Community Action

• Community tree planting events

• Environmentally-focused community events (invasive species removal, citizen science, enhancing wildlife habitat, etc.)
• Educational materials that promote a current, approved, Conservation Authority-supported restoration project
• Innovative projects meeting this category’s objective will be considered

Priority may be given to projects that are:

• Adjacent to identified natural heritage areas (please consult with a Restoration Project Specialist)
• School projects that are being developed and delivered in partnership with the Conservation Authority’s Education team

Projects should provide educational value and support at least one of the following goals:

• soil or water conservation
• improved water quality
• natural heritage enhancement

Not sure if your idea qualifies? Contact a Restoration Project Specialist — we’re happy to help.

Projects must be a minimum cost of $500 before tax. Here is a breakdown of funding available by project type:

• Planting Events:
  • • Native trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants; bare root and/or maximum 2 gallon pots
    • 100% up to $2,500
• Wildlife Habitat Enhancement:
  • • Construction material for snake hibernacula, bird/bat/butterfly/insect boxes, nesting platform, seed costs etc.)
    • 50% up to $2,500
• Invasive Species Management Events:
  • • Materials needed for removals (gloves, bags, herbicide application if applied by licensed applicator)
    • 50% up to $2,500
• Education and citizen science events:
  • • Materials needed for citizen science research, costs associated with lab results, guide materials that are needed during a community event, venue rental, etc.
    • 50% up to $2,500
• Site prep and planting materials:
  • • Including but not limited to rototilling, mowing, competition control including herbicide application by licensed applicator, soil amendments, rodent guards, brush mats, mulch, etc.
    • 50% up to $2,500
• Educational materials:
  • • Interpretative signs, plaques and flyers associated with an approved Conservation Authority restoration project
    • 50% up to $2,500
• Miscellaneous items:
  • • Gloves, shovels, volunteer refreshments, transportation, other innovative projects if they meet the objective of the category
    • Funding reviewed on a case-by-case basis

What’s covered?

• Permits
• Engineering or consulting fees
• Materials and labour associated with an approved project;
• Transportation associated with a school approved project

Please contact a Restoration Project Specialist to verify program eligibility and to answer any questions/concerns you may have about the program and/or the application process. This is a voluntary program and all calls are confidential.

This grant is available to community and school groups only. Private individuals are not eligible under this category.

• Landowner permission is required for projects on public or private land and must be submitted with your application

• Applicants are responsible for securing all required permits prior to starting work

• All educational materials must include the Conservation Authority logo and be approved by staff before publishing

• Projects will be reviewed to ensure they align with the Conservation Authority’s mandate and vision

Citizen science projects:

• Data collection methods must be submitted for review prior to approval

• Collected data must be shared with Conservation Authority staff following the event

Additional notes:

• Restoration staff may be available to support your project—please discuss with your Restoration Project Specialist

• Intellectual property remains with the project lead, though data may be requested for Conservation Authority use

Complete the Landowner Information Form and the Project Profile Form to submit an application, along with:

• Project site plan
• Two cost quotations for proposed project
• Reference to current Conservation Authority-supported school or education project
• Landowner permission for work on public or private land

Only complete applications will be considered for funding assistance.

If you’re planning a tree planting project on public land, we can help coordinate with the municipality, develop a planting plan, recommend species, and support plant ordering.

This is a voluntary program, and all inquiries are confidential.