Conservation Halton implements the Hamilton-Halton Watershed Stewardship Program to encourage and assist with stewardship initiatives on private lands. The program is being undertaken in association with Hamilton Region Conservation Authority and the Bay Area Restoration Council.

What are the projects associated with this program?

• Since 1994, over 2000 landowners have been contacted in the Hamilton Harbour Watershed to share information about their individual roles in the protection and enhancement of wetlands, uplands and riparian areas
• Over 325 landowners have made verbal agreements to recognize their commitment to continued stewardship of the natural features on their lands
• Stewardship agreements cover over 6000 ha of land, which includes 117 km of riparian habitat and 2800 ha of significant wetland and upland habitat in the Spencer and Grindstone Creek watersheds
• Over 170 landowners have been involved in various rehabilitation projects including establishing riparian buffers, enhancing wetland and upland habitat, fencing cattle from creeks, constructing manure storage facilities and controlling erosion
• Over 2000 volunteer hours have been devoted to stewardship since 1994
• Over 22,000 trees and shrubs have been planted
• Over 11,000 herbaceous species have been planted
• In 1999, the stewardship program was expanded to include the Bronte Creek watershed to complement the Bronte Creek Watershed Study.

Why is private lands stewardship important?

• Education and extension programs are provided to increase the public’s awareness and respect for natural heritage features
• Landowners are encouraged to maintain, restore and protect existing natural features and consider the ecological health of natural systems in their land use activities
• Information is provided to make informed decisions for future planning

Who benefits from this conservation program?

• Watershed residents
• Private landowners
• Municipalities
• Academic community and consultants
• Agricultural community
• Future generations

How do you get started? 

• For more information on the Hamilton-Halton Watershed Stewardship Program and for a list of upcoming workshops, please visit the program's official website.
• You can also contact the Hamilton- Halton Watershed Stewardship Program office at 905.336.1158 Ext. 263