Residents and cottagers in Seguin Township may have come across Biosphere and Seguin Township staff wading into area lakes, or set up on shore, searching white basins for tiny critters. Since 2020, Seguin has partnered with GBB to coordinate and conduct annual benthic monitoring on 10 lakes within the township. Benthic monitoring involves the collection
It may be hard to think of rock barrens as “nurseries” but for numerous species at risk, eastern Georgian Bay’s rock barrens are preferred birthing sites. This includes birds, such as the common nighthawk and eastern whip-poor-will, and reptiles like the five-lined skink and Massasauga rattlesnake. Eastern Georgian Bay is where almost the entire population
Since the West Parry Sound Geography Network’s (WPSGN) formation in 2005, the GBB has worked alongside this geomatics organization developing a strong sense of place and community through mapping and geographic information systems (GIS). GIS refers to the creation, management, study and mapping of all types of data. You can access the Geography Network’s page
With development pressures and a changing climate, biodiversity across Canada is threatened and decreasing nationally. To address this issue, the federal government announced they are investing $11.3 million over three years in the work of Canadian biosphere regions to increase biodiversity conservation efforts. The funding comes from Canada’s Enhanced Nature Legacy program and will be
GBB hit the topsoil running with three major garden projects underway this growing season. This year is the most ambitious for gardening projects since programming began in 2009 with the addition of a Community Garden, a Backyard Garden pilot project, and dozens of container gardens distributed to enhance food security in eastern Georgian Bay. GBB’s
The climate action survey launched by ICECAP and the Georgian Bay Biosphere (GBB) had over 600 respondents. Of the 613 respondents, 43% were seasonal cottagers, 52% were permanent residents, including area First Nations. “ICECAP” stands for the “Integrated Community Energy and Climate Action Plans” partnership and was formed in 2019. It is open to all
A unique pilot project has started between the Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere (GBB) and Viking. The Viking Octantis is an expedition cruise ship taking an 8-day route in the Great Lakes that includes three days along eastern Georgian Bay, with a focus on the UNESCO biosphere region and local excursions for guests. “As educators,
GBB is happy to extend a warm welcome back to several members of our seasonal crew, and introduce a few new faces to the Biosphere team! We’re set for another action-packed summer filled with species at risk work, garden projects, hikes, events, and much more!
Summer is around the corner, and so are we! Biosphere staff are looking forward to another season of road ecology surveys throughout the region. You can expect to see staff on the following: Conservation Drive in Carling Township, Skerryvore Road and Healey Lake Road in The Township of The Archipelago, and 12 Mile Bay Road
You donated an incredible $39,010 during our Earth Week campaign! These funds will contribute to projects like State of the Bay, species at risk research, and Kids in the Biosphere. With your help, we are building a more sustainable future. Thank you Desmasdon’s Boat Works and Beacon Marina for making this fundraiser possible by generously
Companion planting is the practice of growing different but complementary crop varieties together that will mutually benefit one another throughout the growing season. At the Biosphere, we also consider companion planting to be our approach to food and gardens – working together with partners and ultimately getting our hands dirty to maximize benefits! Sustainable food
Celebrate Earth Week in the Georgian Bay Biosphere! Several free events are planned during the week of April 18th for all ages. Come to an Earth Day Beach Party on Friday, April 22 from 4:00 to 7:00pm at Waubuno Beach. There are activities at this free public event including a shoreline and trail clean up, and
Climate change is affecting the Biosphere region and communities need to be ready! Coastal Georgian Bay is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and we are already experiencing changes in water quality and more extreme weather causing recent flooding, wind damage, and high water levels. In 2018 the Parry Sound 33 wildfire burned 12,000
The Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere (GBB) is a dynamic, community-based organization looking to fill the position of a Climate & Energy Program Manager. This position is responsible for developing, growing and implementing three program areas: (1) a regional and collaborative climate and energy program – Integrated Community Energy and Climate Action Plans (ICECAP) partnership;
Under the direction of the Georgian Bay Biosphere, the Garden Organizer will take a lead role in the Backyard Garden Project. This project will help 30 area families construct Backyard Gardens, and provide mentorship throughout the growing season. CONTRACT DELIVERABLES Organize the construction of 30 backyard, raised bed gardens in five regional communities, including the
The Biosphere has been a local champion and leader for youth education programs for over a decade. Why? We want to inspire people of all ages to develop a sense of place, and to care about the unique natural and cultural features of our region. Thousands of students have participated in our Lessons-in-a-Backpack school programs,
We are seeking a dynamic, motivated Sustainable Tourism Assistant Coordinator to showcase features of the Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere for outdoor recreation and conservation education that will also benefit the regional economy. Working with ecotourism partners, this position will coordinate shoreline excursions with tourism partners for seasonal visitors. The ideal candidate will have a
The Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere (GBB) is seeking applicants to the following four positions. Support is Available GBB’s hiring and standard employee policies and procedures recognize and uphold anti-racist, equitable, and inclusive processes. This may include, but not be limited to: optional company laptop for placement use, travel bursaries for work-related opportunities, paid health
On Thursday August 5th, 2021 Indigenous youth gathered on the shores of Three Mile Lake in Wasauksing First Nation to begin the four-day canoe trip around Wasauksing called, Bemishkaajig. Canoes, gear, and camping equipment lined the shoreline of the in-land lake, preparing for the first day of paddling and the first portage of the trip.
