OLTA

Conservation Easement Agreements: Charitable Assets – and Liabilities
2024-03-26 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Toronto) | Online
Join us on March 26, 1:00-2:00 pm for an important discussion about long term stewardship of CEAs. We will cover the enforcement of CEAs, provide examples of when extinguishment (partial or full) can occur, and the process of amending CEAs and considerations for when and how to do this.
To participate, please register here.
This training is free for OLTA members and associates and $45 for others.

Conservation Easement Agreements Webinar
2024-03-07 12:30 - 13:30 | Online
Join us on March 7, 12:30-1:30 pm as we explore the possibilities associated with donation of a Conservation Easement Agreement. We will discuss responsibilities of land trusts in issuing receipts, benefits to the landowner, tax considerations, and donation scenarios.

To participate, please register here.

This training is free for OLTA members and associates and $45 for others.

Annual Property Monitoring Webinar
2024-02-29 10:00 - 11:30 | Online
Join OLTA, Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust, and Thames Talbot Land Trust for a discussion of annual monitoring practices and procedures.

Participants will gain a better understanding of who typically completes annual monitoring, training for property monitors, documentation and forms completed with each site visit, and what happens next!

In addition to routine monitoring, we will also talk about ways to incorporate species at risk monitoring into annual procedures to keep your records up to date and to help inform stewardship decisions.

Thursday February 29, 10-11:30 am

This training is free for OLTA members and associates and $45 for others.

To participate, please register here.

Estimating GHG Benefits Webinar
2024-02-22 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
Join us for a webinar on Estimating Greenhouse Gas flux benefits of forest conservation and restoration.

While there are broadly recognized GHG and climate mitigation benefits of forest conservation and restoration efforts, accurate quantification remains a challenge, often requiring many samples and high-quality repeated measurements.

An alternative approach that can be easily implemented at a local scale uses estimates of carbon stocks and dynamics based on remote sensing imagery in conjunction with carbon process models. A globally comprehensive version of such estimates with high spatial resolution is freely available from the eNGO Global Forest Watch. Dr. Thomas will introduce and demonstrate this approach, and summarize alternative methods and emerging issues.

Dr. Sean Thomas is an internationally recognized expert in tree ecophysiology and forest carbon processes, and in recent years has pioneered the use of biochar in forest restoration applications.

This training is free for OLTA members and associates and $45 for others.

To participate, please register here.

Join us to talk GIS
2024-01-24 13:00 - 14:30 | Online
As part of OLTA’s ongoing commitment to our Land Trust members, join us on January 24th from 1 – 2:30PM EST as we deliver training on GIS tools. This webinar is presented by our GIS Technician Katya Kozina and will provide participants with an introduction to GIS software and the geospatial and attribute standards of the Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas Database (CPCAD).

Participants will learn about the fundamental components and capabilities of GIS, including vector data and geodatabase management, geospatial data creation, and feature class editing. The webinar will cover information that land trusts and other organizations should know when preparing to report protected areas to CPCAD.

This training is free for OLTA members and associates and $45 for others.

To participate, register here. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jessica at Jessica.Obodoechi@olta.ca.

Land Trust Governance & Operations Webinar
2023-09-12 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Join us on Sept 12th from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm OR Sept 14th from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm as OLTA hosts two sessions on Land Trust Governance & Operations tailored specifically for land trust staffs, volunteers, and Board Members of OLTA.

Title: Where’s the line between governance and operations?

Description: Nothing great can be accomplished without an effective partnership between the board and the staff (paid or unpaid, including board members performing operational work). But stepping on toes gets an Ouch reaction, not an Impact one – and usually muddles up accountability. During these informative sessions we’ll talk about:

A board’s legal and usual role;

Explicit delegation to the Executive Director (or operational committees if no senior staff person); and

Clarifying that big grey area in-between in a way that works for your culture, history, life-cycle stage, and people.

Whether you are a professional staff member or a passionate volunteer, these sessions will provide valuable knowledge and actionable tips to drive your mission forward successfully. Depending on your availability, you are welcome to attend either session. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and share experiences with fellow professionals and volunteers in the land trust community.

