Greenbelt Foundation grant helps Earth Rangers create the next generation of conservationists in Ontario

10,000 Earth Rangers members will participate in Greenbelt-themed “missions” to protect the environment and biodiversity in the region

TORONTO, Oct. 3, 2022 — With renewed support from the Greenbelt Foundation of $125,000, Earth Rangers will educate the next generation on the importance of protecting nature through Greenbelt-themed “missions”, school assemblies and classroom resources, and six community events. The project – called “Education and Action in the Greenbelt: Creating the Next Generation of Conservationists in Ontario” – builds on the success of programming launched in 2019. It was developed with the goal of inspiring kids and their families across the Greenbelt and the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH) to interact with and protect the natural environment around them.

Greenbelt Foundation CEO, Edward McDonnell, made the funding announcement on Oct. 2 at a tree planting event in Claireville Conservation Area in Brampton along with the Earth Rangers President Tovah Barocas.

“I’m pleased to announce our continuing support for the Earth Rangers’ important role in inspiring the next generation. Educational activities such as this that reach a younger and diverse audience, help to increase awareness and inspire a new generation of environmental stewards of   the Greenbelt and broader environmental systems. These actions can have a lasting impact and provide long-term benefits for the health and sustainability of our region,” said Edward McDonnell, Greenbelt Foundation CEO.  

This program will also promote understanding and knowledge about the value of the Greenbelt among children aged six to 12 and their families. The Earth Rangers team will meaningfully engage the community in activities that benefit the Greenbelt with themes such as forest cover, habitat connectivity, supporting local farmers, and emphasizing the role youth can play in protecting and keeping our greenspaces healthy.

“I am pleased to see Earth Rangers and the Greenbelt Foundation’s focus on encouraging youth to be leaders when it comes to environmental conservation,” said David Piccini, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “These missions will support positive change by allowing Ontario’s youth to get involved in their communities to support a clean green province for generations to come.”

Founded in 2004, Earth Rangers has grown to be the largest kid-focused environmental organization globally with more than 300,000 members and alumni. Members learn about threats facing the natural world, and how they can become environmental leaders at home and in their communities through sustainable actions. Earth Rangers programs are designed to instill a sense of responsibility and help create a generation of environmental stewards. Youth education can also have an influence on the views and behaviours of their parents and guardians.

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the Greenbelt Foundation through which our young members and their families learn about, experience and support the myriad benefits of the Greenbelt. From local food to climate resilience to important habitats, we rely on the Greenbelt for so much, and it’s incredibly important that children are aware and engaged in celebrating and protecting it. They can do this through our Missions program and a series of family-focused events thanks to funding from the Greenbelt Foundation,” said Tovah Barocas, Earth Rangers President.

The Ontario Greenbelt is critical to the health, sustainability and future of the Greater Golden Horseshoe as the region continues to face challenges and pressures from urban development, climate change and biodiversity loss. Of the two million acres of total protected area, 721,000 acres are wetlands, grasslands and forests that provide critical habitat for 78 at-risk species and more than $3.2 billion in ecosystem services each year. The health of the Greenbelt also directly affects the quality of water for more than seven million residents. The Greenbelt’s irreplaceable natural assets need to be better preserved and enhanced to make our region more climate resilient. Ongoing support from the Government of Ontario allows the Greenbelt Foundation to continue investing in programs that increase the awareness and enjoyment of all that the Greenbelt has to offer.

To read a backgrounder with further information, please click here.

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About Greenbelt Foundation  

The Greenbelt Foundation is a charitable organization solely dedicated to ensuring the Greenbelt remains permanent, protected and prosperous. We make the right investments in its interconnected natural, agricultural and economic systems to ensure a working, thriving Greenbelt for all. Ontario’s Greenbelt is one of the world’s largest with over two million acres of farmland, forests, wetlands and rivers working together to provide clean air, fresh water and a reliable local food source.   

Greenbelt Foundation Media Contact 

Amar Shah
Senior Media and Communications Officer
(416) 960-0001 Extension 311
[email protected]  

Greenbelt Foundation Social Media

Website: greenbelt.ca   
Instagram: @ongreenbelt 
Twitter: @greenbeltca 
Facebook: Ontario Greenbelt 

About Earth Rangers

Earth Rangers is the kids’ conservation organization, committed to instilling environmental knowledge, positivity, and the confidence to take action in every child in Canada. We do this through a suite of programming that children can participate in at school, at home, and in their communities. All of these programs are educational and engaging—but more importantly, they show children that it’s not too late to help the planet, and the things we do today will matter tomorrow.

Earth Rangers Media Contact

Karen Horsman
Senior Manager of Communications
647 646-1384
[email protected]

Earth Rangers Social Media 

Website: earthrangers.com
Instagram: @earth_rangers
Twitter: @EarthRangers
Facebook: @bringbackthewild