Building on the success of its first ever Eco-Crawl last year, the Long Point Biosphere is looking to expand its promotion of sustainable tourism in Norfolk County over the coming months. This will include new initiatives to support designated Amazing Places in our area and collaborations with other Biosphere regions in Ontario and across Canada.
The Amazing Places program identifies sites for residents and visitors to learn about physical, biological or historical features that are unique to our region. The initiative, funded by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, the Ontario Trillium Foundation, and Mountain Equipment Co-op, was established in 2022 with information materials and special itineraries for those looking to explore the region.
This year this material will be repackaged in formats that make it easier for visitors and local residents to reference and to possibly expand the Long Point Biosphere Eco-Crawl.
Last year the Eco-Crawl was launched in conjunction with Port Rowan’s Bayfest celebrations with funding under the Norfolk County Community Grants Program. 
The funding covered bus shuttle services to help visitors and residents learn more about conservation organizations such as Birds Canada, Long Point Basin Land Trust, Turkey Point Provincial Park, and Long Point Provincial Park as well as sustainable businesses such as Long Point Eco-Adventures, Burning Kiln Winery, Inasphere Winery and Farm, South Coast Gardens, Meuse Brewery. and more. The Eco-Crawl also showcased the Long Point Turtle Hatchery project and promoted other conservation activities with display and information tables at Birds Canada headquarters.
“We have a rich portfolio of businesses and organizations dedicated to conservation and the natural environment in the Biosphere,” said Tom Via, LPBR Chair. “The Eco-Crawl celebrates these organizations and our partnerships, and it will be great to expand it in the future in conjunction with the Amazing Places program.”