This event will be hosted by the talented Jane Garthson, President, Garthson Leadership Centre.

Register:

Session 1: Sept 12th 1:00pm – 3:00pm Register here

Session 2: Sept 14th 5:00 – 7:00pm Register here

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to preserving and protecting our precious landscapes. Let’s make sure we respect each other and our respective roles!

Engaging New Canadians with Nature - Successes and Learnings Webinar
2023-04-12 14:30 - 15:30 | Online
When: April 12 @ 2:30pm – 3:30pm (ET)Cost: FreeDescription: Are you interested in developing a program to engage newcomers to Canada? Join OLTA staff, and our partner organizations in this online webinar to learn about our Engaging New Canadians with Nature program as well as collaboration opportunities. We will share an overview of the program, events we’ve developed, our learnings, and opportunities for you to develop similar programs. Register for this webinar here.

This webinar is based on the Experiential Learning Guide that OLTA staff developed in 2022 (the second year of the program) to share successes and opportunities for this program, with additional learnings from this third year of the program.

We will also hear from a few speakers about their personal experiences and collaboration opportunities to develop similar programs.

Register here.

Spatial Tools for Conservation Planning Webinar
2023-03-22 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
When: Wednesday, March 22, 2023 @ 1:00pm – 3:00pm (EST)Location: Zoom WebinarCost: Free to Canadian Land Trusts; $45 for others.Description: Nature Conservancy Canada (NCC) develops science-based conservation technology tools for the prioritization of natural areas which leads to better strategic planning and more efficient resource allocation. NCC produces Natural Area Conservation Plans (NACPs) in several regions across Canada to evaluate the conservation value of natural habitats, ecological services and anthropogenic pressures.

Currently, NCC is working on modernizing their conservation technologies with online prioritization tools that help answer questions like Where to work and What to do? They have also developed innovative field data collection, property mapping, and monitoring tools. These tools are beneficial to land conservation.

As part of OLTA’s ongoing commitment to Land Trust members, join us as Jason Beaulieu and Richard Schuster from NCC present the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s geomatics tools at different scales (national, provincial, regional, local) and provide guidance on how to use them. This session is suitable for all staff and volunteers involved in conservation planning at your organization. It will be particularly useful for GIS staff and volunteers.Register here.

Toronto Zoo Webinar Series!
2023-02-27 17:30 - 18:30 | Online
Join the Ontario Land Trust Alliance and CultureLink for two exciting online webinars presented by the Toronto Zoo to learn more about the wildlife of Ontario. Everyone is welcome.

Session 1 of the Toronto Zoo Webinar Series: Reptiles, Amphibians, and Fishes!

When: February 27 @ 5:30pm – 6:30pm (ET)

Location: Zoom Webinar

Description: This session will be all about fishes, turtles, and other reptiles and amphibians that you can find throughout Ontario!

Register here.

Session 2 of the Toronto Zoo Webinar Series: The Nocturnal World of Bats!

When: March 8 @ 5:30pm – 6:30pm (ET)

Location: Zoom Webinar

Description:This second session will explore the super neat nocturnal world of bats!

Register here.

Indigenous Perspectives on Conservation: Moving Beyond Species at Risk Conservation
2023-02-16 08:00 - 17:00 | John L. Jose Environmental Learning Centre & Tiffin Conservation Area; 8195 8th Line of Essa, Utopia, ON, L0M 1T0, 8195 8th Line of Essa, Utopia, L0M 1T0, Canada
When: Thursday, February 16, 2023 @ 9:00am – 3:30pm ESTLocation: John L. Jose Environmental Learning Centre & Tiffin Conservation AreaCost: Free for OLTA Members and Associates, $95 for non-members.Description: Join OLTA for this full day in-person workshop delivered by 4 Directions Conservation Consulting Services.

This workshop will introduce participants to Indigenous worldviews on species at risk and examine how land trusts in Ontario can create meaningful conservation efforts with a fulsome approach to the inclusion of Indigenous values and rights.

Click here to register.

Travel stipends are available. Please contact mikayla.johnston-clayton@olta.ca with your request.

