Georgian Bay Biosphere
PO Box 662 P2A 2Z1 Parry Sound, ON, Canada

In 2020, GBB and partners conducted reptile mortality studies along priority roadways in the Biosphere as part of the Community Nominated Priority Places project. Highway 529 was chosen as a priority after citizens along the road began noting high instances of mortality, turtle activity on the roads, and turtle nesting along the road shoulders. Here is a snapshot of what we found! The 2021 Reptile Ecology Surveys have begun! Watch for us around the Killbear Area, Twelve Mil...e Bay Road, Blackstone Crane Lake Road, and Skerryvore Community Road. Please drive with care, give our biologists some space (and a wave!), and break for wildlife! #FieldDayFriday

Since 2018, we have had the amazing privilege of working with Georgian Bay Anishinaabek Youth. Otherwise known as GBAY, the Georgian Bay Anishinaabek Youth organization is a youth-led, grassroots initiative that works to support land and culture based learning along Eastern Mnidoo Gamii (Georgian Bay). From working on programs together and shared learning opportunities, to even sharing an office space! We have been so fortunate to be able to watch GBAY grow over these past fe...w years. Gchi Miigwech to the GBAY team for your knowledge, patience, and contagious enthusiasm that you bring to work everyday! Photo credit: Delina Rice, Oshkinigig Ceremony 2019.

We are lucky to have seven people joining GBB this spring, growing our team to 20 staff for the season! We have hired an Anishinaabek Youth Intern, Species at Risk Field Technicians, and Interpretive Guides. Watch Becky Pollock our Executive Director explain some of the expertise Biosphere staff and volunteers have, and how it contributes to the Biosphere's programs. She says that, GBB staff are full of passion and purpose for the work that we do and we could not agree more! #Spring #FieldSeason

May Biosphere News: Fundraiser Success, New Kid's Book, & Volunteers Needed - https://mailchi.mp/fd2da4bd8347/biosphere-news-march-4777244

Will you be purchasing plants through the Biosphere's Native Plant Fundraiser this year? Will you figure out where to put them later? We can help now! Tune in to tomorrow's webinar, the Georgian Bay Master Gardeners are joining us to share more about these species, basic garden design approaches and top tips, seed saving strategies for native plants, and site specific species recommendations. ... Sign up now: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vsiwJ1rTRY6Mo8fgC7V1mg

While Canada's bat species are insect eaters, many other bat species in tropical and desert climates are nectar-feeding. #TriviaTuesday: How many species of fruit depend on bats for pollination? a) 87... b.) 202 c) 300+ d) 150 Check back tomorrow for the answer! Photo by Merlin D. Tuttle, Bat Conservation International.

For #TriviaTuesday we asked: Studies have shown that spending _____ minutes outside gardening improves mood? Answer: b.) 30 minutes! Just spending 30 minutes a day outside fights stress, dropping cortisol levels and improving mood! Not only is gardening is a great way to reduce stress, but it also encourages you to move, unplug from screens, gets creative juices moving with designs and colour, connect with the earth, feel accomplishment, grow your own food, and soak in some ...Vitamin D! What are you growing this spring?!

Calling all boaters!! Are you in the Parry Sound area? Do you have any extra boat bumpers or floaters lying around? We're looking for used/unwanted floaters and boat bumpers to be donated in the name of science! The floaters are used to keep hoop nets afloat as we look for turtles to research how local populations are doing. ... If you have any floaters you'd like to donate, please contact Jenna Kentel at [email protected] #Turtle #Conservation #Science

We are excited to introduce Biosphere member Diamond Waters Sailing, located in Parry Sound. Plan your staycation and experience Georgian Bay by sailboat with Larry & Sue! They offer half day and full day adventures for individuals and families wanting to experience sailing on Georgian Bay. Develop sailing and cruising skills with options to explore the islands, fish, swim, snorkel and enjoy gourmet (sailor style) meals onboard while anchoring in secluded, sheltered coves. V...isit them online for more information or to book your day on the Bay! https://diamondwaterssailing.com/ #MembershipMonday #Sailing #GeorgianBay #Biosphere #GeorgianBayLife #ParrySound Absolutely Georgian Bay

