WOODBRIDGE, Ont. — The Ontario government is committing $20 million to protect species at risk and restore critical habitats across the province, quadrupling previous funding levels and expanding the scope of community-led conservation work.
The investment, delivered through the newly established Species Conservation Program, will fund 46 projects this year, including 15 new initiatives and 31 multi-year efforts. The program replaces the former Species at Risk Stewardship Program and introduces expanded eligibility, including funding for land securement to protect ecologically significant areas.
“Under the new Species Conservation Program, Ontario has quadrupled its investment in species conservation, expanding the impact of community-driven projects in every corner of the province,” said Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “By making strategic investments to support experienced conservation leaders, we are taking action to restore habitat, support species recovery efforts and protect Ontario’s rich biodiversity for generations to come.”
The funding will support projects targeting a range of vulnerable species, including Monarch butterflies, Blanding’s turtles and butternut trees.
Since 2018, the province says it has invested $33 million in more than 220 conservation and stewardship projects, generating over 2,355 jobs and restoring nearly 50,000 acres of habitat. The new program builds on that foundation, with increased funding and broader tools aimed at improving biodiversity outcomes.
Among the largest recipients is ALUS Canada, which will restore more than 4,700 acres of farmland to create habitat for at-risk species. The Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre will continue rehabilitating injured turtles and releasing hatchlings, supported by research and public education initiatives. Ducks Unlimited Canada will restore and enhance wetlands in key areas to benefit turtles and bird species such as the Least Bittern.
Land Care Niagara will focus on Monarch butterfly habitat restoration in the Niagara region, while Georgian Bay Forever will remove invasive Phragmites to improve wetland ecosystems used by at-risk turtles. The Forest Gene Conservation Association will work to conserve disease-resistant butternut trees, and the Ontario Land Trust Alliance will assist land trusts in securing and managing high-value conservation lands.
Michael Tibollo, MPP for Vaughan–Woodbridge, said the funding reflects local and province-wide environmental priorities.
“Here in Vaughan–Woodbridge, residents care deeply about protecting our local environment and the natural spaces that make our community such a great place to live. This investment will help ensure our community and communities across Ontario continue to play a role in safeguarding our province’s incredible biodiversity for future generations.”
The announcement was made alongside several conservation partners, including Earth Rangers, which will receive $500,000 to develop seven new bilingual “missions” through its digital platform. The interactive activities are designed to engage children and families in conservation efforts across Ontario.
“Earth Rangers is thrilled to see the Government of Ontario making such a substantial investment in the important and innovative work taking place across the province to protect species at risk and for recognizing the importance of engaging kids and families in these efforts. Our project will lead to meaningful actions like removing invasive species, contributing to habitat connectivity, and participating in citizen science by thousands of young Ontarians,” said Tovah Barocas, President, Earth Rangers.
In 2024 alone, children and families completed 99,534 Earth Rangers missions, including planting pollinator gardens and organizing litter cleanups.
Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Francophone Affairs, highlighted the program’s bilingual outreach.
“Through this investment, we are empowering Ontario’s communities to take part in conservation. Our government is proud to support organizations like Earth Rangers as they launch bilingual programming to engage and educate learners from every corner of the province.”
Agricultural stakeholders also welcomed the funding. Bryan Gilvesy, Chief Strategy Officer of ALUS Canada, emphasized the role of farmers in habitat protection.
“This investment recognizes the essential role that farmers and local communities play in protecting species at risk across Ontario. By supporting community-led, farmer-delivered conservation on farmland, Ontario is enabling on-the-ground habitat restoration that strengthens biodiversity while sustaining the working landscapes we all rely on.”
Colin Cassin, Vice-Chair of the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre, said stable funding is critical for long-term conservation work.
“This important investment from the Government of Ontario will enable the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre to continue our unique approach to turtle conservation for years to come. Our dedicated staff, and hundreds of incredible volunteers, use investments like this to rehabilitate injured turtles and return them safely to their home wetlands. Support from MECP’s Species Conservation Program enables us to work with volunteers of all ages to protect Ontario’s turtle populations for future generations.”
Other conservation leaders echoed similar sentiments, pointing to wetland restoration, invasive species management and forest gene conservation as essential to biodiversity resilience.
The province says the Species Conservation Program is part of its broader strategy to safeguard biodiversity while supporting resilient communities. With enhanced funding and expanded program criteria, the government aims to strengthen partnerships with conservation groups, landowners, Indigenous communities and local volunteers to deliver measurable environmental outcomes across Ontario.