Ontariogreen Conservation Association

The Ontariogreen Conservation Association is a Canadian nonprofit charitable organization focused on environmental education and conservation in the province of Ontario. It operates as a volunteer-led association dedicated to providing curriculum-based environmental science education in classrooms and communities across Ontario.

History and Background

Ontariogreen grew out of the pioneering work of environmental educator Liz Benneian, who received multiple national, provincial, and local awards for her environmental initiatives. In response to requests from teachers, Benneian developed and expanded a series of environmental science presentations tailored to the Ontario school curriculum. Over more than a decade, Ontariogreen has developed over 30 curriculum-based presentations primarily designed for students from Kindergarten through Grade 8, with some programs extending to high school students and adult audiences.

Mission and Mandate

The mission of the Ontariogreen Conservation Association is to deliver environmental education programs that enhance knowledge and awareness about environmental issues, thereby empowering individuals to make informed decisions that reduce environmental harm. Their mandate includes promoting actions such as saving energy, eliminating waste, conserving water, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pollution, planting native species, caring for natural habitats, and supporting local food production.

The organization collaborates with community partners to improve biodiversity and environmental stewardship through education and hands-on community initiatives.

Programs and Impact

Ontariogreen offers free, engaging environmental science programs aligned with Ontario's curricula in Science, Social Studies, and Geography. These programs have reached over 90,000 students across the province, reflecting significant community impact through educational outreach.

The association has also been involved in several community projects and partnerships, including:

• The creation of the Val Fleming Butterfly Garden in Beamsville, supported by the Fleming Foundation.
• The Grand Old Oak Park restoration in Grimsby, supported by Branthaven.
• Community Native Tree Planting programs in the Town of Lincoln, funded by grants from TD Friends of the Environment, Val Fleming, and Walker Aggregates.
• Newcomer Urban Forest Tours and urban wildlife educational programs, supported by the South Peel Naturalists.

These initiatives showcase the association’s commitment to local environmental restoration and community engagement.

Organizational Structure

Ontariogreen Conservation Association is a volunteer-run charity, registered under the Canadian charitable registration number 811921501RR0001. It relies on donations and grants from foundations, local businesses, and individual donors to fund its environmental education and conservation programs.

Summary

The Ontariogreen Conservation Association plays a vital role in Ontario's environmental education landscape by providing curriculum-based programs, fostering community partnerships, and leading hands-on conservation initiatives. Its continued work supports environmental literacy and stewardship among youth and communities, contributing to broader goals of biodiversity protection and sustainable living in Ontario.

This article is based on information retrieved from Ontariogreen Conservation Association's official communications and related public resources.

[1] https://www.ontariogreen.ca/our-mission.html [2] https://www.ontariogreen.ca [3] https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/ontariogreen-conservation-association/ [4] https://greeninfrastructureontario.org/app/uploads/2016/10/GIO-CA-Act-Review-Comments.pdf [5] https://ontarionature.org/about/