Biodiversity in Ontario: Why does it matter?
What really is Biodiversity? How does it relate to us in our daily lives? Why is protecting biodiversity so important to us anyway?
In this video, we explored the answers with those who have a larger stake in the issue of biodiversity loss and environmental degradation (farmers, restaurant owners, vineyard owners, apiarists, etc), and who rely on a healthy and diverse ecological system for their businesses and livelihoods. We also discussed how biodiversity in Ontario indirectly benefits our agriculture, sustainable tourism and the local economy, and asked our interviewees what actions they think the public can take to help prevent further biodiversity loss. To learn more about this issue, visit Sierra Club Ontario's website:
Did you know that Ontario has a Biodiversity Strategy with a framework outlining action plans and targets to guide the direction for Biodiversity conservation in the province? The strategy is organized by four themes: Engage People, Reduce Threats, Enhance Resilience, and Improve Knowledge. Visit to learn more!
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Participating local farms and businesses:
Chris Krucker - Owner at ManoRun Organic Farm in Dundas, Ontario
Michelle OrdynieO - Beekeeper at Weirs Lane Lavender and Apiary in Dundas, Ontario
Kevin Beagle - Owner at Weirs Lane Lavender and Apiary in Dundas, Ontario
Ryan Crawford - Co-owner and chef at Backhouse Restaurant, farm-to-table cuisine at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Ann Sperling - Director of Winemaking and Viticulture at Southbrook Vineyards at Niagara-on-the-Lake,,Ontario
Juliet Orazietti - Co-owner at Linc Farm @ Southbrook Vineyards at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Special thanks to our advisors:
Leslie Adams, Biodiversity Matters
Mary Kainer, Sierra Club Canada Foundation
May Chow, DAS Canada
Supporting Organizations:
Ontario Nature (
P.O.W.E.R. Halton (
Ontario Biodiversity Council (
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Photo credits:
Cawthra Mulock Nature Reserve by Maria Papoulias
Eastern Bumblebee and Woodland Sunflower by Noah Cole
Eastern Tailed Blue by Lindsay Barden
Kinghurst Forest Nature Reserve,by Mark Carabetta
Bluebells by Smera Sukumar
Aerial shot of Bruce Alvar by Noah Cole
Wood Duck by Missy Mandel
Virescent Metallic Green Bee and Black-eyed Susan by Leslie Bol
Wood Turtle by Scott Gillingwater
Monarch Butterfly at McGeachy Pond Management Area by Noah Cole
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This video was brought to you by: Sierra Club Canada Foundation - Ontario Chapter (
Funded by: Biodiversity Education and Awareness Network (
Filming and video editing by: Adrian Turlo and Steve Kim
Ogilvie St, Old Ancaster Rd, Old Dundas Rd (Hamilton Area) (Going North)
Ontario Motorcycle Roads - pictures, descriptions, maps, videos
SUNFLOWERS FOR DAYS!
Sunflowers for days!!! We found an enormous sunflower field, went to a lavender farm and drove home with a beautiful sunset. Could not ask for a better few days!
The lavender farm is Weir's Lane in Dundas, Ontario and the sunflower field we drove past was Bogle Seeds (which is now permanently closed!!) but we enjoyed a neighbouring farm instead!
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