Ball's Falls Conservation Area
3292 Sixth Avenue L0R 1S0 Lincoln, ON, Canada

Special announcement regarding closures: Due to the current provincial regulations, the Ball's Falls Centre for Conservation will remain closed until further notice. Please visit npca.ca or call ext. 330 for updates. There are no washroom facilities available during this closure.... The Conservation Area and trails are open for passive recreation, such as hiking, dog walking, nature photography, and snowshoeing. The Conservation Area and trails are not winterized; visitors are advised to come prepared for winter weather and terrain conditions. Activities such as sledding and tobogganing are not permitted. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Have you ever wondered how trees survive the winter? In the winter months, trees enter a form of hibernation called dormancy. They must conserve their energy in winter because they cannot produce as much food from sunlight. Trees receive a signal to break dormancy when days become longer and temperatures rise. Visit your dormant friends at our conservation areas. A complete list of parks can be found at npca.ca/parks.... Photo Credit: James Lucas.

Congratulations to all of the recently engaged couples! This is an exciting step and we hope your future is a bright and happy one. Ball’s Falls Conservation Area offers unforgettable backdrops with two magnificent waterfalls, picturesque trails, and a historical village from the 1800s, nestled on the scenic Niagara Escarpment. If you seek natural wedded bliss, intimate vows, rustic elegance, or high-style and sophistication, our wedding venues are perfect for you. It would... be an honour to be part of your special day. Get in touch with us at [email protected] or 905-788-3135 x 321. Photo by Lisa Vigliotta Photography.

There are so many ways that individuals, groups and organizations can get involved with the NPCA to help conserve this watershed, improve wildlife habitat, and protect species. Tree planters, camp leaders, site caretakers, and trail ambassadors to name a few, are always welcome to join the volunteer team! Learn more at npca.ca/conservation/volunteer.

Do you recognize this sign? This means you're in an Intake Protection Zone, where significant drinking water threats may occur. Source Water Protection Policies apply within these zones to protect our drinking water. Head to https://buff.ly/37pQJeL for more details on how you can protect our drinking water!

We're excited to start our Spotlight Saturday, as we will be showcasing some brilliant photographs from dedicated conservation visitors! This week we're highlighting Amanda Mason, who took this shot at Woodend Conservation Area. Be sure to check out her profile on Instagram (@amandaamason), for lots of gorgeous content from around the watershed.

Pollinator gardens play an essential role in maintaining healthy ecosystems! Can you name this native wildflower planted at one of our pollinator gardens?

Provincial changes to the Conservation Authorities Act will impact the NPCA's watershed management approach and progress made on Auditor General recommendations. The NPCA remains hopeful that through a collaborative approach, conservation authorities will be able to work with the Ministry to address concerns regarding potential limitations in the protection, restoration, and enhancement of local watersheds. Read more on the proposed changes and the NPCA's recommendations to the Province below.

We are happy to see our communities' excitement and passion for nature and exploring our beautiful Conservation Areas. As we navigate this new normal, we continue to ask for your patience and collaboration. Before inquiring about our available/open amenities, services, and programs, we kindly ask that you refer to the resources available on our social media and websites first. Information on these can be found at https://getinvolved.npca.ca/npca-operations-covid19 & https://npca.ca/parks/balls-falls.

Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of the year in the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere (NEB): nature hikes and trees in warm hues that paint a majestic backdrop from Niagara to Tobermory. This year, this colourful season has looked and felt like none we’ve ever experienced. Visit https://buff.ly/3nqTSzO to download the Fall 2020 Newsletter, where you can learn more about NEB and what they've been up to the past several months!

Stay safe and gather virtually for Remembrance Day. On the eleventh day, of the eleventh month at the eleventh hour, millions of Canadians will be standing on their doorsteps for a moment of silence to honour the sacrifices of those who gave their lives for our freedom. Today, we give thanks to our Veterans and recognize the brave men and women who are currently serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. Lest We Forget.

The Niagara River Remedial Action Plan (RAP) is a community-based partnership involving various organizations and interested citizens (like you!) that work together to improve water quality and ecosystem health of the Niagara River. The NPCA has been the local host organization responsible for coordinating the Niagara River (Ontario) RAP since 1999. From making sure water is clean for swimming and fish are safe for eating, to restoring important habitat, the RAP aims to ensure the Niagara River is healthy for all of us to enjoy! Learn more at ourniagarariver.ca.

On October 24, Friends of One Mile Creek, NPCA, and two groups of 25 wonderful volunteers completed a planting of 450 native plants and shrubs in the park area at the corner of King and John St. in Niagara-on-the-Lake. This planting, which was supported through the NPCA's Restoration Grant Program, will help restore the tree canopy that has been devastated by Emerald Ash Borer. Trees intercept rainfall in their canopy, slowing down runoff and allowing water to infiltrate th...e root zone. This helps flood control as well as biodiversity. Whether it's a creek or a lake, the strip of trees and shrubs that grow along the shoreline play an important role in nature. This riparian zone acts as a buffer between land and water, improves water quality and contributes to wildlife habitat. Read more at https://friendsofonemilecreek.org/trees-4-notl.

Are you ready for WINTER? Yes, we said it! Follow our Winter Wednesday’s social media to learn tips and tricks to stay safe while also protecting our valuable drinking water sources. Learn more about our Niagara Source Protection Plan at www.sourceprotection-niagara.ca.

