Above: Ministry of Natural Resources staff plant tallgrass prairie at Ontario Power Generation Nanticoke GS in celebration of the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity.

NANTICOKE, ON – In celebration of the International Year of Biodiversity, Ontario Power Generation (OPG) Nanticoke Generating Station (GS) recently planted 60 acres of tallgrass prairie as part of the station’s biodiversity program and commitment to habitat enhancement in Haldimand County.

Tallgrass prairie is an ecosystem characterized by species such as switchgrass, prairie cordgrass, and big bluestem and little bluestem.

Together with the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Nanticoke GS planted a mixture of native warm season grasses and flowering plants—vegetation that once covered 1000 km² of Southern Ontario but has been reduced significantly in the region.

“Tallgrass prairie is one of the most biologically diverse grasslands in North America,” said Ron Ludolph, MNR Stewardship Coordinator. “The plan is to re-establish an ecosystem for a number of wildlife species, including pollinating insects like butterflies and bees that rely on tallgrass prairie vegetation.”

Today, tallgrass prairie is one of the most endangered ecosystems in North America.

As the first utility in North America to have developed a biodiversity policy, OPG has integrated the need to conserve biodiversity into its ongoing operations.  No other Ontario company has such a record.

“The goal of OPG’s biodiversity policy, which has existed since the inception of the company, is to demonstrate that we can co-exist with nature without causing or contributing to the long-term decline of species, or the habitats upon which they depend, on a regional basis,” says Tom Mitchell, President and CEO.  “Our policy and our conservation actions demonstrate that industry can and does have a clear role to play in conserving Ontario’s biodiversity.”

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Some Key Facts:

• OPG’s biodiversity initiatives are designed to implement the “four Rs” of biodiversity:  RETAIN what is significant, RESTORE habitats that have been degraded, REPLACE habitats that have been lost, and RECOVER species at risk.
• Each of OPG’s 65 hydroelectric, five thermal, and four nuclear sites are ISO14001 environmentally certified. 
• All thermal and nuclear sites have been certified by the Wildlife Habitat Council.  Many of OPG’s hydroelectric sites are certified and support a number of programs such as eel ladders, managing water flow for fish spawning, and rescuing stranded Lake Sturgeon.
• Since 2000, OPG and its conservation partners and site communities have planted close to four million trees and shrubs on more than 1,850 hectares of land.  As one of the largest biodiversity efforts in Ontario, the cumulative effect of these plantings has the potential to sequester carbon dioxide to help mitigate global warming while protecting existing habitats and providing new habitats for forest wildlife.
• OPG Biodiversity is proud partner of Trees Ontario, Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF), Ontario Nature  and the Bruce Trail Conservancy.

See OPGbiodiversity.ca for a current listing of partners and events that support biodiversity in 2010. For more information, contact:

OPG Media Relations

1-877-592-4008 or 416-592-4008

Earth Rangers is Canada’s largest non-profit organization focused on communicating a positive, science-based message to children on the importance of protecting biodiversity.  Their goal is to partner with children to protect enough natural habitats to ensure the lasting survival of all species in Canada.  By educating and empowering children to take action today, we can help to ensure a brighter future for our planet.  Since 2001, Earth Rangers’ programs have promoted environmental awareness to over one million young people and their families. 

Earth Rangers “Bring Back the Wild” show takes the audience on a trip around the world to meet and celebrate some of the planet’s most amazing creatures.  From Africa to Europe, to right in your own back yard, these creatures have an important story to tell about the diversity of life on earth, and how human impact is affecting their natural ability to survive in the wild. The show’s primary goal is to establish a powerful connection between the audience and the natural world and demonstrate how people can take action in their everyday lives to make a positive impact on the environment.

Join OPG and Earth Rangers from July 1 to the 25 at Ontario Place for the Bring Back the Wild Show.  Shows run Monday – Friday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., and Saturday – Sunday at Noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

OPG is committed to protecting biodiversity and to reducing the impact of our operations on the environment.  That’s why over the years, we’ve supported the planting of millions of trees and shrubs and created habitats that hundreds of plants and animal species call home.

For Ontario Place ticket information, visit http://www.ontarioplace.com.  For more information on Earth Rangers, visit http://www.earthrangers.org or their kids’ website http://www.earthrangers.com

On June 10^th, Darlington Nuclear Public Affairs hosted their seventh Environmental Convergence at the Darlington Nuclear Information Centre. The concept of the Convergence began and continues to be a way to celebrate Canadian Environment Week with an emphasis on building partnerships.  And this year, the Convergence also celebrated the United Nations sanctioned 2010 International Year of Biodiversity.