Do you have a passion for climate change innovation and sustainable technology? The Biosphere is hiring a Climate Change & Energy Specialist! This position will be the technical lead in delivering climate change and energy programming the organization, including the Integrated Community Energy & Climate Action Plans (ICECAP) partnership. The ICECAP partnership is a unique regional and collaborative partnership that brings together First Nations and municipalities to approac...h climate change and energy planning in a more efficient and cost-effective manner. Applications due by 5PM on April 30, 2021 https://www.gbbr.ca//employment-opportunity-climate-chang/

As of right now, there are 18 UNESCO #biosphere reserves across Canada. To help us learn and explore these beautiful places, Striking Balance has a second season, now available online! The season starts with Tsá Tué, the largest biosphere reserve in North America, where we learn how the caretakers of Great Bear Lake are protecting one of the world's best remaining sources of freshwater. Don't miss episode one, available online at http://strikingbalance.ca/ and airing on BC's... Knowledge Network (PT) starting Tuesday, April 13th @ 7:00pm or available to stream at https://www.tvo.org/programs/striking-balance @strikingbalancetv @ccunesco @biospherecanada TVO Docs #Fish #FirstNations #ProudToShare (Image Description: Sahtúot'ine Elder, Camilla Tutcho, cleans fish for a community gathering.)

We have exciting news! Starting NEXT Monday until April 30th, our friends at Desmasdons Boatworks and Beacon Marine Ltd. will match all donations to the Biosphere up to $7,500! This means that you can #DoubleYourImpact by donating, becoming a Biosphere member, or renewing your membership. Your support helps protect Georgian Bay and build vibrant communities, thank you! ... #EarthWeek2021 #Biosphere #OnePlanet #GeorgianBay #Community

It's #NationalBirdDay! Did you know that there are almost 300 different species of bird able to be seen in the Biosphere Region? What are some of your favourite Biosphere bird species? Let us know in the comments!

Your donation can inspire children to become knowledgeable stewards of Georgian Bay and proud ambassadors of the UNESCO biosphere. gbbr.ca/donate

We believe that connecting children to nature is the key to developing a stewardship ethic for this place and the planet. We are marking the 10th anniversary of our "Lessons-in-a-Backpack" program that develops ecological literacy for children and educators. We offer 30 curriculum based lessons for grades 1 to 10 outdoors and on walking field trips. All of these are available for download online too! Learn more: gbbr.ca/education ... #ThrowbackThursday

The Georgian Bay Biosphere is participating in the Town of Parry Sound's Think Local coupon program! Attendees of the One of a Kind Christmas Show will receive a coupon code for online Biosphere swag! Can't make the show? We still have great sales on our website for everyone! Visit www.gbbr.ca/shop

We have the most *AMAZING* volunteers on our Board of Directors! Thank you to them and to everyone who joined our Annual General Meeting last night. We appreciate your support of our growing organization!

The Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve organization is removing the word reserve from its name and incorporating a traditional Ojibway name for Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii. While the logo remains the same with the iconic water, rock, westwind pine of Georgian Bay, and the four directions, we’ve added the words Mnidoo Gamii Spirit of the Water to show respect, responsibility, and celebrate Anishnaabek culture. Read more at: https://www.gbbr.ca//anishinaabek-territory-reflect...ed-in-/ #ProudToShare

Did you know that there is something called a Winter Finch Forecast? Bird experts use a variety of information sources to predict what northern breeding birds might make their way down south for the winter. This will often depend on the cone crop of the trees they feed off of. Read this year's forecast and see who might be showing up at your feeder or in your backyard this winter!... https://finchnetwork.org/winter-finch-forecast-2020 #birds #finchforecast #WildlifeWednesday

#TriviaTuesday we asked: If the National Ocean Service is predicting La Niña effects this year, what does that mean we can expect along the Great Lakes? What is the correct answer? A) Below-normal temperatures and possible wetter-than-normal conditions ... While no two La Niña events are alike, these are some general patterns that are predictable. Learn more about the predictions for the winter ahead at the outlook report: https://www.drought.gov//la-nina-impacts-and-outlook-great #WinterIsComing

Did you know that 2021 marks the beginning of data collection for the 3rd Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas? They're looking for volunteers to collect information about birds, conduct data counts, and more all across the province! Visit their website to learn how you can participate. https://www.birdsontario.org/... #CountTheBirds #BreedingBirdAtlas #WildlifeWednesday

A great and fun idea to reuse your carved pumpkin! Plus, if you are in the Township of Georgian Bay, you can take part in the contest!

