(Further information on a story reported in today’s newscast)

Ontario is protecting and preserving the environment by investing in 85 projects across the province that help protect species at risk and their habitat.

On Wednesday, Minister Jeff Yurek announced the government is delivering over $4 million in 2019-20 and up to $4.5 million in 2020-21 to support projects by non-profit organizations, Indigenous communities and other stakeholder groups through the Species at Risk Stewardship Program.

"Everyone has a role to play in protecting and recovering at-risk species and their habitat," said Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. "Our government is proud to support on-the-ground projects that promote strong environmental stewardship and help preserve Ontario's rich biodiversity for future generations."

Protecting species at risk and their habitat is part of the government's Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan - a roadmap to preserving and protecting the province's land, air and water.

Applications for funding under the 2020-21 Species at Risk Stewardship Program will be accepted until 3 p.m. on March 25, 2020.