Conservation Authorities Act Under Review

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) recently announced a review of the Conservation Authorities Act. A discussion paper has been posted to solicit feedback around governance, funding mechanisms, and roles and responsibilities of Conservation Authorities. Comments are being accepted until October 19, 2015. We invite you to get involved. Visit Ontario's Environmental Registry at www.ebr.gov.on.ca and reference EBR Registry number 012-4509 to get more details on the process, the discussion paper and how to submit your comments. If you'd like to know more, please do not hesitate to contact the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority @ 905.885.8173 or [email protected].
Winter Closure Notifications
 
Please note that all GRCA Conservation Areas will be closed for the winter as of mid-October. Thurne Parks CA has already been closed until Spring 2016.

A reminder to all Ganaraska Forest users that the forest will be closed for all motorized-use (with the exception of snowmobiling) as of December 1st. The forest will re-open to off-road vehicles as of May 1st 2016. Don't forget that all forest users must obtain a day pass or annual membership .
Forget Winter, Think Spring!

Interested in planting trees this Spring 2016?  The GRCA can assist in many ways:


Planting the trees and shrubs on your property

Offering trees and shrubs for sale

Offering free trees to be planted along municipal roads in the Municipality of Clarington and the Municipality of Port Hope

 

Financial assistance may also be available!
 
For more information contact Pam Lancaster, Stewardship Technician at [email protected]
New Outdoor Education Program @ GFC
 
The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority is thrilled to announce the launch of a brand new outdoor education program called Trappers and Traders. This half-day program will be available year-round for students in grades 5 - 12, and links to the social studies, history and physical education components of the Ministry of Education curriculum.

Through a generous bequeath by the late Barbara Young from Cobourg, the program was created by our Ontario-certified teachers, in consultation with Alderville First Nations. It is based on the historical concept of trapping and fur trading in the Northumberland County area. It is a hands-on and engaging program that puts student teams against one another in an orienteering challenge that requires teams to creatively barter their European goods for animal pelts. Through the game and the fur trade relics, students learn about the history and challenges of the fur trade, as well as the differing perspectives of value in the eyes of Ontario's First Nations and earliest Europeans.

With the capital funds provided by Ms. Young, who had a true penchant for children's learning, a new trader's cabin and tipi have recently been installed at the Ganaraska Forest Outdoor Education Centre. We invite teachers to call 905-797-2721 and be one of the first classes to take in this exciting program.
New Public Event Added to 2016 Outdoor Adventure Calendar

The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority is excited to announce a new event to the outdoor adventure list of programs available to the public. New in January 2016 will be Reptiles at Risk - an interactive, advanced workshop featuring live animals, many of which are species at risk.

This event (recommended for ages 8 and up) allows participants to get up close and personal with these secretive creatures, after learning about species identification, life history, handling techniques, conservation status and threat, mitigation strategies and legislative issues. Registrations will open in late-November; please call the GRCA @ 905.885.8173.

Also, don't miss out on another great event at the Ganaraska Forest Centre - Ontario's Birds of Prey - happening November 19th 2015 from 1:00pm - 3:00pm. Again, pre-registration is required by calling 905.885.8173. You don't want to miss out on this hands-on experience with raptors!