Creating a Corridor
The ultimate vision of the ECA is to create a connected and protected ecological corridor across the Niagara Escarpment of South Georgian Bay, for nature and for future generations. Corridors are becoming more common across North America as they are good for nature (preventing biodiversity loss and building climate resilience) and good for people (health, recreation, economy and community). We will protect them for good.
Ecological Corridor Definition: Ecological corridors are networks of land and water that aim to maintain or restore ecological connectivity. They do this by allowing species to move, and natural processes to flow freely across large landscapes.
The Study Area
Through our science-first approach, we have identified the most ecologically important lands and corridor routes across our study area, the South Georgian Bay Escarpment. Although there are already numerous pieces of land that are protected in this area, they are fragmented and isolated from each other, needing connection to effectively support the functional ecosystem processes we all rely on for food, clean water and clear air. Our work has also confirmed evidence that this area is home to several threatened habitats and species-at-risk, and are important migration paths for many animals.
RBC Tech for Nature Grant supported the corridor identification project
Click image to view map
Making Room for Wildlife
As use of the land changes and more people move to southern Georgian Bay over time, we must also protect space for nature. Wildlife, forests, and waterways define this region, and our ecological corridors will help preserve them.
Parks Canada describes ecological corridors as essential pathways that connect natural areas, allowing species to migrate, find food, and adapt to climate change. By linking parks and wild spaces, they strengthen biodiversity and climate resilience.
Protecting these ecological corridors isn’t just about conservation—it’s about securing the future of our region’s natural beauty and community health.
Nature Includes People
Ecological corridors, like Ontario’s Cootes-to-Escarpment and Algonquin-to-Adirondacks (A2A), safeguard wildlife while enhancing people’s access to nature through sustainable land uses and ecotourism including outdoor recreation like hiking, biking, skiing, fishing, and birding. Our essential farmland also thrives best alongside intact natural corridors, which offer habitat for pollinators, wetlands to reduce flood and drought impacts, and riparian buffers that limit erosion.
Ecological corridors ensure that the landscapes attracting people here remain intact. By preserving these connections, we sustain our environment, support biodiversity and provide a legacy for future generations.
Leave a Legacy or Get Involved
There are many ways landowners can participate and support our vision for an ecologically connected and sustainable legacy. We would love to learn more about your goals and interests, and how we can help. From planting trees to protecting your land forever, as a community land trust, the ECA is excited to take these next steps, together!”
News & Updates
Stay informed on important information happening on the SGB Escarpment.
Start Helping Now
Your donation supports the ECA in protecting the South Georgian Bay for people for nature and for good.