The Agriculture and Natural Environment Sector promotes sustainability across a number of key areas. Using multiple tools such as research, demonstrations, communications and education, seminars, and projects, this sector seeks to engage the community and develop more sustainable behaviours by individuals, organizations and businesses.
Sustainable Orillia has created a digital food map to help locate our area Farmers’ Markets, Community Gardens and Independent Growers and Ranchers. Zero Waste Markets and Food Banks are also incorporated into the map with links to websites and other social media sites.
Regenerative agriculture enables soil to better sequester carbon and this is vital to mitigating and hopefully reversing the negative effects of climate change. By greatly reducing or eliminating chemical fertilizers, using low or no tilling practices, covering the soil with diverse cover crops and rotating ruminants on the land, farmers are able to build healthier soil. Healthier soil in turn leads to increased crop production, less erosion and more water retention. Regenerative agriculture done properly is both environmentally imperative and financially beneficial.
The importance of wetlands and forests cannot be understated as they are essential for healthy ecosystems and human health. Wetlands are vital in their ability to protect our water quality, store flood waters and provide habitat for fish and wildlife. They are also highly effective at storing carbon which helps to moderate climate change. Forests are also fundamental in storing carbon (in the wood, plant matter and soil) that has been released into the atmosphere. Afforestation, reforestation and the natural regeneration of forest systems is integral to our ability to cool the planet and sequester massive amounts of carbon.
Canadian Organic Growers (COG)Sector Co-Chairs –
Allison Andrews
Jacob Kearey-Moreland
As I returned from a walk in the forested parkette in my neighbourhood, I reflected once again how at peace I felt compared to when I set out, full of
This series of articles on how to make your garden “bird-friendly” has been in support of Sustainable Orillia’s and the Orillia Naturalists’ Club’s efforts to obtain a “Bird Friendly City”
Here in Orillia, we benefit from regular articles on written by David Hawke, one of our region’s most ardent and knowledgeable naturalists and photographers. In particular, his recent article in
