Nature London is Affiliated with Ontario Nature

Ontario Nature is a province-wide charitable organization that represents 150 member groups, including Nature London. Ontario Nature’s mission is to protect wild species and wild spaces through conservation, education and public engagement.  Its programs include educational and advocacy activities to raise awareness of current issues and at-risk species, support for nature reserves and the protection of precious habitat, and assistance to local nature organizations, including Nature London.

Back in 1931, Nature London, under its former name McIlwraith Ornithological Club, was one of the founding organizations of the Federation of Ontario Naturalists, now called Ontario Nature. W.E. Saunders from London was its first President. Nature London thus has a special connection to Ontario Nature.

Nature London is a member of the Carolinian West group of clubs affiliated with Ontario Nature. Carolinian West clubs meet periodically to exchange information and ideas concerning common objectives.  Ontario Nature also has an annual conference and meeting to inform all member organizations about current issues and projects and promote connections between clubs.

Individuals who are members of Ontario Nature benefit in several ways.  You can become a member by subscribing to its quarterly magazine, ON Nature, which contains stories about current issues in our province, photographs, and news about local nature-related activities.  These include protection of declining and endangered species of animals, birds, fish, insects and plants, research tracking invasive species, and support for nature reserves across the province. A subscription to On Nature, or a donation of $10 or more, entitles you to membership in Ontario Nature (you can subscribe at ontarionaturemagazine.com/subscribe).

The Summer (2026) issue of On Nature covers the origin of the Conservation Authorities Act, which provided for the protection of our watersheds using local knowledge. Protection of natural areas, flood mitigation, water quality preservation and outdoor recreation were its essential objectives.  Currently, the Ontario government is committed to weakening environmental protections and the structure and role of conservation authorities to advance its development agenda. One of Ontario Nature’s current priorities is to draw attention to the threats this provincial policy poses to the natural world, including flooding.  As municipal elections ramp up in preparation for voting in October, protection of local natural places and actions to address local consequences of climate change are now on the agenda as well.  On Nature provides readers with coverage of these important opportunities to stand up for nature. Ontario Nature’s research and advocacy in support of the protection of natural places and species align with many of Nature London’s objectives.