Silver Pines Elementary school students make supporting green initiatives look like a walk in the park…literally.

On December 14^th at one o’clock in the afternoon, the lunch bell rang and the ‘big gym’ filled with happy, excited children. Excited because they were about to be recognized for all the hard work and creativity they had expressed over the last few months. By painting murals on the walls of their school and crafting a Greenbelt quilt, the students of Pine Hills created an artistic approach to getting the word out about the greatness of the Greenbelt.

Happy Holidays from Greenbelts Local Solutions for Global Challenges!

What’s the perfect gift for you or your employees this year? Registration toGreenbelts: Local Solutions for Global Challenges! Attend the first ever Global Greenbelts Conference in Toronto, Canada from March 22^nd to March 24^th, 2011.  The Early Bird Rate will be over December 19, 2010 –so register now before it’s too late.

Over forty-five speakers and moderators from across the globe will share their experiences and perspectives on tackling the complex challenges in protecting our ecosystems and the numerous benefits they provide, and in sustaining farming and the vibrancy of surrounding communities. Register to learn more at Greenbelts: Local Solutions for Global Challenges at www.globalgreenbeltsconference.ca

New public opinion results reported in the Toronto Star on November 30^th revealed not only that the Greenbelt is much loved and supported by Ontarians but in fact 88% identified  that environmental policies should be upheld even in tough economics times.  This story was featured as part of a Greenbelt focused one-page to help people understand everything from the cost of sprawl to how future focused initiatives like the Greenbelt help build the Ontario we all want to see in the future.

It helps us a lot (grade 2 student)

So they know all about where animals live (grade 2 student)

So they know who’s taking care of wildlife, green space, farms and water  (grade 2 student)

That they protect the land and someone cares about us because we live in the enviroment and it would be hard to live and stay healthy without the Greenbelt. (grade 5 student)

According to statistics, about 72 per cent of low-income families do not have access to fresh fruits and vegetables. The Ontario Association of Food Banks has worked to provide food for these families for years – however this year, marks a great achievement for the Association, it’s volunteers and it’s participating farmers. With a goal of growing and gleaning (picking vegetables by hand) 500,000 pounds of fresh produce this season, the Ontario Harvest project doubled their goal, bringing in one million pounds of fresh food for families across the province. "The carrots, potatoes and other fresh produce are going towards families that need it," says Todd Jaques, Director of Operations and Agricultural Partnerships for the Ontario Association of Food Banks. “And you can see the impact that it makes,” says Jaques.

TD Friends of the Environment Foundation recognizes excellence in environmental non-profit leadership

The TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF) is proudly celebrating 20 years of funding grassroots environment and wildlife projects nationwide. To help mark this milestone anniversary, TD FEF today announced that it will award four special grants of $5,000 each to support capacity-building within environmental charities.

Wetlands are known to provide a number of important services to society. These services, which include water filtration/regulation, biodiversity habitat, carbon storage, and others, have declined over time in many regions of the world due to wetland area and quality loss.

Hamilton Niagara Feasability Study

TD Friends of the Environment Foundation recognizes excellence in environmental non-profit leadership

The TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF) is proudly celebrating 20 years of funding grassroots environment and wildlife projects nationwide. To help mark this milestone anniversary, TD FEF today announced that it will award four special grants of $5,000 each to support capacity-building within environmental charities.

Tie a green ribbon around a gift from the Greenbelt this holiday season. Ontario’s Greenbelt, spanning from Niagara to Northumberland region and north along the Niagara Escarpment, produces a bounty of unique gifts and adventures. 

The Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation has assembled a list of our favourite holiday gifts that represent and support the Greenbelt’s agriculture and environmental integrity.