This month we start a three-month blog series on the largest and longest-lived fish species in the Great Lakes, the lake sturgeon, and that is what this #TriviaTuesday is about! Did you guess correctly in yesterday's #TriviaTuesday? Question was, how old is the oldest known lake sturgeon captured in Lake Huron? A) 155 years old... These long-lived fish species are truly the giants of the Great Lakes! They are Ontario’s largest and longest-lived freshwater fish. Learn more about them in the latest State Of The Bay Blog: https://www.stateofthebay.ca/lake-sturgeon-giants-of-the-g/ #WildlifeWednesday #Sturgeon #Fish #GiantOfTheGreatLakes

Hard to believe that just over a year ago was the birth of Oshkinigig, the Wiigwaas Jiimaan (birch bark canoe). Built and cared for by the amazing Georgian Bay Anishinaabek Youth team. Chi-miigwetch for sharing this experience with all of us, we are so #ProudToShare. #ThrowbackThursday #IndigenousGeorgianBay #IndigenousYouth ... https://www.facebook.com/GBAnishinaabekYouth/posts/373316887417001

Applications for the position of Communications & Marketing Intern are being accepted until November 30th. Click the link below to learn more! https://www.gbbr.ca//11/Communications-Marketing-Intern.pdf

Apply now to join this amazing team!

Join the Georgian Bay Anishinaabek Youth Team! Deadline for applications now extended.

#TriviaTuesday Some years weather experts look at patterns and predict if we are going to have a "typical winter" or one that has La Niña or El Niño effects. This year, National Ocean Service is predicting La Niña effects this year. This means along the Great Lakes we can expect:... A) Below-normal temperatures and possible wetter-than-normal conditions B) Above-normal temperatures and possible dryer-than-normal conditions Check back tomorrow for the answer!

This #TriviaTuesday we asked: True or False: Spiders found in or near drains came up through the pipes. Answer is.....FALSE! ... While you may be spooked to see a spider in your tub or sink, it is actually a myth that they crawled up the drain. Smooth surfaces common to sinks and tubs are too smooth and trap spiders into these areas. What actually happened? Your friendly neighbourhood house spider was likely thirsty, and dropped down for a drink from water droplets left behind where they then got stuck! #WildlifeWednesday #spookyTrivia

Brew Ha Ha 2020: Everything You Need to Know - https://mailchi.mp//july-biosphere-news-upcoming-virtual-e

One more week for your chance to win one (1) of twenty (20) gift certificates to a local restaurant or cafe! It's easy to do, simply take a few minutes to fill out the carbon calculator and your are automatically entered! Fill it out today, contest ends November 4th. https://www.gbbr.ca/carbon-calculator

Ruth Beattie has been GBBRs bookkeeper since 2015! Her main work focus is keeping the finances organized, yet she appreciates being able to work in an organization that cares so deeply about the coast of Georgian Bay. She is thankful that she was able to raise her four children here for the past 20 years. Ruth has a BA in Administrative and Commercial Studies from Western University. Recently, she has started taking CPA accounting courses to upgrade her skills. She enjoys wa...lking along the fitness trail, gardening and cross country skiing. Her favorite activity is spending time with her children. "I love working for an organization that helps preserve the beautiful area that my family and I live in. I enjoy seeing the various staff projects such as distributing vegetable planters, organizing native plant sales, and hatching baby turtles." - Ruth #FridayFaces #GBBStaff #Staffprofiles Peter Istvan Photography

Spiders are a common spooky halloween decoration. Spiders found inside your house are likely there year round and a different species than those living outside. Have you ever found a spider in your kitchen sink or bathtub? #TriviaTuesday TRUE or FALSE? Spiders found in or near drains came up through the pipes.... Check back tomorrow for the answer!

