Hamilton Conservation Authority and Conservation Halton (CH) are incredibly thankful to the landowners who commit to protecting their property’s natural features. This tour showcases some of the amazing projects residents have completed. Participants can hear about their experiences and be inspired to do one too!
Date
Saturday, July 27, 2024
Time
Various timeslots available for each location.
Where
There are five properties to tour, with two located within the HCA watershed, and three located in the CH watershed. Exact address will be sent to registrants on July 24.
Cost
Free! Attendees must register online here. Registration closes Tuesday, July 23.
HCA Watershed Tour Locations and Property Information
Tour Times
10 AM, 11 AM, 12:45 PM, 1:45 PM
A couple recently took on the responsibility of land stewardship when they acquired a 15-hectare farm. They have implemented high standards for best management practices in agriculture. Since moving to their farm, they have planted thousands of trees and shrubs along the creek corridor and around the property’s perimeter, protected the creek with over 300 meters of livestock exclusion fencing, restored wetland features, and improved habitat for at-risk species that nest on their property annually. Adjacent to a major conservation area, they have proven excellent neighbours. They have taken extraordinary actions to restore their property’s creek and critical habitats.
- Watercourse access restriction
- Riparian plantings
- Invasive species removal
- Grassland enhancement for species at risk
- Wetland restoration
- Hedgerow perimeter planting
Register now!
Tour Times
10 AM, 10:30 AM, 11 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1 PM, 1:30 PM, 2 PM
A diligent individual has worked tirelessly to create a rain garden designed to prevent rainwater runoff from entering city sewers. This stormwater is redirected back into the ground, reducing the need for processing by a wastewater treatment plant. Built from scratch, a significant amount of personal time and resources were invested into creating a fully functional rain garden. It not only mitigates stormwater runoff but is also home to a variety of native and horticultural plants, adding visual appeal. This project showcases the incredible accomplishments of a self-taught, committed, and caring landowner.
Accomplishments:
- Rain garden creation
- Downspout disconnection
Register now!
CH Watershed Tour Locations and Property Information
Tour Times
10 AM, 10:30 AM, 11 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1 PM, 1:30 PM, 2 PM
A couple, surrounded by nature within an urban environment, felt a responsibility to contribute to the natural well-being of their community. They installed a rain garden in 2021, replaced their asphalt driveway with a new permeable EcoRaster system in 2022, and another rain garden this summer. This is a great opportunity to see how a rain garden looks when installed and a few years later. In their walkable neighbourhood, their yard has become a beloved feature and point of interest.
Register now!
Tour Times
10 AM, 10:30 AM, 11 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1 PM, 1:30 PM, 2 PM
This community does not have municipal stormwater infrastructure and thus experienced frequent flooding of roadways and saw polluted water running into Hamilton Harbour. The residents collaborated with Conservation Halton and the city to create two bioswales to capture, clean, and reduce runoff. One community resident also stepped up to manage the excess runoff by making part of his driveway permeable in 2018. Since then, he has continued to work on his property, planting native species. He is currently working on a double rain barrel collection system to water his vegetable gardens.
Register now!
Tour Times
10 AM, 10:30 AM, 11 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1 PM, 1:30 PM, 2 PM
When a family moved to their property in Rockwood, the creek was in rough shape. It was once the site of a lumber mill and had since been treated as a dumping ground by previous tenants. After working independently, they connected with Conservation Halton in 2012 and have been working on various projects since then. They have worked diligently to restrict livestock creek access, improve creek crossings, narrow the creek, remove blockages, and plant thousands of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. The family has been working for decades on restoring their agricultural property from the remnants of an old mill and working towards having nature and their horses in balance.
