Media Relations
The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company
media@wawanesa.com

North Shore Resilience Project Awarded Wawanesa Climate Champions Grant Read More »

Bursary supports Youth Summit 2025

This fall, the Long Point Biosphere Region (LPBR) was proud to support three inspiring young people in attending Ontario Nature’s 2025 Youth Summit for Mother Earth. This annual event brings together passionate youth from across Ontario for a weekend of hands-on workshops, nature-based activities, and leadership training, all designed to empower a young generation of environmental stewards.

Thanks to generous community donations to the Biosphere’s Bella Bursary, LPBR was able to collaborate with Ontario Nature to make this life-changing experience possible. The Youth Summit, held in September 2025, offered participants a unique opportunity to explore conservation issues, learn from Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, and build lasting connections with like-minded youth who share a commitment to protecting the natural world.

Among this year’s Bella Bursary delegates was a local secondary school student whose enthusiasm for conservation made her an excellent representative of our region’s youth community. Joining her were two recent participants of the Long Point Bird Observatory’s 2025 Young Ornithologists’ Workshop (YOW), who discovered the Summit sponsorship opportunity through their involvement in the local event. Their shared experiences at the Summit included guided nature hikes, skill-building sessions on environmental advocacy, and opportunities to develop new conservation projects to bring home to their communities.

“The Long Point Biosphere believes that supporting youth participation in events like the Youth Summit has a lasting ripple effect,” says LPBR Executive Director Janet Dassinger. “These young leaders return home inspired and equipped with new knowledge, networks, and ideas that strengthen local environmental initiatives.”

Dassinger adds that this engagement also reflects the Biosphere’s commitment to fostering a culture of stewardship across generations. 

This initiative was made possible not only through the Bella Bursary but also through co-sponsorship by the Thunder Bay Field Naturalists and the strong partnership with Ontario Nature. Their combined support has allowed the Biosphere to continue its youth engagement efforts. In fact, because of these partnerships, LPBR will be able to dedicate funds to help send even more young people to the Youth Summit in 2026.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all donors, partners, and community members who make programs like this possible. Together, we are empowering youth to become passionate advocates for the environment, ensuring that the natural beauty and ecological richness of the Long Point region continue to thrive for generations to come.

Quotes from two of the youth sponsored by the Bella Bursary in 2025:
 
    • “As I enter my final year of high school, it is opportunities like the [Youth Summit for Mother Earth] that solidify in my mind that no matter where I end up, my appreciation and passion for nature will always be at the forefront of the decisions that will influence the trajectory of the rest of my life and for that, I am truly grateful.”
       
    • “The Summit taught me the importance of approaching eco-activism and working with others with a positive mindset. I gained a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of nature and how small action can make a significant difference in promoting and protecting the environment. I brought the steps to successful eco-activisms and new habits to aid the environment to my school’s environmental club. […] The knowledge and inspiration I gained at the Summit will guide my efforts to make a positive impact in my community and beyond.”

To learn more about the Youth Summit and contribute to it click here.

Bursary supports Youth Summit 2025 Read More »

Recent Newsletters

Fall 2025 
 Biosphere Beacon

Spring 2025 

Biosphere Beacon

In this issue, we invite you to join the Friends of the Long Point Biosphere – at no cost –  to keep up to date on our projects and programs.

Click individual links below.

FALL 2024 Biosphere Beacon

In this issue, we invite you to attend our Annual General Meeting and prepare for the Fall Research and Conservation Conference as well as updating you on recent projects.

Click individual links below.

SUMMER 2024 Biosphere Beacon

In this issue, we review our new projects, look to the future, and remember a special volunteer. 
Click individual links below.

SPRING 2024 Biosphere Beacon

In this issue, we celebrate our recent successes and special partnerships. 
Click individual links below.

