Credit Valley Conservation Foundation (CVCF) announced a new partnership with the Greenbelt Foundation to support Credit Valley Conservation’s (CVC) Community Outreach Youth Stewardship Programs today. The Greenbelt Foundation is committing $19,695 over the next one and a half years for stewardship and educational activities that will help restore and protect habitat near urban areas for freshwater species at risk within the Greenbelt.

“We’re excited to partner with the Greenbelt Foundation to educate and inspire youth to take action in the Credit River Watershed,” said Holly Nadalin, Manager of CVC’s Community Outreach, Education and CVCF. “This project gives youth volunteers the opportunity to tackle environmental stewardship work that supports the long-term protection of Ontario’s Greenbelt and enhancement of freshwater habitat for species at risk.”

The project will improve the biodiversity and protection of over 10 hectares of critical habitat in Silver Creek, Halton Hills, as youth volunteers engage in actions outlined in CVC’s Hungry Hollow Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plan (SNAP). Through 20 events, CVC aims to engage and train 200 youth participants, educating them about local environmental issues in the Greenbelt and empowering them to protect nature.

Thanks to the financial support of the Greenbelt Foundation, youth will plant 100 native trees and shrubs along Silver Creek, care for 125 newly planted plants, and remove invasive species and debris jams to improve the stream’s health. CVC staff will also conduct on-site monitoring and protection of riparian habitat.

This work aligns with the Greenbelt Foundation’s focus on native tree, shrub and other vegetation plantings that increase natural cover in the Greenbelt, contribute to biodiversity, and create greater climate resilience for Ontario residents. The Greenbelt’s natural areas provide essential climate resilience for local communities in the Greater Golden Horseshoe—Canada’s most rapidly urbanizing region. Greenbelt natural features, like forests, wetlands and healthy soils, help to prevent flooding, protect freshwater and offset the urban heat-island effect, helping to keep the air feeling cool during heat waves.

“As Ontario grows and climate change exerts increasing pressure on communities, identifying and understanding the value of natural corridors and increased tree covering have never been more important,” said Edward McDonnell, CEO of the Greenbelt Foundation. “The Greenbelt Foundation is excited to support the Credit Valley Conservation’s Community Outreach Youth Stewardship Program in leading these planting events to increase native plants and natural tree cover in the Greenbelt.”

About CVC’s Youth Stewardship Programs
Since 2007, CVC’s Conservation Youth Corps (CYC) and Frontline programs have empowered youth volunteers to work alongside CVC staff and community partners to restore and steward natural areas across the Credit River Watershed. These programs have engaged over 26,500 teens who have contributed over 150,000 volunteer hours. Together, they have planted over 93,000 native trees, shrubs and wildflowers, and removed invasive species from over 124,000 metres squared of land. The Frontline program also received the Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Trust Award for Youth Achievement in 2016 and 2021.

Photo:

Caption: Three youth volunteers took part in the Youth in Silver Creek Stewardship and Education project this past summer during CVC’s Conservation Youth Corps program. 
Link: https://files.cvc.ca/cvc/uploads/2024/10/med_img_CYC-wk6_StAloysiusGonzaga_Aug12-16-56-scaled.jpg

About Credit Valley Conservation Foundation
Credit Valley Conservation Foundation is a registered environmental charity working to help protect and conserve the lands and waters of the Credit River Watershed. The Foundation accomplishes this by raising funds in support of the valuable conservation projects carried out by Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) that protect the health and well-being of the flora and fauna, the watershed and its inhabitants for today and tomorrow. CVC inspires a deep appreciation for the role of nature in keeping people connected, healthy and happy.

About Credit Valley Conservation

Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) is a local conservation authority established by the Ontario government in 1954 to protect, restore and enhance the natural environment of the Credit River Watershed. Our watershed is defined by the area of land where all rainfall, snowmelt and runoff drains into lands and waters flowing into the Credit River. CVC creates connections between people and nature, knowledge and action. We inspire a deep appreciation for the role of nature in keeping people connected, healthy and happy. CVC is a member of Conservation Ontario.

About Greenbelt Foundation
The Greenbelt Foundation is a charitable organization solely dedicated to ensuring the Greenbelt remains permanent, protected and prosperous. We make the right investments in its interconnected natural, agricultural and economic systems to ensure a working, 5 thriving Greenbelt for all. Ontario’s Greenbelt is one of the world’s largest with over two million acres of farmland, forests, wetlands and rivers working together to provide clean air, fresh water and a reliable local food source.

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Media Contact
Jamie Williams
Specialist, Marketing & Communications
Credit Valley Conservation
905-431-5772
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