Land Acknowledgement Webinar
2023-01-25 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Register here.

Join us on January 25th, 2023 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM (EST) for a webinar on Land Acknowledgements. This session is free for OLTA members and associates and $45 for others.

The Canadian Land Trust Standard & Practices (2019) explicitly acknowledges the importance for all Canadian land trusts to actively reach out to and engage with Indigenous partners when engaging in their land conservation activities.

Through OLTA’s Indigenous Learning Program, OLTA has collaborated with a number of our member land trusts that place a strong emphasis on actively involving Indigenous communities in land trust operations, providing support in increasing Indigenous understanding and engagement with Indigenous communities.

As part of this initiative OLTA is hosting a webinar on Indigenous Land Acknowledgment. Why is Indigenous Land Acknowledgment important?

“When we talk about land, land is part of who we are. It’s a mixture of our blood, our past, our current, and our future. We carry our ancestors in us, and they’re around us. As you all do.” – Mary Lyons (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe)

Join us on January 25th to learn more about the importance of land acknowledgment and tips for developing a meaningful land acknowledgement as part of your organization’s journey and responsibility to “Reconciliation”. Also learn more about resources OLTA has developed to assist land trusts on Indigenous engagement.

The event will feature the following talented panelists who will share their perspectives and experiences: Kerry-Ann Charles (Member of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation) and Tiffany Taylor (Member of the Curve Lake First Nation).

About the Speakers

Kerry-Ann Charles is a member of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, a proud mom of 2 boys and has been a Team member of Cambium Indigenous Professional Services (CIPS) since 2017 as the Environment Partnership Co-ordinator. Kerry-Ann has over 17 years’ experience working within her Community and over a decade of experience working with other Indigenous Communities and Peoples. She was proud to serve her Community as Councilor for a term and has worked in areas such as education, by-law development and implementation, waste management, housing and environmental project co-ordination and management. For her last eight years with her Community she was responsible for researching and developing funding proposals which helped build and sustain her First Nations Environment Department and included learning about who she is as a First Nations person as well as the “Truths” in which Canada has been established. With this knowledge and lived experience Kerry-Ann has a unique perspective that can be very valuable in assisting organizations who are seeking to create a meaningful Land Acknowledgement as part of their journey and responsibility to “Reconciliation”.

Tiffany Taylor is a proud member of the Curve Lake First Nation. As a past elected councillor, Executive Assistant and Indian Registration Administrator for her community, Tiffany has acquired over 25 years’ experience directly pertaining to First Nations operations, membership and governance.

As an Executive Assistant, Tiffany was responsible for ensuring directives from Chief and Council were effectively incorporated into the day to day activities of the community. As an elected official, Tiffany led key portfolios within the community including Lands and Environment, Education, Economic Development and the Curve Lake Gaming Revenue Fund. Tiffany has also supported the development of other First Nation communities sitting as a Board member of Kagita Mikam Employment and Training as well as the Aboriginal Labour Force Development Circle. Tiffany’s role as the Project Administrative Coordinator ensures that Project leads have a human resource capable of providing key administrative functions required to effectively complete projects on time and on budget. Tiffany will provide the required support to project leads in the areas of workplan development and management, project administration, event coordination, meeting coordination and scribe support as well as any other assigned duties detailed in project assignments.

OLTA's Annual General Meeting & 20th Anniversary Virtual Celebration
2022-11-15 17:00 - 19:00 | Online
Ontario Land Trust Alliance is hosting our Annual General Meeting (AGM) via Zoom on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 starting at 5:00 PM, which will be followed by a virtual celebration of OLTA’s 20th Anniversary. And you are invited!

OLTA’s Annual General Meeting Details

Join us to hear about OLTA’s past year (2021/22) of key activities, programs, and learnings! The AGM will take place at 5:00 PM for approximately one hour.

AGM Materials:

Agenda Package

OLTA Audited Financial Statements as of June 30, 2022

Draft minutes from 2021 OLTA Annual General Meeting.

2021-2022 Annual Report

The 2021/22 Annual Report will be distributed separately.

