Activity 2: Strengthening Habitat Connectivity for a Changing Climate
Climate change is already reshaping forests across Ontario, and how plants and wildlife move through the landscape matters more than ever.
When forests are broken up by roads, agriculture, or urban development, it becomes harder for species to spread, adapt, and survive. Over time, this can reduce biodiversity and make ecosystems more vulnerable to stress.
Along the Niagara Escarpment, these pressures are especially visible. Many native tree species, like sugar maple, white pine, and red oak, don’t naturally spread very far. That makes nearby, connected habitats essential for healthy forests.
Through this project, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (Vineland) is working with the Bruce Trail Conservancy (BTC) to find practical ways to reconnect landscapes and support stronger, more resilient forests.
