On Saturday, Sept. 19, volunteers from the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA), members of the Glanbrook Conservation Committee (GCC), and Earth Day Hamilton-Burlington (EDHB), planted 300 trees at Binbrook Conservation Area as the first phase of a large vision for restoring a parcel of farmland and giving it back to nature.
The trees were planted on land adjacent to the existing Binbrook Conservation Area property, which the NPCA acquired in August of 2019 as part of the broader master plan for the park. This project was completed with the support of a TD Friends of the Environment grant obtained by EDHB, who have been receiving similar grants over the last few years and already planted many trees at other locations in the Conservation Area.
“Earth Day Hamilton-Burlington has been around for 30 years and we believe that people who get the chance to experience the natural world directly, are more likely to become good stewards of it. Through education and public events, we provide opportunities for people to have such experiences,” says David Hart Dyke from Earth Day Hamilton-Burlington. “We partner with other nature-friendly organizations to build capacity in the environmental community, with projects like providing 3,000 school-aged children with all-expense paid outdoor nature programs and we have held “Eco-Fest” events which combine music, exhibitions and tree plantings. Currently, we are focused on planting native species trees in the Hamilton-Burlington area and Binbrook Conservation Area and TD Canada Trust have been two of our partners for the last three years. Last Saturday we welcomed the assistance of many volunteers from EDHB, NPCA, and GCC, who were instrumental to what will become an on-going project and partnership.”
The GCC has a long history of volunteering at Binbrook Conservation Area. For the last 30 years, their work has focused on improving habitat for wildlife in and around the shores of Lake Niapenco, with activities such as hiking trail maintenance, a large aquatics planting program, and an extensive tree planting program to name a few.
“We have had our eye on this property for more than 20 years, with the goal of returning the land to its natural habitat,” adds Brett Harrington, Chairman of Glanbrook Conservation Committee. “Together with the NPCA, we have developed a comprehensive plan to restore the property, and enhance ecology through vegetative communities, expected to include wetlands, native grassland, bird-friendly shrubs, and so much more. The planting of these 300 trees are just the beginning and we are extremely grateful to EDHB and TD Friends of the Environment for their continued support.”
“The NPCA is pleased to be investing into this Conservation Area once more. Binbrook is one of the NPCA’s four flagship properties where visitor numbers increase dramatically every year due to the many amenities and attractions that have been added to the park,” says Brenda Johnson, NPCA Board Chair. “But the sheer natural beauty of the site needs to be preserved and we extend our deepest thanks to GCC, EDHB, and all of our volunteers who have led the efforts to keep the Conservation Area beautiful.”
The NPCA is in the process of developing a long-term land acquisition strategy to increase greenspace in the watershed. This is an important investment into the future of the Hamilton-Niagara corridor as population growth pressures are due to increase and the pandemic has demonstrated the need to meet demand by planning ahead and ensuring conservation areas remain safe, natural green spaces for all to enjoy.
To learn more about the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, visit www.npca.ca. Follow Facebook and Twitter for more updates.
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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 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.
Questions related to the above release should be directed to:
Erika Navarro, Communications Specialist
905.788.3135 ext.262
Mobile: 905-650-4027
enavarro@npca.ca