The Escarpment Corridor Alliance (ECA) presents a day of learning about nature corridors and their role in the longevity of the Niagara Escarpment biosphere, its people and the economy in Ontario’s Southern Georgian Bay region.
The Escarpment Corridor Alliance (ECA) is launching the second annual Nature Corridor Summit on Friday, October 24, at the Osler Bluff Ski Club in the Blue Mountains.
Building on the success of its sold‑out 2024 debut, this year’s summit brings together more than 20 experts including conservation practitioners, Indigenous leaders and community stakeholders to share crucial ecological information and advance the establishment of a protected corridor across the Southern Georgian Bay region.
The second year of the Summit introduces new sessions (Unity and Innovation) that will immerse attendees in specific topic areas they want to find out more about.
This year’s speakers are major influencers in their fields:
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Jodi Hilty, President and Chief Scientist of the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative, brings over 25 years of expertise in large landscape connectivity and corridor science.
Plenary Speaker: Laura Hergott, of BC Parks Foundation, will lead the afternoon plenary, exploring how nature can be a prescription for health and wellness.
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Combined with the sessions led by expert panelists and moderators, the day promises to inform, empower and unite everyone by working toward a healthier and more resilient Escarpment.
“The breakout sessions were designed to not only bring awareness to varying aspects of the importance of the escarpment in our region, but also to allow attendees to ‘choose their own adventure’. We all have different interests, so this will allow folks to pick what interests them and get the most out of their day,” says Jarvis Strong, Executive Director of the ECA.
Morning Breakout Sessions:
1. Collaborative Conservation with Indigenous Leaders.
2. Conservation Finance: Nature & Economy.
3. Storytelling: Water Connects Us All.
4. What’s a Land Trust? Landowner-Led Conservation.
5. Focus on the Future: Ideas for Youth Engagement.
Afternoon Breakout Sessions:
1. Success Stories Across The Escarpment: Past, Present & Future.
2. Patterns of Wildlife Extinction and Recovery in Canada.
3. Nature Corridors & Public-Private Partnerships.
4. Collective Action Through Alliance.
5. Nature’s Dividend: How Nature-Based Wellness Drives Economic Growth.
Who Should Attend: Engaged citizens, nature fans, health enthusiasts, conservation professionals, environmental policymakers, Indigenous stewards, landowners, municipal leaders, business partners in outdoor and wellness sectors, educators, high school youth clubs and anyone who enjoys being on the trails for hiking, biking, skiing or snowshoeing.
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