Helping Communities Restore Habitats for Fish, Wildlife and Plants

Ontario is working with community groups, conservation organizations and municipalities to protect plants, forests, streams and wetlands and restore habitats for fish and wildlife.

This year, through the Land Stewardship and Habitat Restoration Program, Ontario is providing $300,000 in funding for 21 projects across the province that will help restore and rehabilitate more than 460 hectares of land and protect biodiversity.

Conservation groups, like the Lower Grand River Land Trust in Haldimand County, are using this funding to enhance wildlife habitat and improve water quality for fish, birds and turtles.

Over the past two years the Land Stewardship and Habitat Restoration Program has helped restore over 4,600 hectares of habitat, created and supported 91 jobs and provided approximately 19,200 volunteer hours for Ontarians.

Promoting and protecting biodiversity is part of the government's plan to build Ontario up. The four-part plan includes investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.

Quotes

“Ontario remains committed to protecting and improving the province’s natural ecosystems by supporting communities and organizations in their conservation and habitat restoration efforts. Projects and initiatives receiving funding through this program will enhance Ontario’s biodiversity and protect our fish and wildlife.”

Bill Mauro

Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry

“The Land Stewardship Habitat Restoration Program funding is a key component of The Lower Grand River Land Trust’s efforts to improve wildlife habitat and connectivity at Ruthven Park National Historic Site; the trust’s 1500-acre property bordering the Grand River near Cayuga. With the help of local volunteers, this project will establish natural buffers for streams and wetlands that will enhance food, nesting, and shelter resources for wildlife, improve water quality through reductions in sediment and chemical inputs, and expand wildlife corridors.”

Betsy Smith

President, The Lower Grand River Land Trust