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Ontario Nature's 75th anniversary gala a success! - Environmental Communication Options/Huff Strategy

Ontario Nature's 75th anniversary gala a success!

Nov 16th, 2006 3:34 AM

Ontario Nature's 75th anniversary gala a success! Founding groups presented with plaques, while Ministers David Ramsay and Jim Bradley recognized the important and historical contribution of Ontario Nature (Toronto, ON, November 15, 2006) Last night, over 350 people gathered to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Ontario Nature at the Royal Ontario Museum. The highlight of the evening was a plaque presentation to the four naturalist clubs which helped found Ontario Nature: The Brodie Club, the Hamilton Naturalists' Club, the McIlwraith Field Naturalists of London Inc., and the Toronto Field Naturalists. A plaque was also presented to Canada's oldest naturalist club, the Ottawa Field Naturalists, established in 1879. Ontario Natural Resources Minister David Ramsay and Ontario Tourism Minister Jim Bradley (who is responsible for the Greenbelt) were on hand to congratulate Ontario Nature for their important work. Other attendees included Willowdale MP Jim Peterson, Perth Middlesex MPP John Wilkinson, Kitchener-Waterloo MPP Elizabeth Witmer, and Former New Democrat MPP Marilyn Churley Ministry of Natural Resources Sr. Policy Advisor Craig Hughson. Caroline Schultz, Executive Director of Ontario Nature, emphasized the importance in recognizing the significant contributions made by members, past and present, especially the founding clubs. "Ontario Nature is all about people helping nature. Tonight, we get to thank those people." Ontario Nature has more than 10,000 members working as advocates for wilderness protection. In 2001, because of their efforts, the Oak Ridges Moraine Protection Act was passed, ensuring that 190,000 hectares of new parks and protected areas would be safe from widespread development. Last year, the Ontario government expanded Ontario's protected lands by passing the Greenbelt Protection Act. The Oak Ridges Moraine is included in this 1.8 million hectare swath. -30- High resolution photographs of last night's presentations to Hamilton, London, Oakville and Toronto clubs are available upon request. For more information, contact: Lesley Marshall, Director of Development and Communication 416-444-8419, Ext. 236, lesleym@ontarionature.org Ontario Nature protects and restores natural habitats through research, education and conservation, connecting thousands of individuals and communities with nature. 201 - 366 Adelaide Street West, Toronto, Ontario M5V 1R9 Phone: (416) 444-8419, Toll free: 1-800-440-2366, info@ontarionature.org www.ontarionature.org Charitable Registration # 10737 8592 RR0001