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 Over 50 Area Schools join Project Feederwatch

Do you like to build Bird Feeders?

The Long Point Biosphere Region, in collaboration with Birds Canada, has opened the door for students from fifty-three (53) area elementary schools to participate in Project Feederwatch, an international collaboration to inventory bird populations.

The Biosphere’s financial donation will help Birds Canada and its partner Cornell University’s Lab of Ornithology cover the cost of materials and other support for students who take part in the project, counting and reporting birds near their homes.  FeederWatch asks that students and other participants regularly record the birds they observe from a specific vantage point and at a specific count site over the winter (from November 1 to April 29).  Bird counts are then recorded and reported online to Project
Feederwatch.  Everyone is welcome to join.

“You don’t need to be an expert birder,” says Birds Canada. “And you don’t need to make a huge time commitment – Even if you count birds only once during the season, that is a helpful snapshot of the birds in your location.”

Count sites should have food and water that attracts and supports the birds in a sustained way.  So, it’s great when students can be equipped with bird feeders whether they are donated, or students learn to build their own.  If you think you can help in this regard, please let us know at education@longpointbiopsphere.com

 Over 50 Area Schools join Project Feederwatch Read More »

Parliamentary Secretary visits Long Point, celebrates nearly $5 M investment in Region

On August 22, 2023, Julie Dabrusin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), visited Norfolk County meeting with representatives of the Long Point Biosphere Region, Birds Canada, and the Canadian Wildlife Service.  She toured Long Point to see the impact of the Government of Canada’s investment of some $4.8 million in preserving biodiversity in our very special place.

“I was reminded today, that as Canadians, we are so lucky to be surrounded by so much natural beauty,” Ms. Dabrusin said. “Great things can happen when partners come together to support the environment, and this is especially true in Long Point.”

The Parliamentary Secretary heard presentations on road ecology, took part in birding, learned of our support of the Moccasin Identifier project, saw the special Biosphere mural at Long Point Eco-Adventures, and, with obvious glee, helped in the release of turtle hatchlings into the Long Point Bay marshes.

“It was a great opportunity to not only brief the Parliamentary Secretary on the current state of the Biosphere, but to also explore opportunities for expanding our robust partnership with ECCC and through the Priority Place initiative,” said Long Point Biosphere Chair Tom Via.  “A BIG thank you goes out to Birds Canada and Long Point Biosphere team members Sarah Emons, Cynthia Brink, Kari Gunson, and Andrew Couturier for their outstanding efforts in showcasing conservation work in our region.”

For more information on Ms. Dabusin’s visit and government support for the Biosphere and our partners in the region click here

Parliamentary Secretary visits Long Point, celebrates nearly $5 M investment in Region Read More »

Fall Conference – Support from S.M. Blair Foundation

Students, Sustainability, Conservation Careers
to feature at Biosphere’s 2023 Conference – November 3rd

This year’s Long Point Biosphere Research and Conservation Conference, the 11th annual gathering,  will include a new dimension aimed at encouraging local students to consider post-secondary education and careers in sustainability, environmental research, and the preservation of biodiversity.

“Once again, we’re looking forward to informative presentations on research important to Norfolk County and our region,” says conference organizer Cynthia Brink, noting the strong response to the call for papers. “But this year we’re also introducing a parallel program of exhibits on related careers and education opportunities at colleges and universities.”

Bus transportation for Norfolk area high school students wanting to attend the event will be arranged thanks, in part, to generous financial support from the S. M. Blair Family Foundation.  The Blair Foundation encourages education, training, and research careers. Its donation of over $5K to the Biosphere will also facilitate student participation in full-day outdoor activities throughout the year.

The Conference will take place Friday 3 November 2023 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at the Port Dover Community Centre, 801 Saint George Street, Port Dover.  Sponsorship opportunities and Tickets are still available ($45/$30 for students, lunch included).  Check the  Long Point Biosphere website for registration or contact conference@longpointbiosphere.com.

