Conservation groups unite to address PC funding gaps and engage youth in environmental initiatives 

“He who knows what sweets and virtues are in the ground, the waters, the plants, the heavens, and how to come at these enchantments, is the rich and royal man.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson invited us into a world whose value is immeasurable... but at times elusive. For those who catch onto the rewards of nature a two-way relationship evolves, enriching the earth and the people who depend on it.   

Today, human-induced climate change is the greatest threat to life on the planet, and Earth itself—younger generations and those yet to come will endure the worst impacts as they work to restore the stewardship lost on their parents.

Efforts to recentre people as a critical part of the natural world aim to build back the symbiotic relationship humans and our planet need for both to thrive. 

When the aquatic wetland restoration management team at Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) set out to survey Silver Creek in Cedarvale Park in Georgetown, they discovered numerous opportunities for enhancement. Their goals included increasing biodiversity and expanding the tree canopy to improve freshwater habitats for the redside dace, a fish species that is both provincially and nationally endangered.

Young people in the CVC’s Conservation Youth Corps help protect watersheds and other natural spaces in the region.

(Credit Valley Conservation)

In an interview with The Pointer, Keren Bromberg, CVC’s Senior Coordinator, Community Outreach, explained that the tiny, delicate fish requires “really cold water and shade” to survive. The redside dace, being visual feeders, require clean, clear water free from debris or obstacles, allowing them to “jump out of the water to catch insects.”

“When we plant trees and increase biodiversity to hold the sediment in along the riparian area of the stream and the creek, it's increasing the habitat for these types of populations” while helping keep the water cool, Bromberg added.

Once the areas in need of improvement were identified, CVC aimed to involve young people in these restoration efforts, and that’s where the Community Outreach Youth Stewardship Programs came in.

However, a gigantic hurdle was in the way: a $21 million funding shortfall for outdoor education, a consequence of decisions made by Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s PC government.

A recent report by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority reveals that Ontario's largest school boards are grappling with this deficit, hindering their ability to offer essential outdoor education for young learners. This shortfall represents less than a tenth of a percent of the PC government’s education budget, yet officials have remained silent about their commitment to funding that nurtures a connection between youth and their environment.

To address this funding gap effectively, the Greenbelt Foundation partnered with the Credit Valley Conservation Foundation (CVCF) to support CVC’s Community Outreach Youth Stewardship Programs.

As part of this collaboration, the Greenbelt Foundation will invest $19,695 over the next 18 months to support stewardship and educational initiatives aimed at restoring and safeguarding habitats near urban areas for freshwater species at risk within 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,” Edward McDonnell, CEO of the Greenbelt Foundation said. 

Not only for the redside dace but also for residents of Halton and Peel regions, the degrading Credit River watershed quality poses a significant risk.

In 2023, CVC released a Watershed Report Card where the Credit River watershed received poor ratings for surface water quality in Brampton and very poor ratings in the Halton region. 

Surface water quality in the Credit River watershed.

(Credit Valley Conservation)

Forest conditions in the Credit Valley watershed.

(Credit Valley Conservation)

Similarly, most subwatersheds and forest conditions in the urbanized lower watershed received grades ranging from fair to very poor. The availability of interior habitat—areas located away from forest edges—and overall forest cover levels were found to be insufficient. The report highlighted that this interior habitat is essential for protecting species sensitive to edge effects by reducing the negative impacts of adjacent land uses, such as noise and light pollution, encroachment, and road mortality.

Groundwater quality between Mississauga and Brampton was also rated very poor.

(Credit Valley Conservation)

The youth programs, therefore, are aiming to improve the biodiversity and protection of over 10 hectares of critical habitat in Silver Creek, Halton Hills, which falls under the Greenbelt and provides essential climate resilience for local communities in the Greater Golden Horseshoe—Canada’s most rapidly urbanizing region. 

“We’re excited to partner with the Greenbelt Foundation to educate and inspire youth to take action in the Credit River watershed,” Holly Nadalin, Manager of CVC’s Community Outreach, Education and CVCF, said. “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.”

Following the actions outlined in CVC’s Hungry Hollow Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plan (SNAP), CVC will engage and train 200 youth participants aged 14 to 29 through 20 events. These activities will educate them about local environmental issues within the Greenbelt and empower them to protect nature by planting 100 native trees and shrubs along Silver Creek. 

Three youth volunteers took part in the Youth in Silver Creek Stewardship and Education project this summer during CVC's Conservation Youth Corps program.

(Credit Valley Conservation)

Participants will also care for 125 newly planted species and remove invasive plants and debris jams to enhance the health of the stream. Meanwhile, CVC staff will conduct on-site monitoring and protection of the riparian habitat.

The first event is scheduled for October 11 at Cedarvale Park, and CVC is encouraging young residents to get involved, and make a meaningful impact on their local environment.

“The Greenbelt Foundation is excited to support the Credit Valley Conservation’s Community Outreach Youth Stewardship Program in leading these planting events to increase native plants and natural tree cover in the Greenbelt,” McDonnell concluded with immense hope for the program’s potential impact.

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