Conservation Halton and the Hamilton Conservation Authority have recognized five local landowners for their efforts to protect and enhance the natural environment across the Hamilton-Halton region.
The recipients were honoured Saturday, September 26th, during the annual Watershed Stewards Appreciation Day at the Hamilton Conservation Authority’s administrative office. The event brought together local watershed stewards and conservation staff to celebrate work that improves water quality, enhances habitat, supports biodiversity and contributes to healthier watersheds.
This year’s Conservation Halton recipients include Brian Bates, who received the Agricultural Stewardship Award for his family’s long-term stewardship of a farm within the Bronte Creek watershed. Through Conservation Halton’s landowner grant programs, Bates is removing invasive species and restoring an underperforming wet field through native tree planting.
Monica and Ian Parson received the Countryside Property Award for their seven-year partnership with Conservation Halton to improve the creek running through their rural Halton Hills property. Their projects include riparian tree planting and in-stream restoration aimed at creating a wildlife haven and supporting healthier habitat.
Harbir Hundal received the Urban Stewardship Award for transforming her Waterdown property within the Grindstone Creek watershed. Her work includes removing invasive species, installing rain gardens and introducing native plants that support pollinators and wildlife. Through Conservation Halton’s Rainwater Conservation Fund, she has also redirected runoff and addressed persistent flooding challenges.
Hundal also shares her stewardship work through her involvement with the Halton Master Gardeners and by opening her garden to the public.
“This year’s recipients demonstrate that while stewardship is site-specific, it always starts with a choice to care for the land,” says Chandra Sharma, President and CEO, Conservation Halton. “Their dedication, curiosity, and willingness to invest time and effort into projects are helping create healthier, more resilient landscapes for all of us!”
Guests at the appreciation event also had the opportunity to connect with other stewards, learn about local restoration initiatives and take part in a guided tour of the G. Donald Trail and an on-site meadow restoration project.
Since 1994, Conservation Halton and the Hamilton Conservation Authority have recognized more than 300 local landowners and their families for exceptional stewardship of wildlife, meadows, streams, woodlands, wetlands, valley lands and the escarpment. Collectively, those landowners protect more than 13,400 acres of land.
Conservation Halton also offers financial support programs for landowners interested in leading stewardship projects on their properties. For more information, click here.
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