Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Network

The Niagara Escarpment Biosphere represents an extensive stretch of forested land in south-central Ontario which includes two major biomes, boreal needleleaf forests and temperate broadleaf forests. The Biosphere remains one of Ontario’s most scenic landscapes and offers a mix of both natural and urban environments. The main goals of the Biosphere are to preserve the region’s ecological diversity, to encourage stakeholders to use sustainable practices, and to uphold socio-cultural relationships through educational programs and tourism.

The Niagara Escarpment Biosphere has transitioned to a non-governmental, not-for-profit organization. The purpose of this transition was to better connect the community and stakeholders with the biosphere and create a sense of shared responsibility among these groups. As a result, the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Network was established to support the management of the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere as a community-led, grassroots organization that will work to meet the criteria and standards required by United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Supported by Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Indigenous non-governmental organization Plenty Canada is partnering, nurturing, and assisting in the development of the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Network.

Part of the rationale by UNESCO for directing a renewed Niagara Escarpment Biosphere organizational model was that it was no longer appropriate to have oversight nested within a government agency, namely the Niagara Escarpment Commission. In 2021, the Transition Leadership Committee and Plenty Canada signed a memorandum-of-understanding to work together on developing this new co-governance structure. Work has progressed well and in March 2022, the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Network became officially incorporated under provincial regulations. The Network is now the official entity that is working on the mandate and designation of the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere.

Bruce Trail Conservancy

The Bruce Trail Conservancy is committed to preserving a ribbon of wilderness, for everyone, forever. The Bruce Trail works to secure a permanently protected corridor within the Niagara Escarpment. We show respect for all individuals and groups with whom we interact, recognize our special relationship with landowners, and acknowledge the traditional homelands of the Indigenous peoples of the Escarpment. 

University of Guelph Master of Conservation Leadership Program

​The Master of Conservation Leadership program is designed to meet the needs of the conservation sector. It emphasizes innovative conservation practice including Indigenous-led conservation governance, partnership engagement and private and working lands conservation.

Landscape of Nations 360°

Landscape of Nations 360° Incorporated is a not-for-profit organization that creates, designs, and implements educational and expressive arts programs that convey the meaning, depth, substance, and contributions of Indigenous peoples to Canadian history and society. The organization develops projects that are intended to enlighten and transform the public’s understanding of — and engagement with — Indigenous peoples.

Mississippi Mills All My Relations

Mississippi Mills All My Relations is a group of community members living in the area focusing on restoring the relationship of trust and  friendship between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Peoples in our country. 

Ontario Nature

Ontario Nature is a conservation organization that protects wild species and spaces through conservation, education and public engagement.

Walpole Island Land Trust

Conserving land for the future generations in Bkejwanong Territory. 

Trent University - Indigenous Environmental Studies and Sciences

For more than 50 years, Trent has incorporated traditional teachings and perspectives into its curricular and extra-curricular programming. In fact, Trent’s groundbreaking leadership in Indigenous Studies dates back to our beginnings, when we became the first university in Canada, and only the second in North America, to establish an academic department dedicated to the study of Indigenous peoples and Indigenous knowledges.

Forests Ontario

Forests Ontario is dedicated to making our forests greener. Ambitious tree planting initiatives, extensive education programs and decades of community outreach have resulted in millions of trees being planted each year.

Mohawk Council of Akwesasne Environment Program

In the tradition of the Ohen:ton Karihwateh:kwen (The Words That Come Before All Else), the Environment Program strives to better understand, protect, maintain, and enhance the natural environment of Akwesasne. We acknowledge the contributions of all elements of creation and strive to ensure that projects within our community adhere to safe environmental practices while keeping aware of current environmental and health issues. We are also committed to sharing knowledge of our Environment through Education and Connection to Community.

South Nation Conservation

South Nation Conservation has a strong history in watershed management and leadership in applying sustainability practices. As an agency established under the Conservation Authorities Act of Ontario in 1947, SNC has decades of practical experience in protecting our environment and engaging communities. Today, it manages 4,480 km2 of land in Eastern Ontario; employs more than 40 staff; and has lead hundreds of stewardship projects to success.

Algonquin to Adirondacks Collaborative 

The A2A Collaborative facilitates a network of partner organizations working to connect lands and people across the Algonquin to Adirondacks region, to enhance a critical link for biodiversity and resilience in eastern North America.