This event brings together OPG staff,  stakeholders and community and environmental partners to discuss and learn about specific environmental topics and to work together on solutions for improved environmental stewardship

OPG’s Sustainable Development Senior Advisor Steve Hounsell,  presented  an interesting,  informative  and inspirational keynote on the “State of Biodiversity – A Call for Action: Thinking Internationally, Acting Locally.” The event also included interactive workshops on creating backyard bird habitats and the impact of  invasive species.

The Environmental Converge illustrates OPG’s continued commitment to conversation and preservation of the environment, during the International Year for Biodiversity and always.

The Mission Island Marsh Conversation Area is getting a little greener with the support of OPG. On June 10, 2010, OPG president and CEO Tom Mitchell, joined Northwest Plant Group Manager Derrick Brooks and Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Chair Bill Bartley at the LRCA’s Mission Marsh for the unveiling of another milestone between the two partnered groups. 

Located in Thunder Bay, the marsh has been converted from an old landfill to an oasis for local flora and fauna. OPG was proud to contribute 14 new trees to the marsh. The event also marked the unveiling of a lookout platform OPG was proud to support. Mitchell explains, “This is the type of project that we like to be involved in. It involves the community; it’s leaving a legacy for the future and it’s environmentally responsible.”

Pictured are Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Brooks and Mr. Bartley with the newly constructed interepretive display panel.

To date, OPG has contributed more than $90,000 to assist in promoting conservation of the Mission Island Marsh Conversation Area.

Bruce Trail Conservancy and Ontario Power Generation plant for the future

An abandoned quarry in the Humber Heights area of Caledon Hills will be the scene of an important and exciting community tree planting initiative Saturday, June 12. This hands-on conservation event, which marks the International Year of Biodiversity, is made possible through the efforts of the Bruce Trail Conservancy and Ontario Power Generation’s 2010 OPG Biodiversity campaign. The planting will benefit the ecological health and biodiversity of the Niagara Escarpment for years to come.

WHEN: Saturday, June 12, 2010 – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
10:30 a.m. Official Planting Kick-off with Special Guests: Steve Hounsell, Environment Advisor, Ontario Power Generation; Beth Kümmling, Executive  Director, Bruce Trail Conservancy; Paula Terpstra, Natural Heritage Coordinator, Ontario Heritage Trust; and others.

WHAT: Humber Heights Tree Planting Event  
    • Learn helpful planting techniques from Bruce Trail experts
    • Take a guided hike and explore the Escarpment’s beauty
    • View the spectacular scenery from the Humber Heights Lookout

NOTE: This event is open to the public

WHERE: At the corner of Airport Road and Sideroad 7, 1.7 km north of Highway 9.  Turn right (east) at Sideroad 7 and park in the Bruce Trail parking lot on the right hand side.  Follow the signs the short distance from the parking lot to the planting site.

OPG Biodiversity is a series of province-wide conservation-focused, family-friendly action and education initiatives sponsored by OPG and its partners. Its goal is to get Ontarians involved in protecting and conserving biodiversity in our urban parklands and forest ecosystems. OPG Biodiversity builds on OPG’s commitment to conserving, sustaining and protecting nature and fighting climate change. For further information, visit opgbiodiversity.ca.

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For media inquiries, please contact:
OPG Media Desk:  416.592.4008 or 1.877.592.4008
For event inquiries, please contact:
Adam Brylowski, Bruce Trail Conservancy Land Stewardship Coordinator: 1.800.665.4453 ext. 26

(TORONTO) – Cape May, Nashville, Kentucky and Tennessee.  These are a few namesakes of warblers, tiny songbirds that migrate annually through Toronto.  Tommy Thompson Park, also known as the Leslie Street Spit, is the best place in the city to experience the breathtaking beauty of these songbirds.  You may also get a chance to look a Broad-winged Hawk straight in the eye, see a Turkey Vulture strike a pose or watch a Great Horned Owl from only a few feet away. These are just a few things that make the Tommy Thompson Park Spring Bird Festival special. It’s also an opportunity to learn about songbird migration and conservation, go on a birding hike and participate in a workshop.  Best of all, birds are fascinating to watch and with over 317 bird species recorded at Tommy Thompson Park, everyone is sure to be inspired.

Participants at this year’s event include Ontario Nature, Birds & Beans, Project CHIRP!, Toronto Ornithological Club, and Toronto Field Naturalists.  The Spring Bird Festival is sponsored by Ontario Power Generation.

