The Ontario government says it’s investing $20 million through its Species Conservation Program to support 46 community-led projects aimed at protecting species at risk and their habitats across the province.
According to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, the funding replaces and expands the former Species at Risk Stewardship Program, quadrupling annual investment in conservation efforts.
The projects will support 15 new initiatives and 31 ongoing multi-year efforts focused on habitat restoration, species recovery and community engagement. Species identified in this year’s funding include Monarch butterflies, Blanding’s turtles and butternut trees.
Organizations receiving support include ALUS Canada, which will restore more than 4,700 acres of farmland habitat; the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre, which rehabilitates injured turtles and releases hatchlings; and Ducks Unlimited Canada, which will restore and enhance wetlands used by at-risk wildlife.
Earth Rangers is receiving $500,000 to develop seven new bilingual environmental missions through its app and website, encouraging children and families to take part in conservation activities.
The province says the updated program now allows funding for land securement, helping protect ecologically significant areas that support species at risk.
Since 2018, Ontario reports it has invested $33 million in more than 220 stewardship projects, restoring nearly 50,000 acres of habitat and supporting over 2,300 jobs.
Officials say the program is part of Ontario’s broader plan to preserve biodiversity and strengthen environmental resilience for future generations.
Written by: Joseph Goden
