Introducing the ECA’s first property
Sandy’s Summit Nature Preserve
Formerly known as Metcalfe North, a community-led conservation success!
For Nature. For People. For Good.
Our vision is to create a protected and connected ecological corridor across the Niagara Escarpment of South Georgian Bay, for nature, for people, for good.
Welcome to the Escarpment Corridor Alliance
For Nature. For People. For Good.
Milestone Achievement
Talisman Mountain Resort
Now Permanently Conserved
Where we come from & Where we are going…
The Escarpment Corridor Alliance is a regional conservation land trust dedicated to protecting the Niagara Escarpment of Southern Georgian Bay. By creating a connected ecological corridor, we ensure a legacy of biodiversity, recreation & wellness, and sustainability for generations to come. Together, we can balance nature, economy, agriculture, and community while safeguarding the heart of our region. For nature. For people. For good.
About the ECA
ECA Strategic Focus
Conservation & Collaboration for Collective Impact and Regional Conservation
As a regional conservation land trust, we protect green spaces, preserve biodiversity and promote sustainability through land conservation, natural corridors and strategic partnerships.
We Conserve
Identify key biodiverse areas and important ecological corridors while preventing inappropriate development.
We Create
Create a science-based natural corridor system and promote a Conservation Economy.
We Collaborate
Collaborate with like-minded local groups and conservation organizations to achieve collective impact.
Southern Georgian Bay Niagara Escarpment
Ecological Corridor Identification Area
Connectivity Guided by Science
In 2024-25, the ECA conducted a geospatial analysis of the ecologically important
habitats in South Georgian Bay.
What does the future look like for the ECA?
ECA Strategic Plan 2025-2027
The Escarpment Corridor Alliance (ECA) is a registered charity and regional conservation land trust formed to raise awareness for the need to actively preserve the Niagara Escarpments watersheds and natural environment that encompass South Georgian Bay. Read our strategic plan and learn more about where we are headed and the impact we hope to achieve to connect the escarpment for nature, for people and for good.
Why is a regional conservation land trust important for South Georgian Bay?
Protecting Biodiverse Lands
The lands along the Niagara Escarpment of South Georgian Bay are essential to locals, visitors, wildlife, and local economies. By connecting fragmented lands into a preserved nature corridor, we can protect these biodiverse places from inappropriate development — for good.
The Castle Glen Forest
The historic Castle Glen Forest above Collingwood comprises 1,500 acres of forest, streams, and wetlands and is at risk of development. One of our strategic priorities is advocating to preserve these lands from inappropriate development.
The Talisman Lands
Grey County sold this 134-acre swath of public land, fields and forest gracing Beaver Valley to a Toronto-based developer. In December of 2025, the Bruce Trail Conservancy acquired the former Talisman Mountain Resort lands – the upper and lower lands are still at risk of development.
Get involved. Join our newsletter.
Make a difference,
today!
There’s so much you can do.
Stay Updated with Our Posts
Recent Blogs
Check out our most recent updates below. Read all our content by visiting our Blog & News page!
-
How Donating to the ECA Can Benefit Nature — and Your Taxes in 2025
How Donating to the ECA Can Benefit Nature — and Your Taxes in 2025 Supporting nature conservation doesn’t just protect the land you love — it can also provide…
-
Proposed Changes to Ontario’s Conservation Authority System
STATEMENT FROM THE ESCARPMENT CORRIDOR ALLIANCEDecember 22, 2025 The Escarpment Corridor Alliance (ECA) is writing to express our concerns regarding the Government of Ontario’s proposed consolidation of the province’s…
Land Acknowledgement
We are grateful to live, work, and learn on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, Ojibway, and Anishinabek. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties.
We acknowledge and deeply appreciate their historic connection to this place since time immemorial. We also recognize the contributions that Haudenosaunee, Ojibway, Anishinabek, and other Indigenous peoples have made, both in shaping and strengthening this community in particular, and our province and country as a whole.
This recognition of the contributions and historic importance of Indigenous peoples must also be clearly and overtly connected to our collective commitment to do our part to advance reconciliation in our communities. We must work together to ensure our communities advance relationships with Indigenous peoples built on meaningful consultation rooted in truth and imbued with justice.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? Find answers to common questions and helpful insights.
The Escarpment Corridor Alliance (ECA) is a registered charity founded in 2022 that is dedicated to protecting and preserving the Niagara Escarpment of South Georgian Bay. Our mission is to establish a permanently protected and connected ecological corridor that safeguards biodiversity, supports human health, and ensures that natural landscapes continue to thrive for generations to come.
We employ a strategic approach focused on conserving vital green spaces by utilizing private landowner options—such as Other Effective Conservation Measures (OECMs) and land trust agreements—and actively opposing inappropriate mega developments. This multifaceted strategy helps maintain and enhance the ecological integrity of the region while preserving areas rich in biodiversity.
Our work goes beyond land conservation. ECA is committed to creating a strategically designed natural corridor that links fragmented habitats, ensuring that both wildlife and local communities benefit from increased connectivity. By fostering a conservation economy, we not only protect natural spaces but also promote sustainable development that honors the balance between nature and human progress.
Collaboration is at the heart of our approach. We work closely with local groups, community organizations, and environmental partners to share a unified vision for the future of the Escarpment. Through strategic partnerships and coordinated efforts, we amplify our collective impact—ensuring that our conservation initiatives are informed by diverse perspectives and community needs.
Our initiatives include focused efforts to protect sensitive and threatened areas, such as the Castle Glen Forest and the Talisman Lands. These projects exemplify our commitment to preventing unsustainable development while preserving historic and ecologically valuable landscapes. In addition, our work on establishing a connected ecological corridor demonstrates our forward-thinking approach to conservation.
We recognize and deeply appreciate that we work on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee, Ojibway, and Anishinabek peoples. Our land acknowledgement reflects our commitment to honoring Indigenous stewardship and contributions. ECA actively seeks to build meaningful relationships and engage in consultation with Indigenous communities, ensuring that our conservation practices are inclusive and contribute to broader reconciliation efforts.