Join Councillor Paula Fletcher, Waterfront Toronto and the TRCA to celebrate the bird festival and unveiling of the new TTP infrastructure designs.  “Waterfront Toronto is pleased to be partnering with Toronto and Region Conservation to improve Tommy Thompson Park.  The Gateway, Environmental Shelter, Bird Banding Station and Staff Booth will be beautiful and sustainable additions to the park that will support its cutting-edge migratory bird research, and provide much needed public facilities to enhance the user’s experience of this waterfront treasure.” said John Campbell, Waterfront Toronto, President and CEO.

“I hope that every Torontonian knows about this unique gem in City’s backyard.” said City of Toronto Councillor Paula Fletcher.  “Birdwatching is one of the fastest-growing outdoor hobbies.  It’s easy, inexpensive and relaxing.  The infrastructure is the next step that will ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience while visiting this exceptional urban wilderness.”

“The new infrastructure will allow us to better manage TTP and truly realize the Master Plan vision of a unique urban wilderness park.” said Brian Denney, CAO, Toronto and Region Conservation.

WHEN: May 8, 2010, open to everyone and FREE!

WHAT: Tommy Thompson Park Spring Bird Festival

Live bird demonstrations by University of Guelph Wildlife Education and Environmental Programs (WEEP); guided birding hikes; family nature walk; birding by bike tour; live bird banding demonstrations; tree, shrub and wildflower plantings; children’s activities: scavenger hunt, birdbox building; interpretive displays on bird identification, bird migration, conservation, wetland ecosystems, and healthy yards; workshops: nature sketching, nature photography, bird gardening; Bateman’s Get to Know launch; and various bird viewing areas throughout the park.

WHERE: Tommy Thompson Park, at the foot of Leslie Street, south of Lake Shore Blvd East. Free (but limited) parking is available at the TTP parking lot or on Unwin Avenue.  Shuttle buses, including the OPG electric bus, run throughout the festival area, but everyone should be prepared to walk.  Private vehicles and pets are not permitted in the park.

TIMES: 7:00 am – 8:45 am – Early Bird Hikes, leaving every 15 minutes from the

front gate.  Please register for hikes online at www.springbirdfestival.ca

7:00 am – 1:00 pm – Bird Banding Demonstrations at the Tommy Thompson Park Bird Research Station (TTPBRS)

8:00 am – 4 pm – Tommy Thompson Park Spring Bird Festival – displays, kids activities

10:00 am – TTP Infrastructure Unveiling

10:30 am – Bateman’s Get to Know Contest Launch

10:30 am – 11:15 am – Baselands Walk

10:00 am – 2 pm – University of Guelph WEEP

10:00 am – Bird Gardening Workshop

11:00 am – Family Nature Hike

11:00 am – Basics of Birdathoning Workshop

11:30 am – Nature Sketching Workshop with Nola McConnan

12:30 pm – Birding by Bike Tour

1:00 pm – Spring Butterfly Walk

2:00 pm – Colonial Waterbird Hike

2:00 pm – Bird Gardening Workshop

2:30 pm – Tree & Shrub ID Workshop

“We’re thrilled to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of the TTP Important Bird Area designation and the 10^th annual Spring Bird Festival on International Migratory Bird Day” said Brian Denney, CAO, Toronto and Region Conservation. “Bird migration is a truly miraculous phenomenon, and TTP provides critical habitat for birds to rest and refuel on their long journeys from the tropics to Toronto and beyond.”

“At Ontario Power Generation, we are committed to helping create and care for wetlands, woodlands, greenspaces and habitats like Tommy Thompson Park,” said Steve Hounsell, OPG Environmental Advisor. “We’re proud to support this wonderful and important festival once again.”

Tommy Thompson Park is located on a manmade peninsula that extends five kilometres into Lake Ontario and has evolved into the largest greenspace on the central Toronto Waterfront.  The park has been colonized by an impressive variety of plant and animal communities, and provides critical habitat for migrating birds, butterflies and nesting colonial waterbirds. Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA) owns the land and water bodies at Tommy Thompson Park and is dedicated to the understanding, protection, and awareness of birds in Toronto.

TOMMY THOMPSON PARK BIRD RESEARCH STATION: The station monitors migrating birds through bird banding.  Morning visitors to the station will have an opportunity to see birds up close, in the hand, as TRCA staff conduct their research activities.  TRCA encourages all festival-goers to participate in the annual Baillie Birdathon where birdathoners are sponsored on a flat rate or a per species basis and tally as many bird species as possible in a 24-hour period.  The Birdathon provides critical funds for TTPBRS operations, and contributes to bird conservation nationally and internationally through Bird Studies Canada.   Birdathoners learn and have fun birdwatching and win prizes for their efforts!  Since 2006 more than $40,000 has been raised for bird conservation in Toronto.

