Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve

Georgian Bay Rocks. Photo Credit: Ken LewisGeorgian Bay Rocks. Photo Credit: Ken Lewis
Biosphere reserves are internationally recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve is one of over 530 UNESCO biosphere reserves throughout the world and currently one of only 15 in Canada.

The eastern coast of Georgian Bay is also known as the "30,000 Islands" and is considered the world's largest freshwater archipelago.

Our biosphere reserve covers 347,000 hectares of shoreline ecosystem stretching from the Severn River to the French River. It contains over 100 species of animals and plants that are at risk in Canada and Ontario, including unique reptiles and amphibians.


   

Join a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve - Become a Member Today!


07_mixed_unesco_mab_enProtect the environment.
Create vibrant communities.
Build a healthy economy.

The Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve is a private non-profit organization working to protect and enhance the natural and cultural resources of Eastern Georgian Bay through environmental stewardship, community education and sustainable development activities.  Recognized by UNESCO as a world Biosphere Reserve, this ecologically unique region contains the world’s largest freshwater archipelago and is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species.  Focusing on sustainable community development and the conservation of biodiversity, the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve is committed to balancing the needs and aspirations of communities with those of the surrounding ecosystem, for a healthy and sustainable Georgian Bay.

Read more: Join a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve - Become a Member Today!

   


Latest News

  • Biosphere Funding Increases Gardening Opportunities

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    The Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve has received funding from Sobey’s Earth Day Canada Community Environment Fund to increase gardening opportunities and skill development in Parry Sound.  The program, titled “Growing Our Future” will support the extension of the community garden, six free hands-on gardening instructional workshops for adults and children in the community, a March Break "Kids Can Grow" gardening program, and the planting of a native wildlife demonstration garden.


    Read more... Biosphere Funding Increases Gardening Opportunities  

  • Biosphere Launches Lessons-In-a-Backpack

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    There is a new program coming to schools in the west Parry Sound area thanks to a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve (GBBR) has received $50,000 over two years to hire an Environmental Education Facilitator to work with schools from MacTier to Britt.

    Read more... Biosphere Launches Lessons-In-a-Backpack  

  • Greening Your Property: A Stewardship Manual for Landowners

    Stewardship Manual Cover
    To encourage more environmentally friendly shoreline ecosystems, the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve has developed a Stewardship Manual for residents and cottagers of Eastern Georgian Bay. Modeled off The Stewardship Guide for the Lake Huron Coastline, the manual guides readers through an environmental self-assessment of their property, providing valuable tips on how to minimize human impacts on the environment.
    Read more... Greening Your Property: A Stewardship Manual for Landowners  

  • Working Together to Help Species at Risk


    monarch_butterflyWith over 30 species at risk in the eastern Georgian Bay area, it is important for residents and organizations to work together to help conserve these species. The Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve is pleased to announce the continuation of our Species at Risk Awareness Program thanks to funding support from Ontario’s Species at Risk Stewardship Fund, Canada’s Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk, the Eastern Georgian Bay Stewardship Council and the Parry Sound and Muskoka Stewardship Network.
    Read more... Working Together to Help Species at Risk  

  • Regional Farmer's Market coming to McKellar

    produceThe McKellar Community Centre may become the venue for a new farmer's market.  The market, planned to open May 2010, would bring food producers within a one hundred mile radius of McKellar together weekly to sell their locally-produced goods to consumers. 

    Read more... Regional Farmer's Market coming to McKellar