Nature Corridor Summit 2025

For Nature. For People. For Good.

October 24th, 2025

Osler Bluff Ski Club

What Attendees Experienced

A Regional Model for Nature, Community & Climate

Over 315 guests joined us for a day of learning about Nature Corridors, how they are necessary for the longevity of the Niagara Escarpment of South Georgian Bay, its people and the economy that sustains it all.

The day was composed of informative “break out” style sessions. This meant less sitting and more interaction. Guests moved around, chose sessions that best interested them and gathered in smaller more meaningful groups to listen, learn, question and share.

VIEW FULL PROGRAM

Guest Speakers

Jodi Hilty is president and chief scientist of Y2Y. Specializing in ecological corridor and large landscape research, she has more than 25 years of experience managing large landscape conservation efforts. This work focuses on applying best available information to address complex challenges through community-based, collaborative efforts, and also centers Indigenous leadership in conservation. Author or editor of four books, she also led writing of the 2020 IUCN Guidelines for Conserving Connectivity as the deputy chair of the IUCN Connectivity Conservation Specialist Group.

Morning Keynote:
Dr. Jodi Hilty

Yukon to Yellowstone (Y2Y)

Jod

Laura Hergott is the Manager of the Healthy by Nature initiative at BC Parks Foundation, providing accessible opportunities for people across Canada to improve their health through meaningful connections with nature. With a background in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Laura was drawn to the initiative by the growing body of research supporting nature’s role in health, and by her own love of the outdoors as an avid hiker and rock climber. Laura’s work supports a national culture that both values human well‑being and protects the natural places that sustain it. Laura is grateful to live, work, and play on Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Territory.

Afternoon Plenary Speaker:
Laura Hergott

BC Parks Foundation & ParX

Morning Breakout Sessions (AM)

Attendees selected their preferred session – now you can watch them on YouTube

Collaborative Conservation with Indigenous Leaders

Moderator:
Natalya Garrod

Panelists:
Clint Jacobs
Miptoon
Doran Ritchie

Read Bio’s

Conservation Finance: Nature & Economy

Moderator:
Jarvis Strong

Panelists:
Jeremey Guth
Mary-Kate Craig

Read Bio’s

Storytelling:
Water Connects us All

Moderator:
Martin Rydlo

Panelists:
Charlene Winger-Jones
Jim Dobbin
Duncan Bristow

Read Bio’s

What’s a Land Trust? Landowner-led Conservation

Moderator:
Carolyn Thickett

Panelists:
Mike Hendren
Stephen Woodley

Read Bio’s

Focus on the future: Ideas for youth engagement

Moderator:
Gillian White

Panelists:
Jeff Barrett
Bruce Zigman
Jackie Pye

Read Bio’s

Afternoon Breakout Sessions (PM)

Attendees selected their preferred session – now you can watch them on YouTube

Success Stories Across The Escarpment: Past, Present, Future

Moderator:
Bruce Harbinson

Panelists:
Robert Leverty
Carl Cosak
Dr Jodi Hilty

Read Bio’s

Patterns of Wildlife Extinction and Recovery in Canada

Moderator:
Carolyn Thickett

Panelists:
Dan Kraus

Read Bio’s

Nature Corridors & Public-Private Partnerships

Moderator:
Stephen Griggas

Panelists:
Edward McDonnell
Nadia Dubyk
Shawn Carey
Tony Morris

Collective Action through Alliance

Moderator:
David Scoon

Panelists:
Bruce King
Catherine Daw
Andrew McCammon

Read Bio’s

Nature’s Dividend: How Nature-Based Wellness Drives Economic Growth

Moderator:
Martin Rydlo

Panelists:
Brandon Houston
Jamie Cuthburt
Chris Kornacki

Read Bio’s

Attendees parted with a Wealth of New Information

to start or continue to help protect the escarpment

At this event, we discussed how the ECA is working towards protecting and connecting the lands of the Niagara Escarpment. How the Indigenous people treat and protect the land and how you all can integrate this into their own lifestyle. They learned how they can safeguard their own property, and how we can come together as a community to keep this vital landscape intact and protected from development.

Together, we can protect and connect the Niagara Escarpment
For Nature. For People. For Good

VIEW PROGRAM