ROBERT BATEMAN GET TO KNOW:   Robert Bateman launched the Get to Know Contest in 2000 to inspire Canadian youth to “get to know their wild neighbors” by getting outdoors and actively connecting with nature.  The Contest provides young people with the opportunity to use their creative abilities, be it art, writing or photography, to develop a broader understanding and appreciation of the natural world.  Winners of the 2010 Get to Know Contest will receive prizes, including a one-week stay at the Waterton Glacier International Peace Park. Other prizes include Panasonic digital cameras; art supplies from Opus; books from Scholastic; and the publication of winning art and writing pieces in the 2011 Robert Bateman Get to Know Contest Calendar. Entries can be submitted online at www.gettoknow.ca, between April 22 and May 28.  The Contest will be launched in Toronto at the Tommy Thompson Park Spring Bird Festival.  There will be great raffle prizes to be won by people in attendance!

Toronto and Region Conservation

With over 50 years of experience, Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA) helps people understand, enjoy and look-after the natural environment. Our vision is for The Living City®, where human settlement can flourish forever as part of nature’s beauty and diversity.  For more information, call 416-661-6600 or visit us at www.tommythompsonpark.ca or www.ttpbrs.ca

For media information and registration contact:

Rowena Calpito, Supervisor, Media Management, Toronto and Region Conservation

T: 416.661.6600 ext 5632; C: 416-358-3446 E: rcalpito@trca.on.ca

By Mike Constable
Posted: 2009-10-14

Vaughan is getting greener with the help of a residential tree program that puts the power to plant in the hands of the homeowner.

A partnership with Ontario Power Generation has made it possible for environmental organization Leaf to expand its Backyard Tree Planting program to the city above Toronto. The program aims to improve urban forests by assessing applicant’s properties, providing access to affordable trees and educating residents in tree caretaking.

Applicants to the program pay between $100 and $190 for a half-hour consultation with a certified arborist and in turn receive a sapling and planting service. The arborist assesses the property based on the owner’s needs, soil type, sunlight, proximity to traffic, and the impact on energy conservation. The subsidized program cuts the cost to the homeowner in half.

A properly placed tree can shade a house from the sun, reducing the energy used to air condition in the summer, Leaf representative Michelle Bourdeau says. In the winter, the trees lose their leaves and create less shade.

Bourdeau says trees come with many additional benefits.

“Planting trees encourages local habitats to flourish, increases the diversity of native species in the area and lowers the temperature in the summer,” she says.

Cara Clairman, vice-president of sustainable development at Ontario Power Generation, says the company supports the program because it provides an important service to homeowners.

“As an electrical company, we know we have an impact on nature, and this is one of the things we can do to offset those impacts,” Clairman says.

The educational aspect of the program is especially important as many residents don’t know the beneficial aspects to tree ownership, she says.

Residents aren’t just the owners of the trees, Bourdeau says, but also their caretakers and stewards.

“We don’t want people to think of it as a city with trees, but rather as a city within a forest.”

In print: October 9, 2009, page 2.

http://www.vaughantoday.ca/story.php?id=2013

(TORONTO, October 13, 2009) - Gardeners, get your shovels ready. On October 17^th, you can get a tree for a toonie and do your part to protect Ontario’s treasure, the Bruce Trail.  Ontario Power Generation will match the number of trees distributed on October 17th at a future tree planting on a Bruce Trail property – thereby turning your toonie into two trees.

WHEN: Saturday, October 17th, 2009 10am to 3pm – Rain or shine.

WHAT: Trees for Toonies presented by Ontario Power Generation

• Visit Sheridan Nurseries and follow the Trees for Toonies signs.
• Drop a toonie in the bucket and Bruce Trail Conservancy volunteers will help you select a tree for your garden (not just a sapling – approximately 75 cm high).
• For every tree brought for a toonie, OPG will match it for a future tree planting on a Bruce Trail property.
• $2 = 2 trees – good for you, good for the environment.

WHERE:

Sheridan Nurseries – Oakville/Mississauga
606 Southdown Road
Mississauga, Ontario

Sheridan Nurseries – North York
784 Sheppard Avenue East,
North York, Ontario

Sheridan Nurseries – Kitchener/Waterloo
100 Elmsdale Drive
Kitchener, Ontario

OPG Biodiversity 2009 is a series of province-wide conservation-focused, family-friendly action and education events sponsored by Ontario Power Generation (OPG) in partnership with Ontario Nature, LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests) and the Bruce Trail Conservancy. Its goal is to get people involved in protecting and conserving biodiversity in our urban parklands and forest ecosystems. Biodiversity 2009 builds on OPG’s commitment to conserving, sustaining and protecting nature.

