Rouge Park and Ontario Power Generation Launch Fall Biodiversity Walks

TORONTO, Oct. 23 /CNW/ - A series of Fall Walks aimed at getting families involved in protecting and conserving biodiversity in urban parklands and forest ecosystems was officially launched today as part of OPG Biodiversity 2010.

To mark the International Year of Biodiversity (2010), Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has partnered with Rouge Park to present Fall Biodiversity Walks - a series of themed walks with trained guides taking place every weekend, both Saturday and Sunday, at 9:30 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. through to November 28.

"At OPG, we believe that industry has a key role to play in conserving, sustaining and protecting nature and fighting climate change," said Tom Mitchell, OPG's President and CEO. "We're pleased to work with Rouge Park and all our partners to encourage awareness of the importance of biodiversity."

"Rouge Park is pleased to join OPG in celebrating biodiversity. The thriving forests, meadows, wetlands and farmlands that Rouge Park protects offer a unique classroom, raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity," said Alan Wells, Chair of the Rouge Park Alliance. "Our partnership with OPG for a series of guided walks is a great opportunity for families to experience this incredible reservoir of biodiversity first hand, all nestled within Canada's largest city, and home to Toronto's only working farms. Accompanied by local experts, these walks will unveil many hidden treasures in this natural sanctuary."

Quick Facts

Since 2000, OPG and its conservation partners have planted more than 4.4 million trees and shrubs on 2,200 hectares of land, helping to conserve forest biodiversity, capture carbon dioxide and help woodlands cope with climate change.

About Rouge Park

Rouge Park is over 40 km², located in East Toronto (Scarborough) and Markham, encompassing a unique mosaic of river valley, creeks, forests, meadow and rural landscapes, within the Rouge River, Petticoat Creek and Duffins Creek watersheds in the Greenbelt, and represents Canada's largest natural environment park in an urban setting.  The Park offers a range of enhanced visitor experiences, from exploring 16 kilometres of rustic hiking trails to participating in exciting wildlife monitoring programs. 

About OPG Biodiversity

OPG Biodiversity is a series of province-wide conservation-focused, family-friendly initiatives sponsored by OPG and its partners -- Rouge Park, The Bruce Trail Conservancy, Ontario Nature, Trees Ontario, LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests), and Earth Rangers.  The goal of OPG Biodiversity is to get Ontarians involved in protecting and conserving biodiversity in our urban parklands and forest ecosystems. The program builds on OPG's commitment to conserving, sustaining and protecting nature and fighting climate change.

For detailed information about the Fall Biodiversity Walks Series, visit rougepark.com/hike or opgbiodiversity.ca

For further information:

Media Desk, Ontario Power Generation
1.877.592.4008
[email protected]