New partnership will engage youth in protecting Greenbelt

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Local youth will contribute to the health of the Greenbelt thanks to a new partnership. 

On October 7, the 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. 

Over the next year-and-a-half, the Greenbelt Foundation has committed nearly $20,000 to support stewardship and educational activities that will help restore and protect habitat near urban areas for freshwater species at risk within the Greenbelt. 

Holly Nadalin, Manager of Community Outreach and Education for the CVC, said she's excited for the partnership and that it will inspire youth to take action in the Credit River Watershed.

“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,” said Nadalin. 

The stewardship work for this project will take place at Silver Creek in Halton Hills, a conservation area that's just outside Caledon's western boundary. 

A CVC news release notes the project will “improve the biodiversity and protection of over 10 hectares of critical habitat… as youth volunteers engage in actions outlined in CVC's Hungry Hollow Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plan. 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.”

Financial support from the Greenbelt Foundation will allow youth to plant 100 native trees and shrubs along Silver Creek, take care of 125 newly-planted plants, and remove invasive species and debris jams to improve stream health. 

CVC staff will be on hand to monitor and protect the riparian habitat the work is taking place in.

The project is a great match for the Greenbelt Foundation, as it supports the planting of native plants to increase natural cover in the Greenbelt. The foundation notes this contributes to biodiversity and creates greater climate resilience for Ontario residents.

According to the CVC, the Greenbelt's natural areas provide essential climate resilience for Ontario residents 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,” they said.

Edward McDonnell, CEO of the Greenbelt Foundation, said the foundation is very excited to be partnering with the CVC to enable the upcoming planting events to increase native plants and natural tree cover in the Greenbelt. 

“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 McDonnell.