FALL 2023 Biopshere Beacon (Highlights listed below)
Click here for the  full newsletter as PDF

  • Parliamentary Secretary’s visit to Long Point
  • Georgian Bay’s Ganawenim Meshkiki’s funding of Long Point Road Ecology
  • Over 50 Area Schools joining Project Feederwatch
  • Nature Canada’s renewal of funding for Long Point Programs
  • New – The Isabella Brink-Read Youth Summit Award

SUMMER 2023 Biosphere Beacon (Highlights listed below)
 Click here for the full newsletter as PDF 

  • Spooky Hollow helps meet national biodiversity goals
  • Join us on Wandering Wednesdays
  • We’re participating in the Birds Canada Birdathon, and we need your help!
  • How many of Norfolk County’s 22 Amazing Places have you visited?
  • We’re helping connect students to nature
  • Announcing a documentary about the Biosphere – we’ll have an extravaganza and fundraiser featuring a special showing, stay tuned!
  • Artists from indigenous and international backgrounds collaborate
  • Protecting turtles, snakes and more from the dangers of crossing the roa

Recent Newsletters Read More »

Help Us save the Long Point Shoreline

National Wildlife Area Beach Grass Planting Blitz –  October 2025

We need your help in our ongoing effort to preserve the Long Point shoreline.

The Biosphere beach restoration team which has been working along the point throughout the year is conducting a special initiative in the Canadian Wildlife Service’s National Wildlife Area (NWA) this fall.   We really appreciate the help we received in planting beach grass along the NWA shoreline in October.

It was a special time as we planted the rare Great Lakes Beach Grass which is adapted to dune building in Long Point.

This work is part of a larger undertaking to study and preserve the Lake Erie shoreline called the North Shore Resilience Project.  Learn more about the Project, funded by the Canada Water Agency here.

Under the project, our team has been working to restore sand dunes by planting native grasses on the southern shore of Long Point.  It is a a partnership with landowners, Norfolk County, and volunteers from our area like you.

Those involved to date have been planting native grasses such as Beach Grass, Little Bluestem and Switch Grass to catch and hold sand and, in turn, build dunes on Long Point.

“The grass-filled dunes protect the beach and properties from storm surges, high water levels and powerful winds, as well as allowing beaches to grow and remain healthy by storing sand,” says Sarah Emons, Long Point Biosphere Region Conservation Director.

For details on how to volunteer and help in the future email: conservation@longpointbiosphere.com

Help Us save the Long Point Shoreline Read More »

Giving the Foxsnake a Break

Biosphere Initiatives to help the Endangered Foxsnake

It’s clever, helpful, gentle, shy, and even a little pretty.  Yet some people feel the impulse to get rid of it, and others are not interested in the rare animal’s struggle to survive.

The endangered Eastern Foxsnake does have its challenges.  It likes to swim along shorelines and bask on the shoulders of roadways. This brings it into contact with the dangers of boating and road traffic.  Because it can grow to five feet in length, its size combined with bright colouring and the ability to mimic a rattler by shaking its tail in leaves means startling confrontations with humans.  This can end badly for the snake even though it is non-venomous and essentially harmless.

But we in Norfolk County have a special obligation to the Eastern Foxsnake.  Over 70 percent of the global Eastern Foxsnake population survives in just a few pockets along the Great Lakes in Ontario.  One of these is the southern part of Norfolk County.

Our area is thus home to one of the few natural habitats that continues to support the species: an animal that helps maintain a balanced ecosystem, keeps rodent populations in check, reduces the spread of disease, and supports sustainable agriculture.

For this reason, the Long Point Biosphere Region and its partners including students and faculty at the University of Waterloo have been reviewing and analysing data gathered over 50 years to identify ways to protect the snake.  The results of this study, published recently in The Canadian Herpetologist, show that snake sightings cluster around points where wildlife corridors and streams intersect with specific roadways, such as County Road 60.  In addition to highlighting the importance of the corridor habitat, this information, which will be shared this fall through special initiatives such as workshops for professionals, will assist Norfolk County planners and engineers as they consider options for roadkill mitigation measures and specifically designed fencing.

But we all can play a part in protecting the species by learning how to identify the snake and by reporting sightings of it, alive or dead, to resources such as iNaturalist so the information can help future research and planning.  For example, our Wildlife Road Watch crew will be conducting a Foxsnake Road Ecology Bioblitz to record data in September and October when the snakes are on the move. 

But even though we want you to be interested in the snake and its struggle to survive, the best thing you can do when you see one in the wild is to feign disinterest.  Just walk away and let the Foxsnake continue on its way to play a unique role in the natural environment and our own sustainability.

