The eastern coast of Georgian Bay is alive with research and monitoring efforts—some visible, some happening quietly behind the scenes. From researchers tracking wildlife movements to volunteers restoring fragile habitats, countless hands come together to care for this landscape. Whether it’s removing invasive species, protecting nesting turtles, or monitoring water quality, these efforts are shaping the future of the biosphere region.
Some of the earliest work of the Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere (GBB) involved bringing groups in eastern Georgian Bay together to answer the question “who is doing what on the coast?”. These early gatherings from 2005-2008 helped define the need for a State of the Bay ecosystem health report. So much important work was happening on the coast, but there was no organized way of sharing it and communicating to the public how the Bay was doing and the changes being observed. Through these gatherings with partners, indicators were identified and sources of information gathered. Although GBB took the lead on gathering the information and presenting it, State of the Bay has always been about contributions from partners as it is a reflection of everyone’s efforts in the region.
In recent years, GBB reinitiated annual stewardship gatherings to bring together the people behind all of the important work happening across the biosphere region to share knowledge and plans, make connections, and inspire action.
On February 24, GBB hosted the 2025 Mnidoo Gamii Stewardship Gathering, a virtual gathering for groups that conduct environmental work in the region. The event was an opportunity for attendees to:
- Share updates on current and planned initiatives and explore areas for collaboration;
- Highlight opportunities for mutual support and resource sharing; and
- Celebrate and incorporate diverse knowledge systems, including Indigenous Knowledge, Western science, and braiding knowledges approaches.
Over 60 individuals registered for the gathering, representing approximately 30 different groups including not-for-profits, First Nations’ Lands Departments, provincial and national parks, government agencies, and academic institutions.
Following an opening by Elder Dave Rice from Wasauksing First Nation, speakers provided information on their work planned for 2025 covering a wide range of themes including: reptiles and amphibians, fish, birds, landscape level research/monitoring, invasive species, water quality, coastal wetlands, and climate change. Each presentation provided insights into 2025 plans, and provided attendees with the opportunity to ask questions; covering anything from project funding to data collection protocols.
Following the presentations, attendees were asked questions about regional priorities. Some of the regional priorities raised included:
- Invasive species management;
- Fish monitoring;
- Radio tracking animals to understand annual and seasonal movements;
- Species at risk management (specifically bats and reptiles); and
- Impacts of roads, tourism, and other human activities on wildlife.
Coming together each year to share about the work happening in the region has proven useful for sparking new ideas, partnerships, and collaboration on the coast. Furthermore, understanding what others are doing helps to avoid duplication and can point to gaps in our collective efforts.
Learning about work done across the biosphere gives us so many ideas and gets us really excited to start the 2025 field season and collaborate with our partners.
– Brooke Carroll, Lands & Waters Program Coordinator
It is clear from these annual gatherings that participants share a sense of responsibility and commitment towards caring for this unique part of the world. GBB is inspired by the work of its partners and we look forward to continuing to host annual stewardship gatherings!
