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Our Accomplishments

For Nature. For People. For Good

The ECA is a young organization with a big vision to create a permanently protected and connected ecological corridor across the Niagara Escarpment of South Georgian Bay, for nature and for future generations.  Founded in 2021 and having become a registered charity in September of 2023, we’ve already made remarkable strides in conservation—and we’re just getting started.

Conserving our Natural Heritage

Spanning 177,864 hectares, the ECA project area is rich in natural forest and biodiversity. It supports AT LEAST 48 federally and 44 provincially listed species at risk, 52 Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest, and 25 Provincially Significant Wetlands. These connected lands form a vital refuge for wildlife and ecological resilience in South Georgian Bay.

Thanks to our Bedrock Founders, our regular donors and government grants, we move closer each year to permanently protecting the escarpment and its important watershed.  Below are some additional accomplishments that are helping us move forward in our mission.

Protecting Nature

Protecting this landscape means protecting life. These forests, wetlands, and natural corridors are home to at-risk species and vital ecological systems that sustain clean water, resilient forests, and healthy habitats. With 21,454 hectares of wetlands and significant conservation lands already identified, the ECA works to secure and connect these areas, ensuring long-term protection. This is how we safeguard the region’s rich biodiversity—for nature, for people, and for good.

Connectivity

Making the Connection between Fragmented protected areas

Our focus area includes conserved areas such as Pretty River Provincial Park, Noisy River Provincial Park, Craigleith Provincial Park, and Bayview Provincial Nature Reserve to name a few, but it’s the lands in between that need protection. By safeguarding these critical connections, we’re creating a seamless, natural corridor—a safe haven for wildlife and a place for people to explore, connect, and thrive in nature.

By linking and building upon provincial parks and privately protected land, we streamline efforts to permanently protect an ecological corridor.

Land Protection & Policy

We have two areas within our corridor identification area that pose significant threats to wildlife habitats, species at risk and watersheds.

Talisman Lands

The ECA Advocates and educates locals and visitors on the impacts of development on these lands.  This former ski area has remained untouched for over a decade, awaiting its next chapter. A proposed 500-unit resort threatens to reshape the valley’s character and natural beauty. Now is the time for thoughtful stewardship to ensure any development respects the region’s ecological and cultural integrity—because once it’s changed, it’s gone forever.

Vision Talisman

Castle Glen

The ECA advocates to maintain and protect historic lands and animal habitats within its forest. The proposed Castle Glen development would replace 1,500 acres of forest—the size of 1,135 football fields—with homes, hotels, golf courses, and commercial spaces. This would be the largest development of its kind along the Niagara Escarpment in decades, putting immense strain on local infrastructure, water supply, and roads. It threatens wildlife habitats and the natural beauty that defines our region.

More on Castle Glen

Conservation Economy – Community

The area surrounding the Niagara Escarpment of South Georgian Bay is full of thriving businesses, restaurants, brew houses, wineries, outdoor schools and tours, ski clubs, golf courses and trails to name a few.

Investing in our community – as a conservation economy

Helping nature and people share space

Over 130 business leaders shared their insights on how South Georgian Bay’s natural assets drive our local economy. This report outlines a bold vision for a conservation economy—one that protects, restores, and sustains our natural and cultural resources while ensuring long-term prosperity. Download the report to discover how this approach benefits businesses, communities, and ecosystems, and gain actionable tools to help make this vision a reality. Be part of the movement shaping South Georgian Bay’s future!

Education & Stewardship

Engaging with locals, visitors, collaborating organizations and news outlets to help spread the word about the importance of our escarpment. We’ve hosted several events such as Dinner series, art events, musical events, municipal and regional information events and most recently our Nature Corridor Summit.

Previously hosted Educational Events

Upcoming Educational Events

  • Nature Therapy with Outdoor Kat: an ECA learning series event: July 6th, 2pm

    July 6, 2025

    Nature Therapy on the Escarpment with Outdoor Kat Presented in Partnership with Duntroon Highlands Explore nature therapy in a meaningful and…

    View Event Details

  • Escarpment Tree Discovery Tour: An ECA Learning Series Event. September 25th, 5pm $20

    September 25, 2025

    Escarpment Tree Discovery Tour with Rick Grillmayer In Partnership with Duntroon Highlands Join Rick Grillmayer, Forest Manager for the Nottawasaga…

    View Event Details

We Conserve

Identify key biodiverse areas and protect them by linking fragmented habitats, and preventing harmful development.

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We Create

Create a strategic natural corridor system and promote a Conservation Economy.

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We Collaborate

Connect like-minded local groups with shared visions through strategic collaboration and partnerships to achieve collective impact.

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News & Updates

Stay informed on important information happening on the SGB Escarpment.

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Your donation supports the ECA in protecting the South Georgian Bay for people for nature and for good.

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