Old-Growth Forests of Ontario’s Greenbelt: A Guide to Hiking, Natural History and Conservation
Ancient Forest Exploration & Research
www.ancientforest.org
$26,000 (over 2 years)
Grant Stream: Resilient Greenbelt
Date Approved: June 25, 2018
The Greenbelt is home to a great variety of old-growth forests - ancient cedars on the escarpment, deep and shady hemlock valleys, oak savannahs, mature hardwood forests and others. The Project will publish a hiking guide to help Ontarians discover old-growth forests in the Greenbelt and learn about their ecological values and practical conservation information. With an initial print run of 2,500-3,000 copies, the full-colour book will include detailed mapping, illustrations, photography, practical conservation information, and opportunities for citizen/community science. Revenues from book sales will support public engagement through educational presentations. Digital citizen-science tools will encourage conservation of old-growth forests, which are currently endangered eco-systems.
A hiking guide will help Ontarians discover old-growth forests in the Greenbelt, and learn about their ecological value and related conservation information.
The guide will offer short- and long-distance hikes and include trail descriptions, as well as the value of Greenbelt protection for ongoing research and seed propagation. Readers will be encouraged to seek-out digital aids and APPs, during hikes, that collect information on the presence of wildlife, pests and diseases, and other information.
The guide and complimentary communications will support education and research. It will provide grassroots organizations, students of conservation, and members of the public with credible information to use in advocating for improved forest landscape policies and/or enhancements; and, provide opportunities for the public to directly experience ancient forests, including through citizen-science programming.