The story of a distinct Region and Grassroots Charity
A rare landscape and wilderness refuge
The Land Between (TLB) is the name of an important landscape in Ontario and one of only 15 Community Nominated Priority Places in Canada. It spans Parry Sound and Orillia to the Ottawa valley, and sits "between" the Canadian Shield and St. Lawrence Lowlands, harbouring species and features from north and south, but also ones that are entirely unique. TLB is a last stronghold for many wildlife and habitats in southern Ontario, supporting 59 federally listed Species-at-Risk and also iconic yet declining wildlife like loon, bear and moose. This region also celebrates a meeting of perspectives, practices, and traditions. The diversity of this region increases our resilience to changing times. Learn more about the region's geography and wildlife here
A charity balancing needs between nature and our economies
TLB is also the name of a grassroots charity that has been working to inspire balanced solutions for the land and people since 2006.
We work with Indigenous and local knowledge holders, harvesters, naturalists, business people, scientists, youth and municipalities to find solutions between progress and conservation, and that honour our heritage, culture and traditions.
We are partners with landowners, community members, and jurisdictions in understanding shared outcomes, in designing conservation and development projects, and in mitigating threats to wildlife. We value the creativity of free enterprise, combined with the generosity of spirit to ensure our great grandchildren inherit a healthy planet.
The Land Between is dedicated to the communities we serve, working to conserve biodiversity at the same time as culture and identity. We understand that protecting those without voices and the capacity for nature to renew itself can be part of the outcome in any effort and project. Indeed here, these results need to be part of any project, as they are the fundamental source of our wealth and wellbeing in this region. Human's are smart enough to find a middle way- together.
We have won awards from the MP of Haliburton-Brock and Wildlife Habitat Canada. Learn more about who we are and what we do here.
How we serve our communities
Researching populations of fish and wildlife, state of the lakes and significant habitats
Connecting kids and communities with nature to support confidence and new skills
Celebrating and preserving culture and traditions by gathering and sharing knowledge and stories, and identifying assets
Supporting councils and groups with data, mapping and in assessing impacts to find balanced solutions
Restoring important places to benefit pollinators, wildlife and ecosystem functions as the basis of our local economies
News from The Land Between
Key projects
Blue Lakes Program
The Blue Lakes Program allows lakefront property owners and businesses to take an active role in protecting the health and vitality of their lake communities through a voluntary program which provides standards for achievement and a suite of tools and resources. The initiative is backed by our agile database distilling data of the +2400 lakes in the region.
Working Watersheds
Wiidookdadewin, means "caring for ourselves". This is the approach we use to care for our communities and our collective futures. Here are planning tools and curriculums for municipalities to ensure balanced decisions between progress and conservation and outcomes of enduring health and prosperity. We also provide support for housing and development designs, food security initiatives and more.
Native Gardens
Book a site visit, or event to obtain a customized native garden design to suit your taste and the needs on your property, while benefitting wildlife such as pollinators, amphibians, song birds and more. Native gardens are beautiful, can be tailored and tidy. With a particular emphasis on re-naturalizing shorelands through native gardens, our work helps property owners restore this delicate but important ecotone.
Agwaamtoon Mskhiikii - Conserving and Restoring Species and Spaces
Agwaamtoon Mshkiikii means "protecting the medicines". Nature provides us with our health, wealth, and ultimately our economic well-being. In this final wildlife refuge, we conduct scientific research and integrate Indigenous Knowledge, and local knowledge to understand, restore and conserve species and spaces.
TLB Talks- Sharing Culture and Stories
This region is rich with culture and traditions. We celebrate and work to conserve our distinct worldviews and experiences. This diversity and narrative reminds us of who we are and yet also shows us how what we have in common. From Indigenous heritage, teachings, and language, to special places, assets, and even technologies, and also local knowledge, we celebrate our rich culture.
Habitat Health Check-ups
Insight to help you manage wildlife habitat on your property; and to help biologists understand the state of the environment in The Land Between. Site visits are conducted on your property. Guided options are available. Preference is given to larger property holders. We provide you with a report of the species we have found and guidance on habitat management.
Volunteer-Monitoring
There are many ways to help nature through volunteering. Here you can monitor wildlife and collect data to help us prioritize efforts and design solutions. Volunteer programs can be casual or more regular, and range from helping turtles through Turtle Guardians, to our newest Bird Buddies programs.
Key projects
There are many ways to help nature through volunteering. Here you can monitor wildlife and collect data to help us prioritize efforts and design solutions. Volunteer programs can be casual or more regular, and range from helping turtles through Turtle Guardians, to our newest Bird Buddies programs.
This region is rich with culture and traditions. We celebrate and work to conserve our distinct worldviews and experiences. This diversity and narrative reminds us of who we are and yet also shows us how what we have in common. From Indigenous heritage, teachings, and language, to special places, assets, and even technologies, and also local knowledge, we celebrate our rich culture.
Book a site visit, or event to obtain a customized native garden design to suit your taste and the needs on your property, while benefitting wildlife such as pollinators, amphibians, song birds and more. Native gardens are beautiful, can be tailored and tidy. With a particular emphasis on re-naturalizing shorelands through native gardens, our work helps property owners restore this delicate but important ecotone.
This year we are offering free site visits on a first come first serve basis to help you manage wildlife habitat on your property; and to help biologists understand the state of the environment in The Land Between. Preference is given to larger property holders. We provide you with a report of the species we have found and guidance on habitat management.
Wiidookdadewin, means "caring for ourselves". This is the approach we use to care for our communities and our collective futures. Here are planning tools and curriculums for municipalities to ensure balanced decisions between progress and conservation and outcomes of enduring health and prosperity. We also provide support for housing and development designs, food security initiatives and more.
The Blue Lakes Program allows lakefront property owners and businesses to take an active role in protecting the health and vitality of their lake communities through a voluntary program which provides standards for achievement and a suite of tools and resources. The initiative is backed by our agile database distilling data of the +2400 lakes in the region.
Insight to help you manage wildlife habitat on your property; and to help biologists understand the state of the environment in The Land Between. Site visits are conducted on your property. Guided options are available. Preference is given to larger property holders. We provide you with a report of the species we have found and guidance on habitat management.
Get Involved!
REPORT A SPECIES
Reported sightings help us track population levels, understand threats and highlight significant areas or habitat features for management and conservation.
SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Your observations and experience are important to shape good solutions. Come out to a grassroots meeting, or lend your insights through an online survey. We value all perspectives.
VOLUNTEER
From nest-sitting turtles to removing invasive species to being a bird buddy for our most at-risk avian friends, there are many ways to donate your time through our community science programming!
EMBRACE NATURE ON YOUR PROPERTY
Shorelands, septics and other areas can be beautiful, allow views, recreation and access, deter geese, all while supporting songbirds, pollinators and other wildlife. We can customize designs for your property.
Donate to find balanced solutions, protecting our wild places, wildlife and traditions
Every dollar supports grassroots conservation.
Donate to find balanced solutions, protecting our wild places, wildlife and traditions
Every dollar supports grassroots conservation.