On behalf of the ICECAP partnership the Georgian Bay Biosphere (GBB) has created a public survey to gather input from local residents on climate action and climate change planning in the region. This survey is the result of the hard work of our 30 Climate Action Group volunteers who have been working diligently throughout the fall to propose actions
Emerging soon from a wetland near you. By: Jenna Kentel Do you go into hibernation mode for the winter? Are you already searching for signs of spring? You are not alone! The turtles and I are also patiently waiting to bask in the summer sun once again. My name is Jenna Kentel and I am
In partnership, the Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere (GBB) and the Georgian Bay Anishinaabek Youth (GBAY) are seeking applicants for the Indigenous Educator (IE) position. The IE will be primarily responsible for supporting the development and delivery of Indigenous environmental education programs and public outreach pertaining to the Georgian Bay Biosphere, to a variety of
As harvest season draws to a close, the gardeners at the new Port Severn Community Garden are being commended for their outstanding green thumbs. The Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere and Township of Georgian Bay, with the help of local volunteers, began planning and designing the new Community Garden in January. Despite a slow start
On Friday, MPP Norman Miller met with representatives from the Georgian Bay Biosphere (GBB) to hear how the $56,400 Resilient Communities Fund grant awarded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) in late 2020 to create new approaches to working during COVID-19. GBB used the grant for a year-long project Adapting Together, and to help ensure
Halloween is just around the corner which means that it’s time to start thinking about unique costume ideas, spooky decorations, impressive jack-o-lantern designs, and how to sooth that tummy ache after eating too much candy! For many of you, you may already have a costume picked out, or a long list of items that you
As the Climate & Energy Intern, you will be the technical lead in supporting climate change and energy programming for the organization, including the Integrated Community Energy & Climate Action Plans (ICECAP) partnership. The ICECAP partnership is a unique regional and collaborative partnership that brings together First Nations and municipalities to approach climate change and
September 25 to October 2, 2021, the Township of Georgian Bay together with Georgian Bay Biosphere and presented by sponsors Delawana Inn and Resort and Remax Bay Watch Broker Armin Grigaitis “Mr. Cottage” kicks off the 2nd Annual Honey Bee Festival. This event is also funded by the Province of Ontario. The Honey Bee Festival
The total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for area municipalities has been calculated, and it turns out that our emissions are higher than we might think. When we account for off-road transportation, including use of boats, the annual average CO2 emissions in the Georgian Bay Biosphere area is 20 tonnes per person, which is higher than either
The Landscape and Wildlife Technician will support the Georgian Bay Biosphere and its partners in the delivery landscape and species at risk stewardship programs working on a number of current GBB Projects including: Maamwii Anjiakiziwin – Community Nominated Priority Places; Biosphere Zonation Review toward Target 1; and other projects like State of the Bay, municipal
The GIS Technician Intern will provide technical and administrative support in the design, population, analysis and maintenance of a variety of data sets, products and services while working alongside multiple project partners including local townships, First Nation communities and environmental organizations. Note: The Township of The Archipelago in partnership with the Georgian Bay Biosphere hosts
This is the summer to explore the beauty of eastern Georgian Bay! With 300 km of trails and over 30,000 islands, provincial, national and Indigenous parks – there is a summer full of fun and adventure waiting! Home to 52 species at risk, the Georgian Bay Biosphere (GBB) staff will once again be offering ‘Biosphere
It’s that time of year again when turtles are on the move! As turtles travel between habitats, they will be found attempting to cross the road. To help our slow-moving friends, it is extra important that we watch for turtles while driving. This season on Skerryvore Community Road, the Georgian Bay Biosphere and Shawanaga First
Position Description: The Biosphere Fieldwork and Outreach Assistant will support the Species at Risk and Outreach & Education staff teams throughout the summer months. This position will provide supports for species at risk surveys, turtle care, data gathering, and reporting at field locations throughout the Biosphere region. As well, this position will aid in the
About the Opportunity: As Climate Change & Energy Specialist, you will be the technical lead in delivering climate change and energy programming for the organization, including the Integrated Community Energy & Climate Action Plans (ICECAP) partnership. The ICECAP partnership is a unique regional and collaborative partnership that brings together First Nations and municipalities to approach
