What can you do to help?

We need action by all Ontarians to stop the loss of biodiversity. There are things we all can do to help:

Learn more. Knowledge is power. The more we know about the causes, consequences and how to prevention of biodiversity loss, the more power we will have to act. Also, our actions will be more efficient and focused. This primer's a start. Some good links are provided under Resources.

Tell others. As we learn more about biodiversity, we need to let others know as well that biodiversity conservation is worth pursuing. We can discuss it among groups we belong to. We can write letters or emails to editors and others of influence.

Help monitor Ontario's biodiversity. Citizen science, the monitoring of species and ecosystems by individuals and groups (for example, FrogWatch), is growing across the province. It's a good way to involve people who already have an interest and perhaps knowledge of nature. Learn more and make a difference! A great place to start is the citizenscience website.

Contribute to the OBS Actions. Work is ongoing on many of the Action Items. If you belong to organizations that should be involved, contact that group, encourage involvement and offer to help. Organizations currently represented on the Ontario Biodiversity Council are working together to achieve the goals and vision of Ontario's Biodiversity Strategy.

Reduce our Ecological Footprints. We all do things every day which directly or indirectly affect biodiversity by putting pressure on our natural systems. Reduce such pressure by:

• Being aware of Species at Risk and taking action to protect their populations or habitat. See speciesatrisk.
• Being knowledgeable of Invasive Species, and acting to limit their spread. See www.invadingspecies.com.
• Creating habitat for wild things on your property - planting butterfly or wildflower gardens with native plants and trees, maintaining brush piles, or participating in a local habitat restoration project.
• The Land Owner Resource Centre has free extension notes for landowners covering a variety of topics: www.lrconline.com.
• Avoiding pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers.
• Buying locally grown food whenever possible.
• Reducing energy use in homes, businesses and institutions and vehicles.

More specific footprint reduction tips can be found at http://www.canadianliving.com/life/green_living/23_tips_for_earth_friendly_living.php.

Influence politicians. Let politicians at all levels know that biodiversity conservation is a critical issue that the government needs to do more about.