You cannot protect what you do not know. Nature’s diversity exists all around us. SCCF works with individuals, partners and community groups to promote knowledge of wildlife and natural environments. We work to preserve and protect for all to enjoy, both now and in the future.
Wildlife & Natural Spaces

Wildlife & Natural Spaces
Join us for webinar & discussion on sustainable oceans
Kristina Jackson — January 19, 2021Join us for the latest installment of our All Hands On Deck webinar series. A series intended to showcase the diversity of issues and solutions as we come together to deal with the environmental and social challenges of our time.
Video Message from Gretchen Fitzgerald - National Programs Director
Melissa Munro — December 17, 2020Special Video Message from Our President Julie Reimer
Melissa Munro — December 3, 2020Victories in Freele Tract and Carruthers Creek Headwaters Show Power of Citizen Engagement in Land Use Planning
John Bacher — October 1, 2020Although the government of Premier Douglas Ford is no Valhalla for environmental protection, two recent decisions in rejecting municipally supported requests for Ministerial Zoning Orders (MZO) show that engaged citizens can wrest positive victories. One MZO request, by the County of Simcoe, would have put a waste transfer station in the 207-acre part of Simcoe County Forest, designated as the Freele Tract. The second by the Town of Pickering, supported by a developer, supported the urbanization of the headwaters of Carruthers Creek.
The Prairie Living Room
Posted on August 6, 2020The Prairie Living Room
Who could have predicted that in 2020 we would have to make to collective decision to stay inside our living room for extended period of time? These have been hard times for many.
We wanted to celebrate the hard decision our community has made to physically distance during Covid-19 by providing a new 'living room'. This living room is green, playful, beautiful and reflects our local flora. Now more than ever we need the benefits of nature for our physical and mental health.
We Won! -- A Legal Battle to Protect Endangered Right Whales & Their Habitat
Gretchen Fitzgerald — July 9, 2020Devastating News About The Dead Right Whale
Melissa Munro — July 1, 2020It's the saddest news
We are heartbroken to learn that the dead right whale found off New Jersey this week is actually the first born calf of the 2019/2020 season, and was the very first calf of right whale #3560.
From initial observations, it appears this calf died as a result of propeller and trauma injuries from two separate vessel strikes. According to NOAA, the first injuries were to his head and chest, and the second – and likely fatal injury – was to his tail stock.
Building a Future of Safer Roads
Posted on June 23, 2020Tell Minister of Municipal Affairs to Rescue Freele Tract
John Bacher — June 22, 2020One of the great victories of the environmental movement of Ontario is now under attack — the Simcoe County Forests. The system was created under the leadership of Premier E. C. Drury, and his friend Edmund Zavitz, to rescue the Simcoe County from being buried in marching sand wastes. This was triggered by ruthless deforestation.
The Freele Tract is being defended by a valiant 770-member environmental protection group which should never have had to be organized. It’s called the Friends of Simcoe County Forests.
Bad Week
Gretchen Fitzgerald — June 6, 2020On Wednesday afternoon, we received the decision from the federal court that, while our case questioning the regulation exempting exploratory drilling from impact assessment was serious enough to warrant judicial review, the exemption itself could come into force even as we continue to pursue the case.
When, Where, and Whale: Welcome Home Right Whales!
admin — May 13, 2020By: Julie Reimer
I can see it now: the vast blue horizon where the sky meets the ocean, the rolling waves as water ebbs and flows below, and in the distance a distinct v-shaped plume of mist. Can you see it? Can you hear it? The powerful exhale of the right whales coming home.
Big Hearts
Melissa Munro — February 14, 2020"You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive."
Gretchen Fitzgerald — January 6, 2020This is the first line in a message being sent by emergency services to those who refuse to leave their homes as the Australian bushfires approach.
Celebrate Our Light - A Special Song by Tony Reddin
Melissa Munro — January 1, 2020Thanks Nature - Reason #6
Melissa Munro — December 30, 2019This holiday, say thanks to nature.
Thanks Nature - Reason #7
Melissa Munro — December 29, 2019This holiday, say thanks to nature.
Thanks Nature - Reason #8
Melissa Munro — December 29, 2019This holiday, say thanks to nature.
Thanks Nature - Reason #9
Melissa Munro — December 28, 2019This holiday, say thanks to nature.