Want to win a $25 gift certificate to a local restaurant? Complete the carbon calculator at gbbr.ca/carbon-calculator for your chance to win! Draws are held weekly on Moose FM CKLP 103.3 - Parry Sound!

Applications for this MSc position are being accepted until November 1st. The graduate position will be in the lab of Dr. Jackie Litzgus at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario. The project involves an investigation of the effectiveness of reptile road mortality mitigation in the context of the local turtle community. Please share widely! ... https://www.gbbr.ca//msc-position-available-in-partnershi/

Wondering what to do with your pumpkins as Halloween approaches? Here's some great ideas on how to recycle them for wildlife! https://blog.nwf.org//how-to-recycle-halloween-pumpkins-f/ #SustainableSaturday

What a year for mushrooms! UNESCO biosphere reserves celebrate biodiversity in all forms! Dont forget to upload your photos on the iNaturalist app to include in the Georgian Bay Biosphere project!

Don't forget, until November 4th the Georgian Bay Biosphere will be holding a carbon calculator contest. By completing the carbon calculator you could win one (1) of twenty (20) gift certificates to a local restaurant or cafe! Complete the carbon calculator now and be entered: https://www.gbbr.ca/carbon-calculator

Back in January, Biosphere Staff made #ClimateAction Resolutions. Many of these included waste reduction! How are we doing? Biosphere staff have made the effort this summer to buy local, using feast bundles (reusable plates and cutlery) when not at home, buying in bulk and with minimal packaging, and growing our own food! #FlashbackFriday #WasteReductionWeek

Don't forget to join in on this FREE 2-day virtual Lake Huron-Georgian Bay summit. This is an opportunity to broaden our networks, share experiences, and identify tools and approaches that will assist all participants in advancing conservation and protection initiatives around the watershed. Georgian Bay Biosphere and many other partners will be sharing their work. Visit this link for more info:... https://lakehuroncommunityaction.ca/lake-huron-georgian-ba/ See more

Did you your family explore the outdoors this summer with a Kids in the Biosphere Kit? We loved receiving photos of your family summer adventures learning all about maps,turtle, and being green! What activities/themes would you like to see in next years Kids in the Biosphere Kit?

Sponsors are making our biggest fundraiser BrewHaHa: Craft Beverage & Comedy with Elvira Kurt possible! Msg us to be a sponsor with free seats & free swag! Thank you Desmasdons Boatworks Beacon Marine Ltd. Hall Construction Inc, Crofters Organic, and Bayside Inn for your annual support & Trestle Brewing Company for hosting :)

Yesterday for #TriviaTuesday we asked: When it comes to wildlife, what is a kettle? D) A group of migrating raptors in flight! A kettle is a collective term for a group of migrating raptors or, in general, a flock of birds of prey that is specifically in flight. Similarly to your tea kettle creating columns of warm, ascending air, certain geographic features can create a similar effect.... Birds of prey will enter these updrafts, and by soaring within the column, they can be lifted high into the sky. Eventually, the bird will reach a height where the column dissipates because it meets increasingly cooler air. Here, they will simply soar from thermal to thermal in the direction they are headed. As soaring takes up far less energy than flapping, this allows them to travel far distances while conserving energy! #WildlifeWednesday #Birds #Raptors #thatsthetea

Dont miss the first webinar in our Climate Change & Energy series, Community Gardens & Food Waste, happening this Thursday September 17th at 10:00 am EST! Learn the essentials to starting and managing a community garden, and the role of food in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.... Special thanks to Glenda Clayton from Community Living Parry Sound and Clarissa Kennedy from Parry Sound Harvest Share for being our guest hosts! Register at: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__opJpm7oRJCH2H_WId9YIg

Join Parry Sound Nature Club tomorrow night and listen in virtually to their monthly speaker!

