The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) will continue a forest and stream rehabilitation project at the Two-Mile Creek Conservation Area in Niagara-on-the-Lake this May. This work will see the planting of 4,700 new native trees in the cherished conservation area.
Phase one of this project took place last summer, with a tree-clearing operation to remove the dominant ash tree forest decimated by the invasive Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). Fallen trees and logs in the watercourse were also removed to improve flow and address large creek debris and flooding concerns. While the largest debris was cleaned up, some dead trees and other smaller, messy debris were intentionally left behind to provide habitat features for birds, bats, and other wildlife that call the area home.
Phase two consists of planting approximately 4,700 native deciduous and coniferous trees appropriate to the site conditions and native to seed zone 37. Native species, including Red Oak, Sycamore, Swamp White Oak, Silver Maple, and Bur Oak, will encourage the re-establishment of a healthy, resilient, and diverse ecosystem that will support a variety of wildlife and improve the overall water quality in the creek.
“We are pleased to start phase two of this important project to address concerns of invasive species, trail user safety, ecosystem diversity, and creek debris while preserving the healthy upland forest in other parts of the conservation area,” says Adam Christie, Director of Conservation Areas at NPCA. “The fertile and moist soils at the site will provide the ideal conditions to help the new trees grow and have a good survival rate. We anticipate that the trees planted this spring will do well, and as they grow, the site's aesthetics will continue to improve over time.”
Starting on the first week of May, NPCA staff will be on site planting the new native trees in the cleared areas. A few hundred trees will be planted by volunteers at a Community Planting Day on May 5 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Residents interested in getting involved can contact Kerry Royer, Community Outreach Coordinator, at 905-788-3135 x234, kroyer@npca.ca to register.
Planting will take place within the boundaries of the Two-Mile Creek Conservation Area, approximately 3.8 hectares, located at the end of Butler Street. The conservation area will remain open for the duration of this phase, and minimal noise is expected as trees will be hand-planted.
“I would like to thank the NPCA for their efforts and dedication to the Two-Mile Creek Conservation Area,” added Brett Ruck, Environmental Services Supervisor at the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. “I am pleased to see these replanting efforts come to pass and the rejuvenation process of this site begin. The Town remains committed to improving the overall tree canopy and quality of trees in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and what looks like a void today will be a beautiful green space in the future.”
Later this year, work will be conducted to help reduce erosion along the banks of the Two Mile Creek, which may include riparian planting, bioengineering, and potentially some instream work to help improve habitat and water quality.
For more information on the Two Mile Creek Conservation Area, visit www.npca.ca. Follow on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for more updates.
Download FAQ document related to this forest and stream rehabilitation project.
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About NPCA:
The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) is a community-based natural resource management agency that works to protect, enhance, and sustain healthy watersheds. With more than 60 years of experience, the NPCA offers watershed programs and services that focus on flood and hazard management, source water protection, species protection, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, and land management.
The NPCA is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in the Province of Ontario and manages 41 Conservation Areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation, and education. These natural and shared greenspaces marry nature, culture, and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.
About the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake:
The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is one of Canada’s most historic and picturesque towns. Located at the tip of the Niagara Peninsula and nestled along the shores of Lake Ontario, Niagara-on-the-Lake includes the five communities of Old Town, Virgil, St. Davids, Queenston, and Glendale.
Questions related to the above release should be directed to:
Erika Navarro, Communications Specialist
Mobile: 905-650-4027
enavarro@npca.ca