With the stresses brought about by anthropogenic climate change, biodiversity is at a critical point. Many species that provide invaluable services to ecosystem health are facing threats to their populations, and the wealth of species diversity is dwindling. But, the connections between biodiversity and climate change mitigation are strong. How does protecting species at risk work towards stabilizing the climate, and what can be done to foster a biodiverse planet?

Garden River First Nation and the Central Algoma Land Trust have announced a historic partnership, with support from Ontario Nature, to acquire and permanently protect 392 hectares (969 acres) of culturally and ecologically significant land at the northeast end of Echo Lake in Kehoe Township. This landmark initiative stands as a transformative model for Indigenous-led conservation, establishing the region's first Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area.

A personal story from the field amplifying the need for both knowledge and preparedness when exploring the areas common for black bears. Being home to the second largest black bear population in the North Americas it is important that their presence both wondrous and powerful, are given special considerations to keep the safety of both us and the bears a priority. As fall approaches it human-bear interactions may increase due to searching for food before hibernation. 

Reflecting on the past few months, the Central Algoma Land Trust owes much of this season's success to our outstanding 2026 seasonal team members. Whether they were out monitoring protected properties, leading local stewardship initiatives, or engaging the public, their enthusiasm left a lasting mark on our local landscapes.

Bats may have once had a bad reputation, but these fascinating nocturnal creatures are some of nature’s hardest-working insect hunters. With bat populations across Ontario in decline, every sighting is now a welcome surprise. Learn more about the eight bat species found in the Central Algoma region to boost your appreciation for these amazing animals!

With summer in full bloom, now is the perfect time to explore the vast world of medicinal plants. Conifer shoots that are high in vitamin C, common weeds that pack a powerful anti-inflammatory punch, beautiful flowers growing in the heart of Central Algoma’s ecosystems - there’s a bounty of species ripe for harvest.

The Central Algoma Land Trust is excited to announce that the Dawson Island Preserve has almost doubled in size, thanks to an exceptionally generous donation from the Welles family. This newly acquired tract will be named the E.K. and Betty Welles Point. Named after the property's original owners, the tract was collectively donated by five of their grandchildren who recently inherited the land.

Widow Skimmers are a common species not far too the south of us and isn’t considered at-risk, so why does this matter? Tracking range expansions like this is a vital part of modern conservation. As our climate and landscapes change, species are moving into new territories to find the habitats they need to survive.

After deep snow and a long winter, spring has finally arrived for Central Algoma Land Trust’s protected areas; we are pleased to announce that spring ephemerals are slowly waking up from their long winter naps and beginning to bloom along our hiking trails and monitored properties!

For the third year in a row, the Central Algoma Land Trust was proud to support the Algoma District Regional Envirothon and Competition, at Stokely Creek Lodge. This year’s event was especially meaningful, as one of our team members, Jazmin, returned as an instructor after once competing in Envirothon as a student herself.

From hands-on stream testing to field challenges and presentations, students spent two inspiring days building environmental skills and teamwork. Read the full blog to learn more about this year’s competition and why Envirothon continues to make such a lasting impact.

World Migratory Bird Day at Fort St. Joseph was another extremely successful day! 121 eager birders showed up on May 9th at Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site to experience the wonders of spring bird migration. This was the 4th annual partnership between Parks Canada and the Central Algoma Land Trust to host this event in celebration of World Migratory Bird Day.

The team at the Central Algoma Land Trust has grown to seven for the next four months! We’d like to introduce you to Kaitlyn, Maggie, and Johnna who be working alongside Carter, Corinne, Jennifer, and Jazmin to advance conservation across the Central Algoma region.