A2A corridor important to Uxbridge - deteriorating biodiversity could affect future

Nikita Mohile

Starting from the peaks of Adirondack Park in New York and stretching to the forests of Algonquin Park in Ontario lies a pathway that an array of wildlife travels every year. This corridor, officially called the Adirondack to Algonquin but better known as the A2A, is a significant south-to-north pathway for animals in eastern North America. However, this pathway is slowly deteriorating, taking animals down with it. In the last 50 years, about 70 per cent of the wildlife population has been wiped out. Unless action is taken, this once prosperous, biodiverse area will turn into just another empty corridor.

The Algonquin to Adirondacks Collaborative (A2A Collaborative) is, according to their website, “a U.S., Canadian, and First Nations partner organization that works with scientists, policy-makers and a variety of conservation groups to protect and enhance the unique ecological features and functions of the A2A region.”

In order for the A2A Collaborative’s efforts to be effective, it requires support from their partners, communities, farm owners, and landowners.

Alice the Moose Photo from a2acollaborative.org

"We want to encourage people to get to know the A2A region better and understand its importance," explains Nasha Choudhury, eco executive director at Biosphere Eco-Cities Canada and a member of A2A Collaborative.

Although the A2A region is about two hours from Uxbridge, it still impacts this area. The region is an intersection of five major forests, making it a vital area for carbon capture and a tremendous timber resource.

Nature can also play a big part in improving mental health. "At the end of the day, whether you're near or close, these national areas do have a huge impact on our climate and our wellbeing," says Choudhury.

Most of the work that the Collaborative does is research-based and requires funds to operate. Like many NGOs, their work is often underfunded and has to rely on government grants. So what can people do to support the A2A Collaborative? One of the easiest ways to help is to become a member. The more members they have, the easier it is to pass legislation and get government support. All it takes to become a member is a donation.

"Even a small donation for an organization like us goes a long way," says Choudhury.

Volunteering is also a way to support the conservation effort. While the task might be simple, organizations need more people to do research work. The A2A Collaborative also works with Indigenous communities and universities in their projects.

Another way to support the organization is by raising awareness and participating in events. The A2A trail, which is an immersive hiking experience, stretches along the same path that animals use yearly. The trail project started when researchers observed one animal's migration route, a moose that they named Alice. Since then, Alice the moose has been the mascot of the A2A Collaborative’s trail.

A small step like spending time in nature and letting people know about the A2A region can go a long way.

"There's nothing more motivating than actually going into nature and seeing its beauty and understanding how amazing it is," says Choudhury.

Nikita Mohile is a Grade 12 student with an interest in environmental issues.