About Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve

Biosphere reserves are internationally recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve is one of over 500 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.


View Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve in a larger map.

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.

All world biosphere reserves are meant to be models of sustainable development by:

• Contributing to the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species and biodiversity
• Fostering sustainable development, and
• Supporting environmental education, training, research and monitoring.

Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve Inc.

The GBBR Inc. is a non-profit organization that works through partnerships to balance conservation with sustainable economic development. We accomplish our work by networking with conservation organizations, community groups, as well as the educational and scientific communities located in the region.

Vision

To be an international model of sustainability that preserves the values of the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve.

Mission

To contribute to the conservation of Biodiversity, education and sustainable development by fostering a shared responsibility for the GBBR for the next seven generations.


GBBR Staff
Greg Mason, General Manager [ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ]
Rebecca Pollock, Communications Manager [ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ]
Glenda Clayton, Species at Risk Coordinator [ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ]
David Bywater, State of the Bay Program Coordinator [ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ]
Brittany Mahnke, Marketing and Communications Coordinator [ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ]

For questions relating to the Lessons-in-a-Bakpack program please send inquiries to [ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ]

Board of Directors
Patrick Northey
Brian Pfrimmer
Brian O'Donoghue
Glen Hodgson
Tonia Blenkarn
Bill Spinney
Doug Deeks
Lynda Marshall

Advisors
Gary McMillan
Al Will 
Roy Schatz
Jeff Child
Jack Contin
Eric McIntyre
Rob Viejou
Jim Hanna
Kirsten Spence
Micheal Vollmer