What You Can Do for Species at Risk

People often ask: This is a big problem, what can I do to help?

In Ontario, we do have many species that are at risk, but there are lots of things you can do to help protect and recover them. 

Have you seen…?

If you see a species at risk or think there is one on your property, the Ontario Ministry Natural Resources (MNR) would like to hear from you.

Call your local MNR office and talk to a biologist or ecologist to report your sighting and learn more about species at risk in your area. You can also report a sighting on the Natural Heritage Information Centre website.

“Stewardship first”

Individuals and groups who are planning species at risk projects can apply for funding through Ontario’s Species at Risk Stewardship Fund. In August 2007, the first year of the fund, $3 million was awarded to more than 80 species at risk protection and recovery projects. 

There are lots of local activities already happening across Ontario. To find out more about how you can get involved in a local species at risk stewardship project or workshop, contact your local Ontario Stewardship Council. View the list of Councils on the Ontario Stewardship website.  

Ontario’s Conservation Land Tax Incentive Program (CLTIP)

Under this program, if your land has important natural features, you may be eligible to receive up to 100 percent property tax relief. The natural feature could be habitat for species at risk. Visit the program website or contact CLTIP staff at
1-800-268-8959.

Community Fisheries and Wildlife Involvement Program (CFWIP)

Another MNR Program, CFWIP is your opportunity to participate in hands-on fish and wildlife management and conservation activities. You can develop volunteer projects that will improve fish and wildlife in the province, and improve opportunities for outdoor recreation. MNR will provide financial help, expertise, equipment and materials for approved CFWIP projects. Visit CFWIP for more information on how to get started.

The Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP)

The MFTIP was developed to encourage landowner participation in natural resource stewardship on private forest land in Ontario. MNR has partnered with the Ontario Forestry Association and the Ontario Woodlot Association to deliver the program. In the Program guide, you will find information on how to enter and participate in the program. Guides may also be obtained from the two partner associations.

Learn all about it!

We can all help by learning more about species at risk, why they are at risk and why we need to protect them. To get started, visit:

• Royal Ontario Museum
• Environment Canada, Ontario Region
• Federal Species at Risk Act Registry
• Parks Canada
• Hinterland Who’s Who

Back to nature

Sign up with your local naturalist club – there are dozens of these across Ontario. Find the club nearest you at Ontario's Nature Network. You may also be interested in creating or participating in a land trust, non-profit charitable organizations that acquire land or interests in land (like conservation easements) for the purpose of conservation. Visit the Ontario Land Trust Alliance website for more information.

Simply green

Set a green example in your neighbourhood and take action to create some wildlife habitat. It can be as simple as planting some wildflowers or creating a brush pile to shelter birds and animals. Another important action to help wildlife is avoiding the use of herbicides and pesticides on lawns and gardens.

Spread the word

Just like plants and animals, we humans need a healthy environment to thrive and live well. We can spread this message to more people than ever before. We can chat online or over the back fence. The important thing is to talk about it! 

By working together, we can help Ontario’s species at risk