Strengthening Species Conservation in Ontario

kirtland's warbler

Kirtland's Warbler

butternut

Butternut

little brown myotis

Little Brown Myotis

Massasauga Rattlesnake

Launched in 2026, Strengthening Species Conservation in Ontario supports land trusts in protecting species at risk through two streams: actions to restore and manage protected habitat for species at risk, and funding to conserve habitat.​

Ontario has experienced significant biodiversity loss in recent decades, driven largely by habitat destruction and degradation. As stewards of critical ecological landscapes, Ontario’s land trusts are uniquely positioned to help reverse this trend. The Strengthening Species Conservation in Ontario (SSCO) program empowers land trusts to protect and steward vital habitats that are essential to the survival and recovery of species at risk. Program initiatives include habitat restoration and enhancement, focused monitoring and survey efforts for species at risk, and funds for the securement of properties. By not only improving but also increasing habitat for species at risk, SSCO represents a significant step forward in safeguarding Ontario’s biodiversity. 

Supporting Recovery of Species at Risk

Preserving Habitat

Building Capacity

Growing Conservation Corridors

Icon - Climate Resiliance

Program Supporters:

The Conserving Species at Risk Program is provincially funded by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.

This initiative is supported by OLTA staff and experts from our community. Contact us to learn more or get involved.

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Ontario Land Trust Alliance (OLTA) is a registered charity focused on providing community, knowledge sharing and support to land trusts and other groups committed to land conservation across Ontario.

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