Ontario's Conservation Authorities are at risk. The provincial government recently tabled omnibus budget measures Bill 229, Schedule 6 which proposes fundamental changes to the Conservation Authorities Act. As currently proposed, the changes to the legislative framework will impede Ontario's crucially important goal of building climate resilience for our communities. Learn more about these changes and what they will mean for Conservation Authorities like the NPCA, by registering for the Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA)'s webinar tonight at 7 p.m.

Both in the workplace and in our day to day lives, stress seems to always be there. Whether you find yourself under pressure at work, or facing the struggles of everyday life, always remember to Step Into Nature! Today, on Stress Awareness Day, set some time aside to explore the outdoors. Did you know that even a 20 minute stroll in nature will significantly lower your stress? Find a conservation area near you at buff.ly/2ZwcCTg.

A big Tuesday shout out goes out to volunteers from Aviva Life Insurance who worked very hard to weed our pollinator garden at Virgil Conservation Area in September. We are very grateful that you chose to support the NPCA with your staff volunteering program this fall.

Please be advised that current forecasts for the Lake Erie shoreline are calling for strong southwesterly winds gusting to 80km/hr. with sustained winds of 50km/hr. These will increase water levels and waves along the Lake Erie Shoreline. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is currently forecasting water levels to increase by 70cm (2.3 feet) above current levels. Residents living along Lake Erie should pay close attention to water levels and waves in their area an...d are urged stay away from the shoreline of Lake Erie during this event. More info at buff.ly/2Gw3SCX

What a great shot! Thank you for sharing! :)

It is during times like these that we must all remember to cherish the day, whether there's sun or even rain! Thank you Lenny Everson, for sharing this beautiful poem with us. Mr. Everson is a Canadian poet from Kitchener, who has spent most of his life producing poems. We hope you will enjoy this one as much as we did.

Niagara is under a Wind Warning as issued by Environment Canada, calling for very strong southwesterly winds gusting to 100+km/hr. These winds will significantly increase water levels and waves along the Lake Erie Shoreline. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is currently predicting water levels to increase by 1.98m (6.5 feet). Residents living along Lake Erie should pay very close attention to water levels and waves in their area and are urged stay away from the shoreline during this event. They are also advised to close storm shutters and take other flood proofing precautions as necessary. For more information on the flood status, visit npca.ca/flood-status.

Save the date and join the Ontario Envirothon for the Balancing Natural Resources and Conservation Work webinar! On November 3 at 11 a.m., Ian Fife will provide a point of view from the forestry sector, to identify common grounds to protect and conserve forest birds and their habitat while maintaining one of Ontario’s leading economic export. Among the many topics Ian will discuss are the importance of protecting nest sites and species at risk during the breeding season, protecting jobs that forests provide to many Ontarians, and how we can maintain a sustainable forest industry that is suitable for forest birds. Register at .

Gardening season is not over! There is much to love about the autumn: many native plants are still blooming, such as heart-leaved aster, brown-eyed Susan, and goldenrods. And until the ground starts to freeze, it’s still a good time to plant plentiful rain and moderate temperatures help plants establish their root systems for overwintering and allow them to start healthy growth in the spring. Subscribe to the In the Zone newsletter for the latest Garden Tracker updates, stories of your gardens, native plant profiles and events where you can connect with In the Zone and others working to create gardens that help native species thrive! Learn more about gardening in fall at https://buff.ly/2HrwJOH.

It's BAT WEEK! Did you know bats are essential species to us? They support our food supply, eat insects, pollinate plants and disperse seeds, and provide natural fertilizer. Join us in celebrating these amazing creatures and take action to help them out! Build and monitor bat houses Buy bat friendly products... Don’t enter their caves to prevent the spread of disease or wake them from hibernation See more

Thanks for joining us!

The application period to the 2021 Restoration Grant Program is now open and seeking projects for consideration! Selected projects will help improve habitat, water quality, and agricultural practices, as part of ongoing efforts to restore the Niagara Peninsula watershed’s natural heritage and water resources. Eligible projects include wetland habitat creation, tree plantings, establishment of stream buffers and fencing, water conservation practices, and more. Deadline November 1. Apply now for grants of up to $15,000 at https://npca.ca/restoration. Learn more about the program at https://buff.ly/35ar47u.

Yes! Wainfleet Bog Conservation Area... the largest remaining bog within southern Ontario. Its existing peat layer and past site uses contribute to the area's local historical record. These environmental, social and economical aspects attest to the value of the site. As a result of expanding agricultural, peat extraction and transportation activities in and around the bog, it has decreased in size and function. From over 200 years of such activity, the remnant bog is presently 1,460 hectares. Measures to remediate and slow the factors degrading this ecosystem are imperative to the local, national and international environmental and scientific realm. Learn more about what's impacting the bog and our work to restore it to a healthier state at https://npca.ca/parks/wainfleet-bog.

Happy Monday! Today we're shining the spotlight on a conservation area that is provincially, regionally, and locally significant and provides habitat to a variety of unique plants and animals... can you guess which CA we're talking about? Perhaps this photo might help!

It's Fun Fact Friday! Can you guess this prickly little caterpillar feasting on dill? If you grew parsley, dill or carrots in your garden this year, you may have come across one of these. Hint: when they get a little bigger, they change colour completely!