Celebrate, Conserve and Explore Ontario’s Most Iconic and Diverse Region

Ontario’s Iconic & Diverse Landscape

A Place of Natural Splendor and Rich Cultural Heritage

When traveling in Ontario, you will encounter large ecosystems such as the St. Lawrence Lowlands, the Canadian Shield, and the Boreal Forest. But what lies between these areas? At the edge an ecosystem is what ecologists call an “ecotone”: an area of transition containing elements from the ecosystems it borders, but having features that are entirely unique. The Land Between is an ecotone - a region between the Shield and Lowlands stretching across south-central Ontario from Georgian Bay to the Frontenac Arch. It runs parallel to, but just north of Highway #7. This landscape is less rugged than the near-north, but not as flat and arable as the south. Look further and see the landscape undulating in patterns of low to high and wet to dry. It has an abundance of glittering small lakes, rivers, and wetlands between open granite ridges and limestone plains, few roads, small dispersed communities, and scattered farm lands between shaded woods. What you are seeing is The Land Between! The Land Between is diverse with numerous species and habitats. Rare alvars and savannahs, fens and meadow marshes are found here. It is a meeting ground and at the northern limit for many species such as White Oak, Woodchuck, Chorus Frog and the Common Crow. At the same time, it is the southern limit for other species such as Grey Wolf, Moose, River Otter, American Raven, and the Common Loon. Unique species mainly associated with The Land Between include Five-lined Skink, Ontario’s only lizard, Golden Winged Warbler , Whippoorwill, and majority populations of rare turtles, reptiles and amphibians. The resources and diversity of the region provide key services and shelter today that may be vital in the future. However, the limited soils, with abundant shores, and starker climate make the region extremely sensitive and disturbance here is far-reaching and long-lasting.

The Land Between is also rich in culture and heritage as it is also a meeting place of Great Nations of the Anishnaabeg, Wendatt, and Haudenashaunee. Early European Settlers had to be creative to survive and thrive with limited spaces for agriculture. The Land Between includes part of a major historic and current navigation route: the Trent Severn Waterway. It is a modern mix of urban and wilderness. Its economy is based on the natural capital but also on creativity and diversity. It is a natural wonder, an outdoor enthusiasts paradise, a place of ancient stories, and of new adventures.

Research and Planning SupportThe Land Between organization conducts pioneering research in partnership with post secondary institutions and planning authorities to characterize features and prioritize efforts, providing invaluable information and support to municipalities, agencies, community groups and landowners.

Education, Outreach, and TourismThe Land Between organization works with partners and agencies to develop and provide programs, products and resources that advance and enrich education, awareness, and tourism including DVDs, Mobile Apps, workshops, conferences, Ontario based curriculums , and projects such as Turtle Guardians.

Collaborative ConservationThe Land Between organization works collaboratively with partners at many levels, operating like a “think tank” to deliver meaningful solutions and execute applied coonservation projects that impact and support the sustainable management of natural, cultural and socio-economic assets of the region across jurisdictions and at all scales.

Algonquin Park

Parry Sound District

Hastings County

Muskoka District

Haliburton County

Frontenac County

Victoria CountyPeterborough County

Lennox and Addington

A Mandate to Celebrate and Conserve this Important Region

Dedicated to Equality, Diversity and DemocracyThe Land Between organization’s vision is to cultivate a sense of place and a celebrated regional identity that is expressed in behaviors and relationships which reflect the unique characteristics of the region. The Land Between also strives to be an international and modern model of cooperation for conservation and stewardship in the social sector. The unique and unparalleled ecological and cultural features of the Land Between warrant attention locally and at a global level.

To achieve our goals The Land Between organization identifies and then links cultural, ecological and socio-economic characteristics of the area in our projects and activities. Strategic actions focus on research, outreach, education, planning support, and collaborative multi-level conservation projects.

The Land Between’s principles and practices honor equality, diversity and democracy. The organization operates in a First Nation Traditional Talking Circle with a Council, without hierarchy, and which strives for consensus. The organization recognizes both the essential voice of First Nations within the Constitution of Canada, and the invaluable Traditional Ecological Knowledge of First Nations in the region. Therefore, The Land Between embraces our true Canadian heritage and identity and benefits from this cooperation on our Council.

The Land Between Circle is a larger advisory and peer review group of individuals, organizations, and partners. Circle meetings are inclusive and open to the public.

The Land Between is representative and responsive, benefiting from a diversity of relationships, perspectives, and knowledge, so that strategic solutions result which address the complexity of the needs of the region.

To find out more about our governance model and strategic directions visit. www.thelandbetween.ca

Tour The Land Between with the AppDiscover the rare and special species and spaces in The Land Between. Explore First Nation world views, collective histories, ghost towns, geology, habitats, harbours, travel routes, and trails. Uncover hidden treasures. Journey with the experts. Be inspired. Take a tour by downloading The Land Between App for iPhones and iPads from the App Store. It is a virtual tour guide and it’s free!

Explore. Learn. InspireVisit The Land Between and See the Sites

If You Care About The Land Between Here is How You Can Help

The Land Between, National Charity #805849916RR0001

Become a Friend of The Land BetweenSupport conservation, research and stewardship across the region and receive a Friend ID card, gifts, our annual magazine The Skink, access to data, and discounts at events and participating stores by becoming a Friend of The Land Between. The Skink delivers fun facts about species, science and discoveries, local conservation, and stories about places and people. Enroll as an individual, family, group, or corporation.

DonateThe Land Between is a Nationally registered Charity. All donations are receipted. Donations help us deliver meaningful and important research, education, and collaborative projects. You can make a general donation to the organization or donate specifically to one of our projects. Donors also receive an attractive gift from The Land Between to recognize your support.

Sponsor a Land Between ProjectNow you can sponsor The Land Between or one of our ongoing projects. The Land Between has a large audience and over 40 dedicated partners. Our projects are collaborative and multi-level to have significant uptake and impact. Projects include Lake Health and Fisheries, Turtle and Water Conservation, Tourism, and more. This good work needs your support. Sponsors recieve benefits of extensive recogniton. Visit us online to find out more about our sponsorship packages.

Gifts and Resources

Shop On-line at www.thelandbetween.caCourse Guides - DVD/Blu-ray - Books- Species ID Kits

Logo Embossed Gear and Clothing - Research Reports and Data

Get inspired by the history and relationships that exist in The Land Between by watching The Land Between DVD series or reading the book! Download our course guides. Support conservation and stewardship by becoming a Friend of The Land Between and also gain access to important data and information. Motivate others and champion the region by wearing Land Between Gear. Give an alluring and unique gift from The Land Between. Visit our on-line store for gifts and resources.

Pictures: Don Hutton, The Land Between Circle, Ontario Visual Heritage Project, Paul Heaven

The Land Between gratefully acknowledges the funding and support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation for helping us build capacity towards a vibrant and sustainable future.

An agency of the Government of Ontario.Relève du gouvernement de l’Ontario.

Charity # 805849916RR0001P.O. Box 1368,

Haliburton, ON, K0M 1S0(705) 457-4838

tlb@thelandbetween.cawww.thelandbetween.ca