The Georgian Bay Biosphere has launched a Climate Change & Energy Webinar Series! Join GBBR staff and guest hosts in these free, interactive presentations: Community Gardens & Food Waste Thursday September 17th 10:00 am EST... Building Performance: Energy Efficiency & Retrofits at Home Thursday September 24th 11:00 am EST Understanding and Calculating Your Greenhouse Gas Emissions Thursday October 1st 11:00 am EST Climate Change Adaptation: Building Shoreline Resilience Thursday October 8th 11:00 am EST

Let off some steam today and play #TriviaTuesday! Cooler weather means endless cups of tea from the kettle for some, however kettles mean something completely different when it comes to wildlife! When it comes to wildlife, what is a kettle?... A) A group of toads gathering to hibernate in a pond B.) A group of eastern Towhees singing C) A group of bats swarming D) A group of migrating raptors in flight Check back tomorrow for the answer!

Cant join us in person on October 3rd but want to support GBBR? Kick back with BrewHa@Home to see Elvira Kurts stand-up comedy live-streamed! #BiosphereBrews Get your $20 Zoom ticket at trestlebrewing.com/collections/brew-ha-ha

We are so thankful for all of our Biosphere Members, especially those who are new and returning! Thank you and welcome to our new and renewing business members this month: Otter Lake Ratepayers Association... Sail Parry Sound St. James United Church #MemberMonday

Season 2 is coming to TVO Sunday October 4th, at 8pm EST! New episodes will be broadcast weekly on TVO and available to stream on TVOs YouTube Channel. Striki...ng Balance, Season 2 explores nine of Canadas breathtaking UNESCO biosphere reserves. Narrated by Blue Rodeos Jim Cuddy, each 50-minute episode visits a different biosphere to investigate how residents are overcoming the challenges that are threatening the sustainability of these amazing places. See more

During spring and summer #SustainableSaturday posts, we shared our favourite tips and tricks for vegetable gardening. Now we get to enjoy the fruits (and veggies!) of that work with fresh food! Show us your harvest by posting a photo in the comments below! Big or small, we want to see them all! Pictured here is one of our staffs harvests!

Enjoy a "Home Brew" Ha-Ha this year with our live-streamed comedy performance & take-out craft beverage six-pack and famous Trestle Brewing Company pretzel to warm up at home! #BiosphereBrews Tickets at trestlebrewing.com/collections/brew-ha-ha

Hurry! Very limited seating for BrewHaHa: Craft Beverage & Comedy with Elvira Kurt at Trestle Brewing Company. Tables of 8. Get your social bubble together and buy now: https://trestlebrewing.com//brew-ha/products/brewhaha-live Visit our event page for other viewing options!

Didnt get a chance to listen in on the webinar Managing & Monitoring Muskellunge? Dont worry, its up on our YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_Rqe-t0yCU #ThrowbackThursday #Wildlife

Like the other grassroots organizations shown here, we are very grateful for federal Emergency Community Support Funds. Efficiently disbursed grants by the United Way Centraide North East Ontario/ Nord-est de lOntario and the Muskoka Community Foundation allowed us to deliver 300 vegetable container gardens to families to meet a short term need, while building longer term food skills and sustainability. The gardens brought joy and comfort during the early days of the pandemi...c. #GrowingTogether When the Georgian Bay Anishinaabek Youth told us it was hard to stay connected, we applied for a grant to provide them with a Zoom account, digital devices, internet hubs and more! Miigwech Muskoka Community Foundation for supporting youth connection, mental health, and digital capacity during a stressful time!! Thanks to Parry Sound Harvest Share for hosting the photo and to our Member of Parliament Scott Aitchison. #emergencycommunitysupport

This weeks #TriviaTuesday question was what does a woolly bear caterpillar develop into? The answer is: an Isabella tiger moth! Bears and tigers oh my(!), learn more about woolly bears in the Kids in the Biosphere blog Fuzzy Wonders: Woolly Bears. ... https://kidsinthebiosphere.blogspot.com//fuzzy-wonders-woo #WildlifeWednesday