 

Giving the Foxsnake a Break Read More »

Long Point Company Book Event

Thanks to everyone who came out for an evening with the author of Lake Erie’s Long Point and the Company that Saved it Stephen Selk at Birds Canada in Port Rowan on August 28, 2025. 

The book reflects  meticulous research on the colourful history of Long Point.  This is the second edition of the classic work. 

Stephen donated all proceeds from the evening book sales to the Long Point Biosphere Region.

For a Podcast Interview with Stephen and a blog about his book

Click here 

Long Point Company Book Event Read More »

Biosphere – Eco-Adventures Turtle Hatchery

Opening Launches Eco-Tourism Collaborative

(26 July 2025 – Norfolk County, Ontario)

The UNESCO-designated Long Point Biosphere Region and the Long Point Eco-Adventures resort and retreat have launched a collaboration that the two organizations hope will anchor a broader, integrated effort to promote sustainable tourism and conservation in Norfolk County.  The agreement focuses initially on the development of facilities and a multi-faceted program to protect native turtle species and to inform the public of their ecological importance to the Biosphere region.

The Long Point Turtle Hatchery and Exhibition Centre which opened today is located at the Long Point Eco-Adventures site in St. Williams and is part of a program of experience and education. The centre also benefits from substantial support from a TD Friends of the Environment Foundation grant as well as funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).

“We are delighted to work with such an innovative and dedicated organization as Long Point Eco-Adventures,” said Biosphere Chair Tom Via. “Its commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism is inspiring and a cornerstone of visitor experience in our area.”

Via added that the Biosphere is looking to expand the collaborative by building upon other partnerships such as existing relationships with organizations such as Birds Canada and the Long Point Land Trust as well as the work of the companies, government agencies, and groups featured in the Biosphere’s Amazing Places initiative.

Long Point Turtle Hatchery, Wildlife Road Watch, and Public Turtle Tours

There are eight freshwater turtle species in Canada and all of them are in decline.  The Long Point Biosphere Turtle Hatchery & Exhibit at Eco Adventures in Saint Williams, Ontario was established to assist in reversing this trend.

The hatchery project is made possible by dedicated Wildlife Road Watch (WRW) volunteers, who patrol roads where freshwater turtles cross to access dry upland nesting habitat.  This happens during the annual nesting migration each year in June.

Long Point Biosphere WRW volunteers help adult turtles cross roads and find ideal nesting sites.  The volunteers stop traffic, carry turtles across roads, and guard them while they are nesting. Once a turtle has finished nesting, volunteers ensure the adult females travel safely back to the wetland.  Later, the team excavates at risk eggs for safe incubation at the Long Point hatchery.

“Roadside work is dangerous for turtles and people,” says Kari Gunson, Biosphere road ecologist. “ But thanks to new safety vests provided by  Mitchell Plastics and designed by volunteer Patti Moore, the turtle team was safely outfitted in style.”

This year (2025), hundreds of mature adult females were protected from vehicles on roads and a total of 1,167 eggs, including 194 from threatened Blanding’s Turtles, are now incubating at the hatchery.

The first hatchling is expected as early as today, July 26, 2025.  Hatching will continue to September.

For the first seven days of their lives, each hatchling will serve as an ambassador for their species, while the turtle volunteers inform guests to Long Point Eco-Adventures about the threats to turtles and how everyone can all help. Check out the special turtle tours at Long Point Eco-Adventures

After their seven days of fame are up, the hatchlings will be released directly into the marshes their mothers came from. After the last releases in September, volunteers will hit the roads again to look for both turtles and snakes, such as the endangered Foxsnake,  crossing roads to get to overwintering habitat in Norfolk County. Along the way additional wild turtle hatchlings will also be found and carried to the nearest wetland increasing the overall odds for the continued presence of turtles in “Canada’s Amazon” – the Long Point Biosphere.

See Tiny Win for Turtles story, and please consider contributing to the Long Point Biosphere Region Turtle Hatchery!

Click Here to Donate

If you are not able to contribute financially but wish to help another way, please consider joining Wildlife Road Watch, our volunteer program.  You  will be trained to safely help turtles cross roads and to identify turtle nests for excavation along several key nesting hotspots.

