Grants available for tree planting and BMPs

Essex– The Essex Region Conservation Authority is offering grants ranging from 75% to 100% for projects that help protect our environment. Interested landowners should contact ERCA soon to learn about these grant programs and plan for spring projects.

As well, landowners interested in planting trees or creating prairie habitat on their property this spring should also be in touch.  “Planting trees on your property not only helps the environment, but can improve property value, reduce heating and cooling costs and improve the aesthetics of your land,” said Paul Giroux, ERCA’s Forester.  “Some species are only available in limited quantities, so we recommend that if you are interested, to place your orders as soon as possible.”

ERCA acts as a one-stop shop for property owners, providing an online catalogue of tree and shrub species. Prices range from $1.35 for seedlings to $56 for large stock trees. New this year is online ordering, which makes ordering and paying for trees a one-stop process.

“We want to make it as convenient as possible for individuals to restore natural coverage,” Giroux said.  To participate in the program, individuals must own at least one acre of land and purchase a minimum of 100 seedlings or 15 large stock trees. The deadline for ordering trees is January 31, 2025 for seedlings, and March 7 for large stock trees.

“We also have programs available to landowners wishing to undertake more significant restoration projects such as reforestation, buffer strips, windbreaks or prairie planting, in addition to a variety of agricultural grants.  We encourage qualified landowners to get in touch with us as soon as possible,” Giroux added.

For more information about ERCA’s farm stewardship, tree planting and restoration programs, please visit essexregionconservation.ca/trees or contact Paul Giroux at 519-776-5209 ext. 310 for restoration projects.  You can also attend our free tree planting and care workshop being held at John R. Park Homestead on January 14, 2025. For more information, please visit https://essexregionconservation.ca/treeworkshop to register.

The Essex Region Conservation Authority is a public sector organization established by the Province in 1973, and governed by local municipalities. For 50 years, it has delivered programs and services that further the conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources in watersheds in the Essex Region.