Landmarks Newsletter: February 2024 Edition

Landmarks Newsletter: February 2024 Edition

Happy February! This month we’re celebrating Black Joy in Nature. In this issue of Landmarks, we are also profiling Patricia Wilson of our Board of Governors?(scroll down to read!). Patricia is the?founder of Diverse Nature Collective. Look for more land conservation hero profiles in the coming months!

We want to take this opportunity to recall some of the ideas expressed by Black Outdoors founder Jacqueline L. Scott in her keynote speech at our Annual Gathering last fall. Jacqueline called on all of us to consider what equity and diversity in land trusts looks like. Some benchmarks that she recommends for land trusts are:?

  • Creating a pipeline to nature for Black communities, children, youth and families?
  • Emphasizing urban ecology?
  • Transferring resources towards Black- and Indigenous- led nature-focused organizations?
  • Hiring Black and Indigenous staff?
  • Building relationships?
  • Establishing goals and timetables for change.

We especially invite you during this?month of Black History and Black Joy to reflect on the?benchmarks above. Consider where we are as a community, as individuals, and as organizations, in implementing these steps -- and where we need to go next.??

We at OLTA are excited to continue the conversation with you, to celebrate Black joy in nature,?and to take the steps of ensuring truly equitable access to nature in Ontario.

Board Q&A: Patricia Wilson Q:?What do you enjoy about being on the OLTA Board of Governors?

I get to help support the development of policy and strategic goals that will have a positive impact on Land Trusts across the province – in particular, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) focused goals and policies. I also really love...?Click here to read more!

MMLT Received Fantastic Christmas Gift

At the end of 2023, the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust was surprised with a new 256 acre property.?Learn more about the Marl Lake Nature Reserve?here.

Beth Gilhespy appointed new CEO of Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy

Beth will be joining EBC at the beginning of March. Beth is no stranger to the Ontario conservation community. She brings with her decades of experience leading land trusts. Beth is also Treasurer of OLTA's Board of Governors. Learn more here.?

Events

Reflecting on Black Excellence in Conservation? When: Saturday February 3, 2024, 1:00-3:00pm Where: Cation Nature Reserve Who: Kawartha Land Trust and Diverse Nature Collective? Register here

Snowshoe and Hot Chocolate Event When:?Saturday February 3, 2024, 12:00-2:00pm Where: Mooi Nature Preserve?? Who: Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy? Register here

Seed Processing Workshop When:?Tuesday February 6, 2024, 6:30-8:30pm Where: London Civic Garden Complex Who: Thames Talbot Land Trust Register here

Winter Signatures - Wildlife Tracks and Signs When:?Saturday February 10, 2024 10:00-12:00 (Weather date - Sunday February 11)? Where: Barnum Creek Nature Reserve Who: Haliburton Highlands Land Trust Register here or call 705 457 3700?

A Winter's Night Walk When:?Friday February 23, 2024, 6:00-8:00pm Where: Pefferlaw Tract, Georgina? Who: Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust and York Region Forestry? Register here

Conservation News

This February, we're sharing an array of news pieces, including blogs and podcasts that help move forward the needed conversations on race in the land we call Canada.

Black Outdoors, Where race, nature and history meet - Jacqueline L. Scott's blog

Black?Earth podcast - have a listen!

The Intersectional Environmentalist by Leah Thomas (check her out on?Instagram too!)

Restoring Ontario's Lost Grasslands is as important as planting trees, The Narwhal

Resources & Opportunities

Every month, we curate an incredible list of workshop, grant, learning and training opportunities. Check it out below!

15% off admission to the Royal Ontario Museum with code OLTA. Check out the National Geographic Photographer of the Year exhibit and more.?

Ontario Young Conservation Professionals Leadership program - applications due February 9, 2024

2024 Invasive Species Forum - February 12-15

2024 Farmland Forum - Registration opens February 1

Youth Friendly ENGOs, Apathy is Boring -- Workshop, February 28, 1-2 pm, Online

Decolonizing ENGO - First Nations partnerships -- 7 week workshop series starting march 6, Online


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