If you are interested, please consider subscribing at wildlifeonroads.com  or reach out to Lauren at lnightingale@eco-kare.com for more information.  For media coverage click here (TV) and here (newspaper).

For more on what’s happening in the Long Point Biosphere check out our newsletter here. 

Biosphere – Eco-Adventures Turtle Hatchery Read More »

Join our Board as Director or Vice-Chair

The Long Point Biosphere Region (LPBR) is seeking new members to serve on its Board of Directors in positions that include that of Vice-Chair.

The LPBR is the operating name of a non-profit registered Canadian charity promoting research, monitoring, community outreach, education, partnerships, and projects that support the goals of biodiversity, conservation and sustainable communities in Norfolk County, Ontario.

The entire county shares in our region’s designation  as a  World Biosphere Reserve. The designation comes from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) under its Man and Biosphere program.

Board members serve without remuneration typically for three-year terms in a process prescribed by the Biosphere’s By-Law.  They provide strategic direction to the organization, review its financial statements, and play an active role in fund development as well as other functions aligned with good governance and accountability. Here is our current Board membership.

We welcome applications from anyone with an interest in our mandate, but we can benefit from skills in program management, fund development, science, marketing, communications, law, and finance.

Vice Chair of the Board

One director will be elected by fellow board members to serve as Vice-Chair. This person will act on behalf of the Chair when required as well as performing any other duties and exercising powers as the board may specify.

The Vice-Chair will be a key participant in director recruitment, board operations, and overall governance and will be expected to eventually assume the position of Chair as part of the organization’s approach to succession planning.

Click here for the Board of Directors Application Form

Please open, save, and then complete the form to email it to admin@longpointbiosphere.com

Or if you like, contact us at this email address with any questions.

Join our Board as Director or Vice-Chair Read More »

Ont. Horticultural Newsletter features Biosphere Shoreline Project

The Ontario Horticultural Association (OHA), a charitable organization that encourages interest in gardening and related environmental issues across the province, has featured the Long Point Biosphere Region’s North Shore Resilience Project in its Summer 2025 Newsletter Trillium.

The Trillium article written by the Biosphere’s Conservation Director Sarah Emons and Laurene Via, a member of the Port Dover and Woodhouse Horticulture Society, describes work being done to restore sand dunes by planting native grasses on the southern shore of Long Point.  

The piece, entitled Coastal Gardening: An Initiative to Prevent Wind and Water Erosion Along the Northern Shore of Lake Erie is illustrated with many captioned photos and supported by information on the project, which is a partnership with volunteer landowners, Norfolk County, and volunteer gardeners from our area. 

Those involved plant native grasses such as Beach Grass, Little Bluestem and Switch Grass to catch and hold sand and, in turn, build dunes on Long Point.  The grass-filled dunes protect the beach and properties from storm surges, high water levels and powerful winds, as well as allowing beaches to grow and remain healthy by storing sand.  

Through the OHA newsletter, gardening enthusiasts in horticultural societies and like-minded organizations across Ontario will learn about the Biosphere project which also involves significant research, engineering, and outreach programs as well.

 To learn more about the North Shore Resilience Project, funded by the Canada Water Agency, click here.

Ont. Horticultural Newsletter features Biosphere Shoreline Project Read More »

Janet Dassinger Appointed Interim Executive Director

The Board of Directors of the Long Point Biosphere Region (LPBR) is pleased to announce the appointment of Janet Dassinger as Interim Executive Director (E.D.) effective April 9, 2025.

“Janet’s appointment is an important step toward establishing a more robust operating and governance system for the Biosphere,” said LPBR Chair Tom Via. “We are delighted that she has agreed to accept this role and the challenges it embraces.”

The Interim Executive Director will play a key role in developing and advancing a new strategic plan for the LPBR as well as leading Biosphere operations. The creation of the position and the broader initiative it involves is supported by funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and by a strategic collaboration with the highly successful Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere.

Janet, who is passionate about conservation and the Long Point region, is a Senior Research Officer with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).  Over her career, she has worked as a project manager, executive director and fund developer in the not-for-profit sector. She has advanced degrees in Labour Studies and Social Work from McMaster University.  Janet resigned from the Biosphere board and the position of President to assume the Interim E.D. duties.

Janet Dassinger Appointed Interim Executive Director Read More »

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