September Biosphere News: Brew Ha-Ha, Climate Action, and Turtle Release! - https://mailchi.mp//july-biosphere-news-upcoming-virtual-e

3 ways to enjoy BrewHaHa: Craft Beverage & Comedy with Elvira Kurt this year! LIVE at Trestle Brewing Company *OR* with a take out 6-pack & pretzel *OR* just the Zoom link! Get your social bubble together for a night of great comedy Ticket info: trestlebrewing.com/collections/brew-ha-ha

Its #TriviaTuesday! Were already seeing a familiar sign of the seasons changing, woolly bear caterpillars! This #TriviaTuesday were asking: what does a woolly bear caterpillar develop into? Hint: it isnt a woolly bear butterfly... ... Check back tomorrow for the answer!

Did you hear? Were having a contest - weekly draws on Moose FM CKLP 103.3 - Parry Sound! Complete the Carbon Calculator to be entered for your chance to win a $25 gift certificate to a local restaurant or cafe!! To complete the carbon calculator visit: gbbr.ca/carbon-calculator... #ICECAP #climateaction

This week for #MowinMonday, Dawson Bloor, Indigenous Youth Assistant at the Georgian Bay Biosphere teaches us how to pronounce some favourite foods in Anishinaabemowin. Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/-Q_II80JgIM

Concerned about climate change? By completing the carbon calculator you can help with climate action planning in the region. ICECAP encourages everyone to complete the carbon calculator at: gbbr.ca/carbon-calculator... #ICECAP #climateaction Town of Parry Sound Seguin Township Township of The Archipelago Carling Township Township of Georgian Bay McKellar Township

#ThrowbackThursday to July when we hosted a Species at-Risk training session for Tatham Engineering, Township of The Archipelago, and Halls construction. This training aimed to share knowledge of the species the crew may come across during construction and how to properly and safely handle them! This included moving turtles, moving snakes, and rattlesnake safety training. Thanks to Scales Nature Park for joining us and bringing a number of live turtles and snakes!... #CNPP #SpeciesAtRisk

You may have seen GBBR staff out on your lake in Seguin Township this summer conducting benthic sampling. Not sure what benthic monitoring is all about? Check out this short video to learn about Seguin Townships benthic monitoring program and get up close and personal with some of the neat critters living at the bottom of your lake! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bzkx7vYQxM... #WildlifeWednesday

Just in time for #turtletuesday, the last of our incubated turtles were released yesterday into their wetland homes! We cant wait to share with you their turtle tales, coming soon!

Last Friday was Dawson and Gracies last day as part of the GBAY staff team. What a great way to bring the summer to a close, helping return baby snapping turtl...es to their homelands! Gchimiigwech to the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve (GBBR) for leading and sharing this work, through the Community Nominated Priority Places Project. **All turtle work was conducted by trained staff and with required permits** One of the stories we shared was about Anishinaabek re-Creation. We placed a small piece of the wetlands on a baby snapper to give our little turtle niichii a head start!

Job Posting! Cultural & Environmental Coordinator

This week for #MowinMondays, Dawson Bloor, Indigenous Youth Assistant at the Georgian Bay Biosphere teaches us how to pronounce medicines in Anishinaabemowin. Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/NOCdQXW0Whw

Welcome to Sherrill, a new and very welcome face to the GBBR team! Sherrill Midwewekamigokwe is an Anishinaabekwe from Shawanaga First Nation and is of the Sturgeon clan. She joins the Biosphere as Maawaanjiiwe Manager - Gets people together - for the Community Nominated Priority Places project. Sherrill has been an educator for children/youth and families with a foundation in cultural knowledge and language sharing for 16 years. Sherrill brings a wealth of knowledge in ...building relationships and is excited to continue her work with the Biosphere and communities along Mnidoo Gamiing, Georgian Bay. In her free time Sherrill and her family can be found connecting to the land and waterways in the territory of Shawanaga First Nation and the broader Robinson Huron Treaty territory. Sherrill enjoys paddling, peddling, harvesting and exploring and also enjoys cooking for her family of 7. #FridayFaces #BiosphereStaff