20th Anniversary Celebration Details

Please join us after the AGM to celebrate 20 years of OLTA with a short presentation on OLTA’s history, pictures, and a story map created for OLTA’s 20th Anniversary!

Participants will have an opportunity to share stories and memories about OLTA over the years.

Note: You do not need to attend both the AGM and the 20th Anniversary celebration – there will be a short transition period between the AGM and the Anniversary Celebration; feel free to join when you are able and leave the Zoom call when you need to.

Registration is not needed to join these events. Zoom details to join the AGM and/or the 20th Anniversary Celebration:

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81289533630?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID: 812 8953 3630

Passcode: [REDACTED]

Join via mobile: +16473744685,,81289533630#,,,,*[REDACTED]# Canada +16475580588,,81289533630#,,,,*[REDACTED]# Canada

We look forward to seeing you there!

Meetings for Volunteer-led Land Trusts and Land Trust Board Members - Meeting #2
2022-05-19 17:00 - 18:00 | Online
Calling volunteer-led land trusts and land trust board members! Join us for Meeting Number #2

OLTA is continuing our regular Meetings for Volunteer-led Land Trusts and Land Trust Board Members. These virtual sessions will be an opportunity to come together with other volunteers working across Ontario who are leading land trusts. They are an opportunity to discuss, brainstorm, collaborate and learn about Land Trust topics of interest. Please reach out to our Educational Services Coordinator, Lauren Draaistra at lauren.draaistra@olta.ca with any questions or if you are interested in sharing your financial statements as examples for discussion.Meeting #2: Thursday, May 19th @ 5:00pm – 6:00pm (ET)

Description: The meeting will be a continuation of the forum for treasurers, board members and volunteers interested in learning more about land trust finance. An agenda will be provided, to those registered, prior to the meeting.

Register: here

Land Trust Governance Refresher Webinar
2022-04-26 13:30 - 15:00 | Online
Description: Join us to learn more about board governance for a land trust. This session is designed to engage everyone involved with land trust board governance. It provides a quick update on the latest wise governance thinking for experienced board members AND introductory training, or a refresher, on the roles and responsibilities within governance. Experienced board members are encouraged to attend to enhance their ability to mentor and support newer directors. Both board and staff members will gain a deeper appreciation of how intentional, effective governance can serve to advance your important missions. And Jane Garthson has courageously volunteered to answer as many of your governance questions as time allows!

Register Here

Land Trust Board and Donor Development Webinar
2022-04-25 12:30 - 13:30 | Online
Join us for a peer-to-peer-led webinar focused on fundraising for Land Trust Board Members. This lunch-time chatsession will be led by Peter Welles, who is an OLTA Vision Award recipient. Peter was the founding President of The Kensington Conservancy, where he served in that capacity for 10 years. He will be leading this conversation in a volunteer-to-volunteer learning style, bringing his over 50 years of “board years” of experience. Peter has worked with conservation organizations in both the US and Canada, where he has picked up many fundraising best practices. Peter’s passion is demystifying fundraising for volunteers like himself to help land trusts secure the resources necessary for their success. By the end of the webinar, you will be able to understand the difference between gifts that help, gifts that impact, and gifts that transform. With this knowledge, you will be able to better develop strategies within your organization. This session will have time for engagement and questions.

Register Here

Breeding Bird Atlas Information Session
2022-03-10 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
When: March 10 @ 1:00pm – 2:00pm ETDescription: This session, presented by Mike Cadman, will include a description of the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas project, which is a huge new volunteer-based inventory of the province’s birds, taking place from 2021 to 2025. The results of the project will update our knowledge of the distribution, abundance and status of the 300 or so bird species that nest in the province. If you are interested, there may be a role for you in providing data to the project or in having atlas participants do surveys on your property. Register Here.

About the Presenter:Mike Cadman has been a Songbird Biologist for Canadian Wildlife Service, Ontario Region, since 1992. Much of his professional life has been devoted to breeding bird atlases. He coordinated Ontario’s previous two atlas projects (1981-1985 and 2001-2005) and co-edited the resulting books, and is coordinating Atlas-3. He currently chairs the Canadian Breeding Bird Atlas Committee.
