Georgian Bay Biosphere - GBB

06/12/2026

TURTLES ARE NESTING! And everyone can be a turtle champion! 🐢🏆

Two amazing humans noticed a painted turtle nesting in a not-so convenient location on their property. Once she was done nesting, they jumped to action placing a nest protector over the at-risk nest.

You can do the same! Pick up a nest protector by donation at our office for nesting turtles on your property. 125 William St Parry Sound Mon - Fri, from 9 am - 4 pm

Remember to keep a good distance from nesting turtles, they are very easily spooked and only place nest protectors on property with permission. 💚

06/12/2026

We spotted this beautiful eastern hog-nosed snake earlier this week! 😍

Hog-nosed snakes have a flair for the dramatic! While non-venomous, they can flatten their necks, hiss, and bluff strikes to mimic venomous snakes in an effort to deter predators. Depending on the threat level, they may even flip over to play dead.🐍

06/09/2026

Can you believe all these reptiles & amphibians were spotted in just ONE evening!?🫨

While surveying a road for turtle nests last week, our biologists spotted a ton of cute critters. Excellent reminder to drive carefully to keep these little guys safe! 🐍🐸🦎🪱

Read more about reptiles on roads in our latest blog! https://georgianbaybiosphere.com/reptiles-on-the-move-sharing-the-road-this-spring/

06/08/2026

Our biologists are back in their happy place...also known as the field!

Stay tuned! This summer we are:
🏝️Stewarding the outer islands
🐢Collecting at-risk turtle eggs
🌳Mapping critical habitat
🌾Removing invasive Phragmites
🌊Testing water quality
➕And more!

Read more about what we will be getting up to this summer! https://georgianbaybiosphere.com/field-season-sneak-peek/

06/08/2026

Together with the Parry Sound Chamber of Commerce we are co-hosting a Business After Hours event at Tappatoo Resort!

Join us on to connect with local business owners, network with our staff at interactive booths, learn about upcoming events and partnerships, and discover services available for small businesses through Generations Effect Consulting.

You won't want to miss it! Attendees will be entered into a draw to win a half-day kayak trip with Georgian Bay Tours! Register below.

🌿🤝 Join us for an evening of connection, conversation, and community!

The Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to invite you to our next Business After Hours Networking Event on Wednesday, June 17th from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at Grand Tappattoo Resort, co-hosted by the Georgian Bay Biosphere.

This special evening is open to everyone and is a great opportunity to connect with local business owners, community members, and regional partners in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

Guests will have the chance to network with Georgian Bay Biosphere staff at interactive booths, learn about upcoming events and partnerships in our region, and discover services available for small businesses through Generations Effect Consulting.

Topics will include local initiatives such as turtle-friendly roads, home energy savings, and other projects making a positive impact across the Parry Sound area. 🌊🐢

✨ Bonus: Attendees will also be entered into a draw to win a half-day kayak trip with Georgian Bay Tours!

📍 Grand Tappattoo Resort
30 Tapppattoo Trail, Seguin
🗓️ Wednesday, June 17th
⏰ 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Registration is required.
Visit www.psachamber.ca for more information and to register.

We look forward to welcoming you for an evening of networking, learning, and community connection!

06/06/2026

Quebec City is officially a UNESCO biosphere region 🎉 and the 20th in Canada! 🇨🇦

The City of Quebec received its UNESCO biosphere region designation, representing an ambitious vision for sustainablility in an urban setting and uplifting the values of UNESCO across all its communities! ✨️

The GBB extends its sincere congratulations to the Nation Wendat - Wendake, Ville de Québec , and all the partners and people that made this designation possible. Bravo! 👏

This is also wonderful news for our Canadian Biosphere Regions Association network: it highlights the strength and diversity of our sites and reminds us that the UNESCO framework for working landscapes is possible - from rural to remote to urban areas.

Welcome to the family, Quebec City! 🫶
Welcome to the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Regions! 🌎

Canada and the World Environment and Natural Resources in Canada Canadian Commission for UNESCO / Commission canadienne pour l'UNESCO Environment and Climate Change

06/05/2026

These pink plants do more than just brighten up the landscape around them! 💗🌱

They are naturally adapted to our climate, support biodiversity, and provide habitat and food for thousands of pollinators!

🩰Pink Lady's slipper
💕Rock harlequin
🌷Trillium
🌺Swamp Laurel

06/04/2026

PLANT PICK UP IS THIS SATURDAY!!🪴

Thank you to everyone who ordered through our Native Plant Fundraiser this year!

Parry Sound location: Georgian Bay Biosphere office, 125 William Street, Parry Sound
Pick up time: 8am - 12pm

Port Severn location: Baxter Ward Community Centre, 25 Community Centre Dr, Port Severn
Pick up time: 9am - 11am

Along with plant pick up in Port Severn we also have a GBB Repair Cafe! Bring an item to fix while you grab your plants!

06/03/2026

This spring, Greg and Becky from our senior leadership team have been busy visiting other Biosphere regions. Greg visited Tsá Tué Biosphere in Northwest Territories as part of their 10-year UNESCO periodic review. Becky visited Région de biosphère Manicouagan-Uapishka in Quebec to see their non-profit and social enterprise in action.

We are grateful to our hosts, and to be part of a network of Biospheres where we can learn from one another and experience first-hand what makes each one so special.

06/02/2026

Today, Terry from Magnetawan First Nation - Lands, Resources and Environment picked up turtle incubators from our office! 🐢

Turtle egg rescue is just one of their reptile species at risk programs. They are leaders in this work in eastern Georgian Bay and we are so grateful to learn from them and call them a partner!

Learn more about their work here: https://stateofthebay.ca/2023-state-of-the-bay-report/landscape-biodiversity/ -Profile--Magnetawan-First-Nation