Fieldwork & Nature Wellness Science
Nature Wellness Research Pilot Report 2026
The Nature Wellness Research Pilot explores the opportunity for South Georgian Bay to evolve into Ontario’s leading nature wellness destination by leveraging the region’s unique connection between the Niagara Escarpment, Georgian Bay, forests, trails, rivers, and four-season outdoor experiences. The report identifies growing demand for accessible, immersive wellness travel focused on restoration, active recreation, mindfulness, and authentic nature connection. It recommends developing curated experiences, stronger regional partnerships, and a unified brand positioning that blends outdoor adventure, wellness, local culture, and sustainable tourism to increase engage of local residents and businesses as well as attract visitors seeking meaningful “reset” experiences close to home.
Conservation Economy Report 2024
This report details the overarching vision of a conservation economy. The vision being to build an economy centered on protecting, conserving and restoring our shared natural and cultural assets so that this incredible region can continue to prosper, thereby providing for our wide community of constituents long into the future.
When you are finished reading this report, you will have a deep understanding of how a conservation economy will help South Georgian Bay thrive while maintaining its ecological assets. You will also be provided with a toolkit of resources and action items on how you as a government agent, municipal leader, business leader, local resident or changemaker can help this vision become a reality.
When you are finished reading this report, you will have a deep understanding of how a conservation economy will help South Georgian Bay thrive while maintaining its ecological assets. You will also be provided with a toolkit of resources and action items on how you as a government agent, municipal leader, business leader, local resident or changemaker can help this vision become a reality.
Escarpement Community Survey 2023
The Escarpment Corridor Community Survey (conducted in early 2023) gathered public input on conservation and the potential development of green spaces across the Southern Georgian Bay/Collingwood region. The resulting data helped local conservation groups outline a vision for a permanently protected and connected ecological corridor.
- Conservation Economy: The survey helped inform the Escarpment Corridor Alliance vision for a conservation economy, which centers on preserving natural heritage while providing responsible leisure and recreational opportunities.
- Protecting Ecosystems: Feedback highlighted widespread community support to safeguard the area's biodiversity, oppose unsustainable commercialization, and strictly regulate agritourism along the Escarpment.
- Recreational Inclusion: The rock climbing community used this engagement opportunity to advocate for formal recognition as a distinct user group in local warm-weather recreational planning.
View this inspiring video about nature wellness changemakers who are rising to make South Georgian Bay the nature wellness capital of Ontario.
