From Funding to Forests: Growing Niagara’s Tree Canopy Through Trees for All

This Earth Day, we’re proud to share an important step forward for tree planting across the Niagara Peninsula watershed. 

The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) has received a $65,000 grant from the Niagara Community Foundation in support of the Trees for All program, helping expand restoration efforts in communities across the region. 

Turning support into impact 

This funding will support tree planting across approximately two hectares at five sites within the Niagara Peninsula watershed, contributing to healthier forests, improved biodiversity, and stronger climate resilience. 

Delivered in partnership with the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, Trees for All connects community investment directly to on-the-ground environmental action, ensuring that every dollar raised translates into measurable impact. 

A growing effort across Niagara 

While this announcement coincides with Earth Day, the work extends well beyond a single event. 

Tree planting efforts are taking place across Niagara this spring through a broader program of community, staff, and partner-led initiatives. Together, these projects will result in thousands of native trees being planted across the watershed. 

From municipal partnerships to corporate volunteers and local stewardship groups, this work continues to grow through collaboration - and through the support of donors and partners who make it possible. 

Why it matters 

Tree planting is one of the most effective ways to support environmental health at a local level. Native trees help: 

• Improve air and water quality  

• Provide habitat for wildlife  

• Stabilize soil and reduce erosion  

• Manage stormwater and reduce flood risk  

• Build resilience to a changing climate  

Through Trees for All, these benefits are delivered not just through planting, but through community participation - bringing people together to restore and care for the natural environment. 

Thank you to our partners 

We are grateful to the Niagara Community Foundation for their investment in this work. Their support is helping expand restoration efforts across the watershed and engage more communities in building a healthier Niagara. 

The Trees for All program is also supported through a combination of community investment and government funding, including support from the Government of Canada through the 2 Billion Trees Program. 

Be part of what’s growing 

There are many ways to support tree planting across Niagara. 

Be part of Niagara’s growing restoration story by donating to support a future tree planting at https://earth-day-fundraiser.raiselysite.com/.  

Every contribution, whether time or funding, helps expand this work and bring more trees to communities across the Niagara Peninsula watershed. 

Understanding Proposed Provincial Changes to Conservation

Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) is closely following the Province of Ontario’s proposed legislative changes that could significantly affect watershed planning, environmental protections, and the long-standing structure of conservation authorities across Ontario.

As the charitable partner that raises funds to support Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA), NPCF is directly connected to the conservation, education, and stewardship work delivered across Niagara, Hamilton, and Haldimand. As such, we are closely following these developments and working to keep our donors and community informed.

On December 5, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) held a special meeting of its Board of Directors to review the Province’s Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) posting related to the creation of new Regional Conservation Authorities (RCAs). During this meeting, the Board examined NPCA’s draft comment submission, discussed potential implications for local communities, and finalized its formal response to the province.

NPCA has shared detailed information about its review, including key considerations related to local representation, watershed-based service delivery, proposed restructuring, and the importance of science-based natural resource management. The Board’s formal resolution and all supporting materials are available through NPCA’s public channels.

NPCF also recognizes that these proposed changes have the potential to influence how conservation is delivered.  While NPCF does not participate in policy review or advocacy, we continue to actively track these developments, engaging with NPCA leadership, and ensuring our donors, partners, and community understand what is at stake for local conservation efforts.

We encourage community members, donors, and partners to review NPCA’s full update, including the ERO submission and meeting materials, to better understand the proposed changes and their potential implications.

Please visit the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s newsroom and access the full meeting agenda package and ERO submission.

NPCF will continue to stay engaged as the provincial review process moves forward.

Follow NPCF on Instagram, Facebook,  and LinkedIn for more updates.       

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About NPCF       

Founded in 1969, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) is a registered charity governed by a volunteer Board of Directors dedicated to raising funds that support the conservation of our natural environment for present and future generations. When you donate to  NPCF, you help fund conservation projects and programs that contribute to improve water quality, increase green spaces, and environmental research and education.       

Media inquiries to be directed to:       
Jennifer McQuillan, Communications and Marketing Specialist      
Mobile: 905-933-0532       
jmcquillan@npca.ca