Media Releases

Tree Ottawa will be at Herbfest in Almonte Sunday July 26

Tree Ottawa will be set up at Herbfest in Almonte this July 26 from 9-5pm promoting our tree planting initiative. The festival is located at The Herb Garden, a privately owned AGRI-tourist destination, which boasts one of the most tranquil places in the Ottawa Valley.

Herbfest is an yearly mid-summer event that attracts gardeners, foodies, chefs, and herbalists or even those just looking to adopt a healthier lifestyle. There will be over 80 vendors and artisans set up as well as live entertainment, workshops and lectures, a chef cook-off the site's manyfragrant gardens to wander through.

Ecology Ottawa Launches Climate Change Advertising Campaign

July 16, 2015, Ottawa – As premiers gather in St. John’s, Newfoundland, to discuss a Canadian Energy Strategy and the country gears up for a federal election, Ecology Ottawa has launched an online advertising campaign calling for action on climate change. Climate Ad - Keep Promises

“We are reaching out to people across the City of Ottawa who care about climate change and asking them to work together to demand action from all levels of government,” said Graham Saul, Executive Director of Ecology Ottawa. “Climate change is an urgent problem, we know what we need to do to, so let’s get it done.”

Community Network Members

Ecology Ottawa is seeking volunteers throughout the city to attend Community Association meetings in their neighbourhood to assess local environmental priorities and actions. With over 110 Community Associations in Ottawa there is sure to be one near you! Together we will make a difference on environmental issues in Ottawa.

Please contact the Community Network Organizer at [email protected]

Kanata North Butternut Trees and Blanding's Turtles habitat threatened

Some 3000 homes are going to be built in Kanata North threatening the forest of Butternut trees and Blanding’s Turtle habitat that reside there.

These lands are noted by the region to be of ecological significance and a habitat for endangered species. However, the environmental assessment report states that around 150 trees will be clear cut and the Developer’s only have to plant one tree for every seven it destroys and the planting can be “offsite”. The habitat for the largest Blanding’s Turtle population in Eastern Canada will be destroyed and the Developer’s only have to promise to provide a “net benefit” for the turtles. Sadly, the developer’s only have to note the species on the list of what they are destroying and once the checklist is complete for land they are finished with their accountability.

Green Communities Canada Recommendations on the City's Term of Council Priorities

The following letter was submitted to Transportation Committee and we think it lines up will with the need for a Complete Streets policy in our city.

Download a copy here.

From Asphalt to Oasis - A Depave Story

Removing pavement can be a daunting task, but made easy when communities come together to transform asphalt into vibrant green space! Last month, Ecology Ottawa had the pleasure of collaborating with St. Anthony School on another successful Depave Paradise project within Canada’s green capital. Now that the soil has been liberated, we look forward to September for the green portion of the project. Students and volunteers will get their hands dirty and plant various native trees, herbs and flowers, for the community to enjoy.

Organic Master Gardener Course is being offered in Ottawa and Toronto Fall 2015

The Organic Master Gardener Course is once again being offered in Ottawa and Toronto in the Fall of 2015.

This challenging course teaches students the fundamentals for growing plants for ornamental or food.The material is based on the Society for Organic Urban Land Care (SOUL) organic standards. The skills learned will add to professionals own practice or business in organic land care. Students will examine the correlation and differences in plant health, human health, soil health and environmental health.

FE2015 In-depth Analysis

Riding-level Analysis

If bringing environmental leadership [G3] to Parliament is the goal this October, when we take a closer look at Ecology Ottawa’s election approach it becomes clearer why we are focused on two out the three swing ridings in our area.

Ottawa Centre:

[caption id="attachment_5310" align="alignright" width="197"] Credit: Elections Canada[/caption]

July 5 Bus to Toronto - March for Jobs, Justice & the Climate

The province of Ontario will host a pan-American dialogue on long-term climate action at a 2015 Climate Summit of the Americas in Toronto, starting July 7.

Ecology Ottawa is supporting 350 Ottawa who are arranging a bus to the July 5 Toronto March for Jobs, Justice and the Climate. Sign up here.

Results from the Mayor's Budget Tele-Town Hall

On Thursday June 25 the city invited people to call in with suggestions on the 2016 city budget. According to the Ottawa Citizen

most of the callers asked about climate change, bus lanes and road infrastructure, transit, parks, social services and events, and water rates.

Earth Day Workshop and Presentations 2015

Here are Ecology and Tree Ottawa's Workshops and Presentation Slide Shows from Earth Day 2015:

Ecology Ottawa Earth Day Workshop 2015

Presentation

King_Tree Ottawa Earth Day Presentation

Successful Depave at St. Anthony

Huge thanks to everyone who helped make Depave Paradise 2015 a success!

This Saturday, June 20^th a team of more than 30 community volunteers tackled the tearing up around 900 square feet of asphalt at St. Anthony Catholic School. The transformation that unfolded will not only provide benefits for the environment, but it will also create a more enjoyable schoolground that children can feel safe in.