Hamilton Conservation Authority
838 Mineral Springs Road L9G 4X1 Hamilton, ON, Canada

Do you have a sweet tooth? Shop like an Edwardian! The General Store will be open for two days only - December 13 and 20 - and you'll find a great selection of old fashioned candy and cookies. The building will be open to one social bubble at a time.

The Province just missed a chance to show they are listening to Ontarians who care about their environment

Hamilton Conservation Authority currently has a full-time opening for a Forest Technician/Hazard Tree Specialist. https://conservationhamilton.ca/job-opening-forest-technic/

Get helpful information from Conservation Officers who spend many hours patrolling rivers and tributaries throughout the Great Lakes region of Ontario monitoring fall fish migration angling activities. To learn more visit: www.ontario.ca/document/ontario-fishing-regulations-summary

Attention all art lovers! We have partnered with local artist Barb Galway to offer this one of a kind painting of Mountsberg Church. The painting will be onlin...e for auction until December 14th. the auction along with all of the details can be found here: https://www.32auctions.com/FriendsofWestfield Check it out!

Staff are busy inspecting our conservation areas and trails following yesterday's wind storm. Please be aware of potential downed trees and branches. Hamilton Conservation Areas remain open with caution to all visitors, please avoid areas where staff are working to clean up.

Read the shortened version of the letter HCA Chair Lloyd Ferguson sent to the Province on Nov. 23. https://www.thespec.com//province-should-back-away-from-co

Thank you to all donors who make conservation possible! #YourNatureYourLegacy

Watershed Stewards: we’re still thinking of you! It was just over a year ago that many of us met at Christie Lake Conservation Area, to recognize the amazing work of Watershed Stewards throughout the Halton and Hamilton watersheds. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Conservation Halton and Hamilton Conservation Authority had to cancel our 2020 Watershed Stewards Appreciation Day. This shared event celebrates landowners from both watersheds for their commitment to the vitality, re...siliency and rejuvenation of privately owned landscapes, and also welcomes new watershed stewards, recognized for their commitment to caring for the natural features of their property and their community. While we can’t celebrate in-person this year, we wanted to thank all Watershed Stewards and landowners that are working hard to improve the health of our watersheds. We look forward to seeing you again in 2021, and please don’t hesitate to reach out to stewardship staff if you wish to discuss stewardship initiatives or project ideas! **Photos taken from the 2019 Watershed Stewards Appreciation Day

What did the mushroom say to the other mushroom? There's not that mush room in here! Meet the Jelly drops of mushrooms! Also known as Ascocoryne sarcoides. This fungus lives in forested areas, and derives its nutrients from decaying organic matter, such as old stumps and logs of deciduous trees!

Calling Your MPP Made Easy When you click the MAKE THE CALL button, the system will call your phone and patch you through. Please have your phone ready. https://environmentaldefence.ca//conservation-authorities/... TIPS FOR YOUR CALL -Be polite and direct. -Make sure to ask for a response and to provide return contact information. -Thank them for their time and attention. -In some cases, the inbox will be full. Please be patient and call back at a later date/time. #ConservationMatters #RemoveSchedule6

Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) staff have reviewed the proposed changes and support enhanced conservation transparency and accountability which is already undertaken by making key documents publicly available; including meeting agendas, meeting minutes, and annual audits. We are encouraged that the Province has reconfirmed our purpose to provide for conservation, restoration source water protection and natural resources management. However, while we wait for updated regulations to better understand how the changes are to be implemented, we are concerned that proposed changes to the Conservation Authorities Act and the Planning Act if passed, would reduce our ability to protect the natural environment and our watershed, and remove citizen representation on our Board. https://conservationhamilton.ca/hcas-preliminary-response-/

Our first of several Ecocise events happened this past weekend! Volunteers were out helping landowners in the Dundas Valley remove invasive species from their property. During this Ecocise event the plants being targeted were Multiflora rose and Common buckthorn. Using shovels, pruners and extractigators, native plants now have a chance to compete with the established invaders and provide room for Elderberry, dogwoods, oak trees and Sassafras to grow. We are always looking opportunities to help the community to ensure a healthy and thriving watershed! Think you have a piece of property that can use some help? Contact us to learn about opportunities you may qualify for. Want to volunteer for other Ecocise events check out our upcoming events https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/hamilton-conservation-authority

The results are in, and Hamilton is beautiful! The Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA), is pleased to announce the winners of the 2019 Hamilton Conservation Areas Photo Contest. Names and photo credits are on the news article, for those asking. https://conservationhamilton.ca/picture-perfect-hca-2019-p/

Last day to summit comments on revised beach closing criteria is today!

We are adding trees to the Fifty Point Conservation Area shoreline, and are looking for volunteers to help with the planting! This tree planting event is happening this Friday! Registration is limited, so sign up now!

Reminder to have your say! The Hamilton Harbour Remedial Action Plan is proposing revised beach closings criteria following its Public Forum and wants to know what you think. Last day to comment is November 30. hamiltonharbour.ca/forum

Winter walk at Westfield Heritage Village

This is the last weekend reservations will be required to visit the Dundas Peak or Webster Falls in 2020. There are still a few remaining spots available for this weekend. If you plan to visit this weekend, make your reservation now. https://conservationhamilton.ca/Spencer-reservations/ Following this weekend, operations will continue on a first come first serve basis. Parking fees will be in affect. Parking outside of the designated parking lots or in the community could result in fines of up to $250 and your vehicle could be towed.

Our ecology team has been busy removing invasive species from the watershed. Here you can see staff removing phragmites. Phragmites is a non native invasive species that causes a reduction in biodiversity due to thier dominance in some wetland communities. Great work team!

Attention parents! Looking for flat trails for your strollers and safe spaces for your kids to run around? Westfield is the place for you! Come visit us this weekend for an easy hike or picnic. Open from sunrise to sunset.

After flooding from Hurricane Hazel took 81 lives, the Province entrusted conservation authorities as a check against unsafe development in flood-prone areas. N...ow the Province wants to limit our ability to keep people and property safe. Tell your MPP that #ConservationMatters using this form: https://ontarionature.good.do/conservationauthorities/send/ See more

Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) is deeply concerned that the proposed changes to the Conservation Authorities Act and the Planning Act if passed, would reduce our ability to protect the natural environment and our watershed. It would also remove citizen representation on our Board, which would be contrary to proper board governance. Councillor Lloyd Ferguson, HCA Chair, has sent a letter to the Province asking that Bill 229 be withdrawn, due to the many concerns HCA has with the proposed changes. https://conservationhamilton.ca//HCA-Letter-to-Province-Re

Dundas Valley Conservation Area is temporarily closed as it has reached capacity in all parking lots. Artaban, Merrick, Hermitage, and Governers lots are full. Consider visiting one of our many other Conservation Areas like Westfield Heritage Village, Christie Lake or Valens Lake.