Toronto, September 9, 2008 – A new report released today by the David Suzuki Foundation with support from theFriends of the Greenbelt Foundation has found that Ontario’s Greenbelt contributes $2.6 billion worth of non-market ecological services to the province each year, an average value of $3,487 per hectare. “This is an incredible figure,” said Dr. David Suzuki, co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation. “It’s a good reminder to decision-makers that if we don’t protect our greenspaces, we’ll end up paying a higher price in the future, not just with our health and the planet’s health, but economically as well. Ontario’s Greenbelt is a world-leading example of how to grow our communities in a balanced way.”

Value of Greenbelt Eco-Services Study – 3.3 MB

This study should be considered a preliminary and coarse-scale natural capital account for the Greenbelt. It is a first step towards a more comprehensive accounting of natural capital assets in the Greenbelt that provides a framework for similar studies across Canada. More Canadian research is needed to determine a full range of ecosystem service values relevant to Canadian eco-zones and land cover types.

50th Anniversary Celebration

Hamilton Conservation Foundation celebrates its 50th Anniversary on September 27^th. It is a celebration all of the important work done by Hamilton Conservation Authority in acquiring, conserving and rehabilitating environmentally sensitive lands in the Hamilton area over the past 50 years

Coalition on the Niagara Escarpment

The Niagara Escarpment is the longest continuous natural corridor in south-central Ontario, extending over 1,000 kilometers and housing 1,000 year old cedars, Niagara Falls, and incredible rock formations resulting from 250 millions years of erosion.

Designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 1990, the Niagara Escarpment is one of the “gems” of the Greenbelt, the pride of the region and a natural feature worth preserving and enhancing.The project creates the Water Research Network and Escarpment Kids to help fulfill the organization’s mission of conducting research and education in the region. Further, the project strengthens this charitable organization, enabling them to address key issues related to the escarpment, while building key partnerships with the public, private sector, conservation authorities, and educators.

Toronto, July 8, 2008 - The Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation announced today a new Greenbelt Farmers’ Markets Program aimed at attracting more Greenbelt farmers to the growing number of markets in and around the region. TheFoundation is investing $200,000 this year to boost the size of markets and the range of local products sold with the aim of increasing financial returns for Greenbelt farmers.

The sun is shining, the weather's warm and the days are taking their sweet time becoming nights. It's time to get outside. Check out the variety of summer festivals and fairs in the Greenbelt just waiting for you to explore.

July

Royal Botanical Gardens Rose Celebration 
Burlington July 5 - 6
www.rbg.ca 
Take in the classic beauty of The Gardens’ two acres of roses in full bloom. Events at RBG run throughout the entire summer.

The Greenbelt Foundation is a proud funding partner of the Greenbelt Express Bike Train, a new initiative that encourages low impact tourism and healthy lifestyles. This service combines two sustainable modes of transportation - bikes and trains - allowing passengers to reduce their carbon footprint and have fun too! By enjoying local and regional tourist attractions Bike Train passengers are avoiding long distance car journeys and air travel that produce abundant greenhouse gas emissions. You can enjoy wines and produce from the Greenbelt, interact with local farmers and get to know the Ontario all around you.

Silver Sponsorship

The conference promotes organic agriculture and viniculture in Ontario, including the Greenbelt.

A Farming Future for the Eastern Greenbelt

By August 2009, more than 270 accounts had been created on the new FarmLink website, with over 100 farm seekers identified and 59 farms interested in finding farmers.

Devoted to conserving the natural and cultural heritage of the Kawartha bioregion, the Kawartha Heritage Conservancy helps link new farmers with land from established or unused farms.The two-phased project emphasizes partnership building among agricultural groups in the Eastern Greenbelt and tackles the challenges facing farmers in that area, such as access to new land and short-term tenancy agreements. The project now includes the FarmLink Program, which connects new farmers with available agricultural land through long-term leases with landowners.

A Farming Future for the Eastern Greenbelt- Phase I:
$55,000 June 5, 2006

A Farming Future for the Eastern Greenbelt- Phase II:
$84,000 June 25, 2008

Strengthening the Greenbelt Project

The project continues the work of the Ontario Greenbelt Alliance and Municipal Leaders for the Greenbelt to protect and strengthen the Greenbelt by garnering provincial and municipal support, encouraging stronger enforcement of the Greenbelt Act, growing the Greenbelt, and opening lines of communication among Greenbelt stakeholders.