Bring re-useable bags to the grocery and departments stores, and on other errands.

Restoration Grants Available!

Now is the time to start thinking about restoration opportunities for Fall 2005 and Spring 2006! As the Essex Region Conservation Authority continues to strive to reach a state of sustainability for the community, there are a number of grant programs available as financial incentives to landowners who wish to contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.

EAB Response - Natural Areas Restoration Grants are now available to landowners whose projects:

Achieve a net increase in forest cover, and/or
Enhance the ecological value of existing forest areas, and/or
Increase and improve linkages between existing natural areas, and/or
Result in the establishment or expansion of larger neighbouring forests

Natural Areas Restoration Grants are available for native seedlings grown from locally collected seeds, and stewardship agreements will apply. Landowners will agree to contribute at least 25% of the project costs. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first serve basis, and are being implemented by ERCA, the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority, the Essex County Stewardship Network and Stewardship Kent, with funding from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Contact: Mark Thibeault, Technician, 776-5209 ext. 305 or mthibeault@erca.org

Clean Water ~ Green Spaces Grants are region wide incentive grants to implement water quality improvement projects. Financial incentives of up to $1500 are available to landowners with at least one acre of property who wish to construct rock chutes and plant buffer strips and windbreaks to reduce soil erosion and improve water quality. As well, tree planting for habitat restoration also may qualify for a grant. Well capping projects also fall within the range of eligible initiatives, and capping an unused well can help to protect the local groundwater supply. In the Detroit River and Wheatley Harbour Watersheds, grants for septic system upgrades are also available. Contact: Tim Impens, Agricultural Technician 776- 5209 ext. 369 or timpens@erca.org

Large Scale Naturalization Projects may also be eligible for funding for landowners that wish to restore large parcels of properties to natural area. Over the past few years, ERCA has partnered with dozens of landowners to conduct 25 acre, 65 acre and even 100 acre restoration projects. Contact: Kate Arthur, Restoration Biologist 776- 5209 ext. 303 or karthur@erca.org

See ERCA website for further details and application forms