On June 4, 2026, a small group of conservation leaders, researchers, and community partners gathered at the Birds Canada headquarters in Port Rowan, to explore a bold vision for the future of conservation in the Long Point region and across the Southern Great Lakes. The forum focused on a central question: How can we work together to protect, restore, and reconnect one of the most biologically rich yet highly fragmented landscapes in North America?
Why Long Point?
The Long Point region is internationally recognized for its biodiversity and ecological significance. Home to a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, wetlands of international Importance, internationally important migratory bird habitat, and other key biodiversity areas, the region supports an extraordinary concentration of species and habitats. Yet the broader Southern Great Lakes remains one of the most altered ecosystems in North America, making conservation action increasingly urgent.
[Summary of range restricted species – 230 – include a selection of the species range maps?]
Keynote Presentation: Regional Landscape Conservation Planning
Conservation biologist Dr. Reed Noss shared lessons from decades of landscape-scale conservation planning across North America. His presentation highlighted the importance of: protecting large core natural areas, connecting habitats across the landscape, restoring ecological function, planning conservation at multiple scales, building resilience in the face of climate change. Dr. Reed shared examples of other large-scale conservation initiatives, from Florida, and ‘Yellowstone to Yukon’, that demonstrated how long-term visions can unite partners and create lasting conservation outcomes.
“At least 230 terrestrial and freshwater species have their centers of distribution in this region, with many restricted to the Southern Great Lakes.”
[Connected landscapes and habitats – cores and corridors]
Growing Hope in a Changing Landscape
Forum participants also heard from Kevin Kavanagh of South Coast Gardens, an accomplished botanist, horticulturalist, and educator, who shared observations on how climate change is influencing the distribution of species across the region, with many plants and animals gradually shifting their ranges northward… “Plant and animal behaviour informs changes in the climate.” While acknowledging the scale of the biodiversity and climate challenges facing society, Kevin emphasized nature’s remarkable resilience when given the opportunity to recover.
He highlighted how individuals and communities can play a meaningful role in supporting biodiversity through simple actions such as planting native species, creating pollinator habitat, reducing invasive species, and improving habitat connectivity at a local scale. His presentation reinforced an important theme of the forum: while large-scale efforts are essential, collective action at every scale, from regional conservation planning to backyard habitat restoration, can contribute to healthier, diverse ecosystems and inspire people into action.
A Vision for Long Point and the Southern Great Lakes
The final presentation was delivered by Wendy Cridland, Executive Director of the Long Point Basin Land Trust, who shared an emerging vision positioning Long Point as an anchor within a connected Southern Great Lakes conservation network. Vision: To create the largest concentration of conserved lands in the Southern Great Lakes, forming a connected and resilient landscape that supports thriving biodiversity, sustains human communities, and serves as a model for restoring fragmented ecosystems. Wendy’s presentation focused on three key habitat systems that the Land Trust is focused on working with landowners, community partners and other stakeholders to protect:
- Forests and Treed Swamps – Protecting and expanding habitat for species such as Prothonotary Warbler, Wood Thrush, Cerulean Warbler, and rare turtles.
- Wetlands and Riparian Areas – Protecting and reconnecting habitat for Eastern Foxsnake, rare reptiles, amphibians, and aquatic species.
- Prairie and Oak Savanna – Restoring some of Ontario’s rarest ecosystems for species such as Karner Blue Butterfly, American Badger, and Eastern Whip-poor-will.
Forum Takeaways
Several common themes emerged throughout the day: conservation must occur at a landscape scale, habitat connectivity is critical for long-term biodiversity recovery, restoration will be as important as protection, strong partnerships already exist and can be expanded, Long Point has the opportunity to become a model (an anchor) for regional conservation collaboration.
What’s Next?
The Long Point Basin Land Trust will continue engaging partners, landowners, conservation organizations, researchers, and supporters as this vision evolves. Immediate priorities include:
- Strengthening local partnerships
- Expanding regional collaboration
- Refining conservation priorities
- Building support for future conservation initiatives
Get Involved
Protecting and restoring the Long Point landscape and the Southern Great Lakes Eco-Region will require collaboration across communities, organizations, and generations. Whether through conservation partnerships, land donations, volunteering, advocacy, or financial support, there are many ways to contribute to this shared vision.
—-
About Long Point Basin Land Trust
Long Point Basin Land Trust is a charitable conservation organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the rich biodiversity of the Long Point region through land conservation, stewardship, and community engagement. Since 1996, the organization has worked with landowners, donors, volunteers, and partners to conserve significant natural areas across the Long Point Basin.
For more information contact… ?
