The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) is proud to announce an exciting new phase of its Trees for All program. With $2.3 million in funding from Natural Resources Canada's 2 Billion Trees program, NPCA is ready to significantly scale up tree-planting efforts across the Niagara Peninsula watershed, contributing to climate resilience, biodiversity enhancement, and improved watershed health.
Since the program's initial launch, NPCA and its partners have built a strong foundation for this multi-year environmental initiative. By increasing tree cover and density, the program will expand urban canopy cover, enhance local parks, improve air quality, and provide much-needed shade. With strong municipal participation, these efforts serve as nature-based solutions to climate challenges, fostering healthier and more sustainable communities.
Since 2023, NPCA has planted 120,000 trees and shrubs through the Trees for All program. The 2 Billion Trees funding will now accelerate planting efforts, building on the program’s momentum and fostering long-term success. The investment ensures lasting benefits for communities, wildlife, and future generations.
Trees for All aims to:
- Plant native trees to expand forest cover, restore habitats, improve water quality, and support climate resilience.
- Leverage NPCA’s expertise in ecological restoration to ensure planting initiatives are science-based, strategic, and impactful.
- Expand large-scale tree planting efforts by working with partners like Forests Ontario and Tree Canada to increase resources, improving efficiency, and engaging local communities.
- Strengthen partnerships and outreach with municipalities, landowners, businesses, and volunteers to drive long-term program success.
- Maximize federal funding impact by enhancing operational capacity, fostering strategic collaborations, and scaling up restoration efforts.
The federal funding will be dedicated to planting 80,000 potted trees on public lands in partnership with municipalities and other stakeholders over the next four years. Additionally, NPCA will lead the development of a Native Seed Collection Community of Practice for the Niagara Peninsula watershed, supported by $300,000 from Natural Resources Canada. This initiative, delivered by the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, will help secure a supply of native, genetically diverse, and regionally adapted tree species to support future restoration and reforestation projects.
While this funding focuses on public lands, NPCA continues to assess opportunities for planting on private lands through separate funding sources. Landowners who have expressed interest can expect further communication as we advance efforts to support tree planting on private properties.
The NPCA invites the public, local landowners, and organizations to get involved in these efforts. Landowners are encouraged to stay tuned for future calls for planting interest on private lands. Organizations and community groups can also partner with NPCA by offering planting sites, hosting tree-planting events, or volunteering to assist with future plantings.
The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) is a proud partner in Trees for All. Through generous donations, NPCF helps expand reforestation initiatives across the watershed, creating healthier, more resilient ecosystems for future generations. Those looking to make a lasting environmental impact can also donate to NPCF, ensuring that more trees are planted and protected.
For more information on Trees for All and how to get involved, visit getinvolved.npca.ca/trees-for-all.
Quotes
"The Trees for All initiative exemplifies the importance of collaboration in achieving environmental goals, both locally and across the country. We are grateful to the Government of Canada for helping make this project possible through their 2 Billion Trees program. By scaling up tree-planting efforts and building a native seed collection network, the NPCA is contributing directly to a healthier and more resilient Canada."
John Metcalfe, NPCA Board Chair
"This milestone marks a pivotal moment for Trees for All as we work together to restore vital ecosystems and build climate resilience in the Niagara Peninsula watershed. With this federal investment, and the support of funding partners through the NPCF, we're ready to work hand-in-hand with the community to ensure our conservation goals are achieved for generations to come."
Leilani Lee-Yates, NPCA CAO & Secretary-Treasurer
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About Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority:
As a community-based natural resource management agency, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority envisions a healthy and vibrant natural environment with shared greenspace and clean water for all. NPCA’s work supports the conservation, enhancement, and sustainability of healthy watersheds with programs and services that focus on drinking water source protection, flood and hazard management, endangered species protection, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, education, and land management.
NPCA is the caretaker of 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.
For more info on NPCA: www.npca.ca
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Questions related to the above release should be directed to:
Erika Navarro
Supervisor, Communications and Public Relations
Cell: 905-650-4027
enavarro@npca.ca
Questions related to the Trees for All program:
Stuart McPherson
Supervisor, Trees For All
smcpherson@npca.ca