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to provide solutions to conservation issues today.

Nature for all, for always

FUNDING PRIORITIES

Ecological Restoration – One mILLION TREES

The Niagara Peninsula watershed's current level of forest cover is 18% and does not meet ecological needs, particularly as it falls within the Carolinian Zone where less than 3% of the land is protected. Bolstered efforts are needed to preserve the precious biodiversity of the unique Carolinian forests of southern Ontario. This delicate ecosystem faces the combined threats of climate change, loss of habitat and human activity. NPCA is committing to plant a million trees across the watershed over three years to strengthen biodiversity and resilience. Building on past successes, with more than a million trees and shrubs planted between 2000 and 2021, this significant addition of trees will reinforce measures to improve water quality, buffer against flooding, increase tree canopy and create green corridors to improve habitat and help wildlife at risk.
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Land Securement Strategy – LAND ACQUISITION

The distinctive characteristics of the Niagara Peninsula watershed shape its remarkable biological diversity. The unique microclimate and rich soils support a wide variety of native plant and animal species. To safeguard the watershed’s biodiversity, we must ensure that communities have sustainable access to protected conservation lands, parks and natural areas along river valleys, stream corridors and Great Lakes shorelines.

Natural areas, too, serve an essential role by sequestering carbon and reducing the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. For these reasons, the NPCA has an increasingly vital responsibility to acquire and preserve ecologically significant lands. The vast majority of land is privately owned; we need funds to purchase select properties as they become available, and for owners to consider partnering with NPCA to ensure their land is protected.

Two significant property acquisitions in recent years have added more than 44 hectares to protected lands in public ownership, including a critical stopover for migratory birds and butterflies. The NPCA has set a goal to continue procuring land at a rate of 20 hectares annually to incrementally secure at least 180 hectares over the next 10 years. This is a scientific target aimed at increasing natural cover for watershed health. Land acquisition is a targeted and effective conservation strategy to secure ecologically significant lands, the NPCA will pursue donations and easements purchases to acquire the property needed to meet its natural heritage goals.

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Parks & Green Infrastructure –
COMMUNITY ACCESSIBLE GREENSPACE and CONSERVATION PARKS

Across its 41 properties, the NPCA's parks and connections with inter-regional trails desperately need repair. Conservation areas also require upgraded parking, boardwalks and staircases to ensure safety and proper access. The new accessibility measures proposed will be of particular benefit to visitors with disabilities.

Improved signage, educational kiosks and online materials will augment these improvements to enhance the user experience and attract more visitors. Park admissions, which have been steadily on the rise, as well as successful public and private funding partnership agreements, will continue to be directed to infrastructure maintenance as the NPCA embarks on this accelerated land care initiative.

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Education & Stewardship – OUTDOOR EDUCATIONAL and RECREATIONAL PROGRAMMING

It’s been shown that cultivating a connection to nature leads to a prevailing mindset of appreciating and respecting the environment, wildlife, and habitats. Encouraging the relationship between people and nature not only promotes awareness, adventure and discovery in the present but also plants the seeds for conservation-minded behaviour in the future.

The NPCA offers many exciting and rewarding education, outreach, and volunteer programs for the community to get involved in the watershed, including day camps and Nature Schools, community litter clean-ups, planting events, and interpretive nature walks.

The fact that interest and participation in these offerings have been trending exponentially upward is a positive sign that nature conservation is moving to the forefront of our collective priorities. With added funding, the NPCA can bring a new dimension to outdoor education, ensuring that future generations are eager and equipped to take on environmental stewardship.

Of note: A centrepiece of the NPCA’s long-term Education & Stewardship goals involves a bold investment in a new Centre for Sustainability and Outdoor Education Campus. This state-of-the-art, net-zero building will serve as the new NPCA headquarters/partnership hub, accommodating a wide range of research, education and training initiatives.

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INVESTING IN A HEALTHY WATERSHED AND HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

Through the 2021-2031 Strategic Plan, the NPCA clearly articulates its objectives for the next generation of environmental stewardship. The comprehensive action plan enshrines a commitment to reducing the impact of climate change and preserving our biodiverse natural heritage system so it can continue to be a valuable asset for community health and well-being.

To carry out its important work, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority receives mandated core funding from municipalities which supply approximately half of the required funds. Self-generated revenues from admissions, service and activity fees, and fundraising by NPCF provide supplemental funds that encourage community ownership and participation in local environmentalism. Where possible, NPCA will continue to secure grants from federal and provincial governments as well as non-governmental organizations.