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 553 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.

Read our 2009-2010 Annual Report to learn more about our work.  GBBR_Annual_Report_2009-2010.pdf


   

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

  • Life on the Bay Stewardship Party Program Launched for 2010-2011

    The Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve is proud to announce that we have received funding from Ontario’s Species at Risk Stewardship Fund and Canada’s Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk to offer stewardship workshops for property owners throughout the eastern Georgian Bay region.  This Project was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada provided through the Department of the Environment. These workshops, called Stewardship Parties, are based on the Life on the Bay Stewardship Guide released by the Biosphere last summer.
    Read more... Life on the Bay Stewardship Party Program Launched for 2010-2011  

  • Life in the Biosphere Event

    nature_walk_-Charlene_PeckOn Saturday, March 6th the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve hosted its first “Life in the Biosphere” event at the Charles W. Stockey Centre in Parry Sound. With a goal of balancing a healthy environment with a healthy economy, the event promoted sustainable living with presentations from experts on energy-efficient buildings, wildlife biology, natural landscaping, wetland research and business marketing.
    Read more... Life in the Biosphere Event  

  • Kids Can Grow March Break Program

    Kids Can Grow -Glenda_ClaytonHands were in the soil, getting ready for growing season, at the Biosphere Action Group’s “Starting Seedlings” workshop and the “Kids Can Grow” March Break Camp, both funded by the Sobey’s Community Environment Fund.  The Biosphere Action Group’s “Starting Seedlings” workshop was the first in a seven-workshop gardening series that are free and open to the public.

    Read more... Kids Can Grow March Break Program  

  • Biosphere Funding Increases Gardening Opportunities

    envirofund_logo_leftThe 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  

  • Voices of Our Elders -Developing a Watershed Plan for Georgian Bay

    voices of todays elders1 -Jasmine ChabotOn Tuesday September 22nd over 100 elders from Shawanaga, Magnetawan, Henvey Inlet, Dokis, Wasauksing, Byng Inlet, Pointe au Baril and the French River came together to celebrate the fall equinox. The gathering, hosted by the French River Visitor Centre First Nation and Aboriginal Advisory Committee brought elders together to share knowledge and discuss environmental issues.  The health of the Lake Huron Georgian Bay watershed was the topic of discussion for the day. 

    Read more... Voices of Our Elders -Developing a Watershed Plan for Georgian Bay