ERIN – Credit Valley Conservation Foundation (CVCF) announced a new partnership with the Greenbelt Foundation on Oct. 7 to support Credit Valley Conservation’s (CVC) Community Outreach Youth Stewardship Programs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
Since 2007, CVC’s Conservation Youth Corps (CYC) and Frontline 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.