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Summer 2023 Biosphere Beacon newsletter

The New – Summer 2023 – edition of the Biosphere Beacon – the official newsletter of the Long Point Biosphere Region – is out!
This issue showcases some of the amazing work underway to protect and promote our region. From conservation efforts to sustainable tourism, we’ve got it all covered.
Check out THIS LINK to read the full newsletter and learn how you can get involved in creating a more sustainable future for our planet.

Newsletter Highlights

  • 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 road

Summer 2023 Biosphere Beacon newsletter Read More »

Mural celebrates Biosphere and Reconciliation

Future visitors to Long Point Eco-Adventures will be greeted by a unique, inspiring, and expressive art installation called the Moccasin Identifier project that is in keeping with our treaty responsibilities around truth and reconciliation and the international effort to build healing relationships between peoples and the land.

It  also embodies the Biosphere’s mission “to enhance ecosystem and community well-being”.

The 8 foot by 24 foot (approx. 2.4 by 7.3 metres) mural, integrates a variety of images around a concept created by two international artists and a First Nations artist to create an expressive piece that provokes conversation about Treaty and the fact that we are all treaty people. This piece is a mutli-faceted collaboration that includes government support, national organizations, local groups, individuals, students, Indigenous partners, and the two artists, Azurite De Luca and Benjamin Swatez,  who have been celebrated for their works in troubled regions around the world.  Working with UNICEF, Save the Children, Rotary International and other agencies, the two have created murals that promote peace and recognize the hardships people have faced in war-torn regions.

This past month (May 2023) Deluca and Swatez collaborated and First Nations artist Bezaliel Hill along with students from Mrs. Laura McKenzie’s class at our home school Valley Heights Secondary School and 30 other people completed the new mural, which will eventually be displayed on the Long Point Eco-Adventures Observatory building.  They also visited the region in March where they shared their knowledge and experiences from their travels in the Congo, Poland, and ground zero in the Ukraine with other local secondary school students.  Carolyn King, former Chief of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations and a recipient of the Order of Canada  and her team from Moccasin Identifier project also spent time with students from the Delhi, Simcoe Composite, Valley Heights, and Waterford high schools discussing Treaty and what it means to be Treaty people.  The students contributed indirectly to the mural through art produced during the workshops held under Moccasin Identifier, an initiative to raise awareness of indigenous culture, Treaty rights, and ancestral presence in Treaty #3 on the lands across Ontario.  The workshops and the mural production were organized by Project Manager Cynthia Brink for the Long Point Biosphere Region with financial support from Nature Canada and the federal department of Environment and Climate Change Canada.  This Mural is the first of four  expected to grace the Norfolk County landscape.

Mural celebrates Biosphere and Reconciliation Read More »

Summer 2024 – Visit Norfolk’s Amazing Places

Once again, this year the Long Point Biosphere Region (LPBR) is celebrating twenty-two (22) Norfolk County sites as Amazing Places and models for sustainable tourism. 

With support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Government of Ontario, three new  Amazing Places were identified in 2022 through a  project involving stakeholder consultations, local meetings and other initiatives. The project also grouped the local Amazing Places under themed itineraries as one-day packages for families, couples, and all residents and visitors to learn, explore, and have fun.

The list of locations are highlighted under Amazing Places – and check out the suggested GoAmazing itineraries.

Summer 2024 – Visit Norfolk’s Amazing Places Read More »

Explore the Biosphere with Lessons in your Backpack

Designed to help teachers and engage school children, the Long Point Biosphere Region’s Lessons in a Backpack can be a fun tool for anyone looking to learn and connect with nature.

The lesson packages, though tailored for students from grades 1 to 8,  contain information and challenges that will help families and all individuals draw more from their outdoor experiences in the region.

Each lesson is linked to the unique natural environment of the Long Point Biosphere Region.

This project was supported with funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Government of Ontario and with help from our friends in the Georgian Bay Biosphere

Also check out our Naturehood Video series on ways to learn and enjoy life in this special place.

Explore the Biosphere with Lessons in your Backpack Read More »

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