For further information on these and other upcoming events visit www.opgbiodiversity.ca.

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For event inquiries, please contact:

Marsha Russell, The Bruce Trail Conservancy
905.529.6821 or mrussell@brucetrail.org
www.brucetrail.org

For media inquiries, please contact:

OPG Media Desk:  416.592.4008 or 1.877.592.4008

(TORONTO, September 25, 2009) - This Thanksgiving weekend, Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area is where Kingstonians of all ages can celebrate the season at the Fall Colours Festival. On Sunday, October 11^th and Monday October 12^th, children, families and nature lovers alike can get out into nature, hike the trails, take wagon rides to the sugar bush, build a bird box, and work up an appetite at this hands-on conservation event sponsored by Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority, Ontario Nature and OPG Biodiversity 2009.

WHEN: Thanksgiving Weekend: Sunday, October 11- Monday October 12, 2009 1-4 p.m.

• 2 p.m. Wye Marsh Birds of Prey presented by falconer Matt Lieberknecht.
• 3:50 p.m. Last wagon ride departs from the sugar bush

WHAT: “Fall Colours Festival”

• See Birds of Prey show
• Take wagon rides to the sugar bush
• Hike the trails to see the fall colours
• Guided walks and nature interpretation tour
• Nature crafts for children – make bird houses to take home

WHERE: Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area, Kingston – 2 km north of Highway 401 on Division Street (Perth Road).

NOTE: $11 per car gate fee will be charged

OPG Biodiversity 2009 is a series of province-wide conservation-focused, family-friendly action and education events sponsored by Ontario Power Generation (OPG) in partnership with Ontario Nature, LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests) and the Bruce Trail Conservancy. Its goal is to get people involved in protecting and conserving biodiversity in our urban parklands and forest ecosystems. Biodiversity 2009 builds on OPG’s commitment to conserving, sustaining and protecting nature.

For further information on these and other upcoming events visit www.opgbiodiversity.ca.

OPG and Ontario Nature Are For the Birds – And All the Flora and Fauna of Ontario

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For event inquiries, please contact:

Victoria Foote, Ontario Nature
416.444.8419 ext. 238; victoriaf@ontarionature.org
www.ontarionature.org

For media inquiries, please contact:

OPG Media Desk:  416.592.4008 or 1.877.592.4008

(TORONTO, September 29, 2009) - Each Fall, the Bruce Trail Conservancy invites Ontarians to explore the province’s greatest natural treasure and experience the fall colours on Bruce Trail Day.  On Sunday October 4th, Bruce Trail Conservancy volunteers will be on hand at nine key locations across the Trail to lead guided hikes, allowing visitors to explore Canada’s oldest and longest footpath along the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Learn about conserving biodiversity, improving habitats for birds, animals and plants, the importance of protecting wetlands and fighting climate change at this important annual event sponsored by Ontario Power Generation.

WHEN: Sunday, October 4^th 2009 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Rain or shine.

WHAT: “Bruce Trail Day” 

• Free interpretive, introductory guided hikes
• Explore the Niagara Escarpment, take part in Bruce Trail Club activities
• Get to know your local Bruce Trail Club, become a member

WHERE: At various locations along the trail hosted by the following Bruce Trail Clubs:

• Niagara Bruce Trail Club
• Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club
• Toronto Bruce Trail Club
• Caledon Hill Bruce Trail Club
• Dufferin Hi-Land Bruce Trail Club
• Blue Mountain Bruce Trail Club
• Beaver Valley Bruce Trail Club
• Sydenham Bruce Trail Club
• Peninsula Bruce Trail Club 

NOTE: For club locations, visit http://brucetrail.org/events/25-bruce-trail-day-2009-free-guided-hikes-october-04-2009

OPG Biodiversity 2009 is a series of province-wide conservation-focused, family-friendly action and education events sponsored by Ontario Power Generation (OPG) in partnership with Ontario Nature, LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests) and the Bruce Trail Conservancy. Its goal is to get people involved in protecting and conserving biodiversity in our urban parklands and forest ecosystems. Biodiversity 2009 builds on OPG’s commitment to conserving, sustaining and protecting nature.

For further information on these and other upcoming events visit www.opgbiodiversity.ca.

OPG and Ontario Nature Are For the Birds – And All the Flora and Fauna of Ontario

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For event inquiries, please contact:

Marsha Russell, The Bruce Trail Conservancy
905.529.6821 or mrussell@brucetrail.org
www.brucetrail.org

For media inquiries, please contact:

OPG Media Desk:  416.592.4008 or 1.877.592.4008