This month we are excited to share this amazing natural area that’s just in our ‘backyard’! We encourage you to visit, learn and support the Georgian Bay Biosphere. Plumbtech is a regular supporter of the GBB and in the past has contributed to their annual Franklin Challenge.
The Georgian Bay Biosphere (GBB) is a community-based organization that protects the environment and helps build healthy communities.
#1 The Georgian Bay Biosphere is part of a global network.
To become a biosphere, the Georgian Bay Biosphere reserve was internationally recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). In 2004, UNESCO accepted their nomination as it met the strict criteria for designation as a world biosphere.
There are over 600 biospheres in the world, with 18 located in Canada, and 4 located in Ontario, including the GBB!
#2 The Georgian Bay Biosphere is located along the eastern coast of Georgian Bay. It is known as the “30,000 Islands” and is considered the world’s largest freshwater archipelago. The region covers 347,000 hectares of shoreline ecosystem stretching from the Severn River to the French River.
#3 The Georgian Bay Biosphere is home to over 50 species of animals and plants that are at risk in Canada and Ontario.
The GBB works to protect species at risk through our conservation and education programs. In 2020, they rescued over 1,000 at-risk turtle eggs and released the hatchlings back into their wetlands. With over 50 at risk species in the biosphere, the GBB focuses on education, research and monitoring to help increase the populations of these dwindling species.
#4 The Georgian BayBiosphere releases an eastern Georgian Bay ecosystem health report card every 5 years called “State of the Bay.” The report tracks environmental changes by using 11 ecosystem health indicators. They are currently working on the next edition scheduled for release in 2023. Learn more here.
#5 You can support the Georgian Bay Biosphere’s programs! The GBB is a charity whose volunteers, members, and donors make our work possible. You can donate online, or become a member! There are lots of membership options, including ones for seniors and businesses.
For more information on the Georgian Bay Biosphere, please visit gbbr.ca or stay up to date by liking them on Facebook!
We hope you have learned at least five things about the GBB and the next time you are in the area will explore all the biosphere has to offer!
Photos courtesy of the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve.
#1 The Georgian Bay Biosphere is part of a global network.
To become a biosphere, the Georgian Bay Biosphere reserve was internationally recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). In 2004, UNESCO accepted their nomination as it met the strict criteria for designation as a world biosphere.
There are over 600 biospheres in the world, with 18 located in Canada, and 4 located in Ontario, including the GBB!
#2 The Georgian Bay Biosphere is located along the eastern coast of Georgian Bay. It is known as the “30,000 Islands” and is considered the world’s largest freshwater archipelago. The region covers 347,000 hectares of shoreline ecosystem stretching from the Severn River to the French River.
#3 The Georgian Bay Biosphere is home to over 50 species of animals and plants that are at risk in Canada and Ontario.
The GBB works to protect species at risk through our conservation and education programs. In 2020, they rescued over 1,000 at-risk turtle eggs and released the hatchlings back into their wetlands. With over 50 at risk species in the biosphere, the GBB focuses on education, research and monitoring to help increase the populations of these dwindling species.
#4 The Georgian BayBiosphere releases an eastern Georgian Bay ecosystem health report card every 5 years called “State of the Bay.” The report tracks environmental changes by using 11 ecosystem health indicators. They are currently working on the next edition scheduled for release in 2023. Learn more here.
#5 You can support the Georgian Bay Biosphere’s programs! The GBB is a charity whose volunteers, members, and donors make our work possible. You can donate online, or become a member! There are lots of membership options, including ones for seniors and businesses.
For more information on the Georgian Bay Biosphere, please visit gbbr.ca or stay up to date by liking them on Facebook!
We hope you have learned at least five things about the GBB and the next time you are in the area will explore all the biosphere has to offer!
Photos courtesy of the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve. 