As a life-long naturalist…

As a life-long naturalist and birder in southern Ontario, I am keenly aware of how quickly habitat is disappearing. This is especially so here in Southern Ontario. Habitat loss is the number one reason why bird numbers are crashing. Already, North American has lost about three billion birds since the 1970s. These losses continue at an accelerated rate as the recent State of the Birds report clearly demonstrates. The Wild Species 2020 states that of the 696 known species of birds in Canada, 50 are at risk of being wiped out in the wild.
The Greenbelt is an area of high biodiversity and home to many species of birds at risk like the Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, and Barn Swallow. Every bit of this area requires full protection if species such as these are to continue to survive.
I have come to realize just how important nature is to our quality of life. To my quality of life and to my personal happiness. Protecting nature could not be more than right now as we face a huge mental health crisis. Spending time in nature has been clearly identified as extremely beneficial to our mental health. The Greenbelt offers this opportunity to millions of Ontario residents such as myself. Even for people who don't necessariy visit this protected area on a regular basis, simply knowing that it is safe from development is a source of comfort.
At a time of biodiversity loss all over Ontario, Canada, and the world, we need to be fulling protecting species-rich areas like the Greenbelt more than ever. No housing development should be allowed to proceed.