Desmasdon’s Boat Works is celebrating their 75th year in business and generously making a donation that will kick off the Georgian Bay Biosphere’s matching donor campaign. From April 19th to April 30th, charitable donations will be matched by Desmasdon’s up to $7,500. The campaign is to honour the work of the Biosphere and their fundraising
Carbon calculator captures boat emissions In just ten months, the Integrated Community Energy and Climate Action Plans (ICECAP) partnership has made record progress. Despite COVID-19, partners worked together to calculate the greenhouse gas emissions for their own communities and operations. ICECAP members now have the background information needed to set targets to reduce their emissions,
Position Description: The Biosphere Natural Heritage Intern will be responsible for developing and delivering weekly educational programs and public outreach pertaining to local ecology and the Georgian Bay Biosphere (GBB) to a variety of audiences. The Intern will also conduct field work including support for conservation field work, events, and guided hikes. Wages: $17.00/hour
The Species at Risk Field Technician will support the Georgian Bay Biosphere and its partners in the delivery of the Community Nominated Priority Places (CNPP) project. The CNPP project aims to assess local populations of Species at Risk, their associated threats, and respond with appropriate conservation practices. The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting
The spectacular fishing opportunities coupled with idyllic scenery, make it easy to fall in love with eastern Georgian Bay and the North Channel. The Eastern Georgian Bay Stewardship Council (EGBSC) has been dedicated to protecting fisheries and enhancing the aquatic ecosystem in this region for close to two decades. Now, after many years of hard
We are seeking a dynamic, motivated Communications and Marketing Intern to assist in the implementation of the organization’s external communications and marketing plan in the context of sustainable community development. The position will support key messages from each program area and help track and report on the social and economic impact of the organization and
The Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve organization is removing the word “reserve” from its name and incorporating a traditional Ojibway name for Georgian Bay. Several world biosphere reserves in Canada have made similar decisions, dropping the word “reserve” and replacing it with “region” or a locally preferred name. In 2004, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and
In partnership, the Georgian Bay Anishinaabek Youth (GBAY) and the Georgian Bay Biosphere (GBB) are seeking applicants for the position of the Anishinaabek Youth Intern (AYI). The AYI will be primarily responsible for developing and delivering Indigenous environmental education programs and public outreach pertaining to the Georgian Bay Biosphere, to a variety of audiences. Wages:
Assessment of road mortality mitigation and community ecology of turtles in Eastern Georgian Bay We are seeking a highly motivated and hardworking individual with an interest in Species-at-Risk reptile ecology to undertake a field-based thesis project in partnership with the Georgian Bay Biosphere through the Community Nominated Priority Places (CNPP) program, and with Shawanaga First
As the sun shines on the edge of a large wetland, over 100 turtles await their return home as staff of the Georgian Bay Biosphere carry them through the reeds. Three large containers hold the turtle hatchlings, each between four and ten days old. These are just some of the hatched turtles of the 1,115
We’re holding a contest! Beginning September 2 nd , 2 names will be drawn every Wednesday on Moose 103.3FM to win a $25 gift certificate to a local restaurant or café. To enter, all you have to do is complete the carbon calculator survey. The carbon calculator lets permanent and seasonal residents, and businesses calculate
As schools prepare to re-open, we want to share our support. As a community partner to local schools and other education organizations, we want to continue to offer quality learning resources and adapt to our partner’s needs. We have always encouraged educators to use natural spaces as “outdoor classrooms” and design “walking field trips” for
Many of us silently celebrate the return of the Monarch butterfly each summer, a butterfly familiar to us since childhood. Monarch populations have not been doing well over the last decade, with populations being closely watched by scientists and the public alike. This year, on August 22nd, hundreds of people in communities will recognize “National
Are you a kid in the Biosphere? Or are you someone that loves to be outside? If yes, then you will want to check this out! This Activity Kit is designed to keep the young, and young at heart, busy all summer long… It contains: The Complete Summer Scavenger Hunt. There are 25 items listed,
GBBR’s Native Plant Fundraiser was a great success in June! With some changes made to the pick up and delivery of the native plants, GBBR staff and volunteers helped distribute almost 4,000 plants. A huge thank you to the event volunteers and everyone who purchased plants through this fundraiser! Remember to keep your plants well
