By: Matt Weingarden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter
The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) offers grants covering 75 to 100 percent of costs for projects to protect the environment. Interested landowners are encouraged to contact ERCA soon to learn more about the programs and plan for spring initiatives.
Landowners looking to plant trees or create prairie habitat this spring are urged to act quickly.
“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.”
The ERCA offers an online catalogue of tree and shrub species, ranging from $1.35 for seedlings to $56 for large stock trees. For the first time, the authority has introduced online ordering to streamline the process.
“We want to make it as convenient as possible for individuals to restore natural coverage,” Giroux said.
Property owners must have at least one acre of land and purchase a minimum of 100 seedlings or 15 large stock trees to participate. The deadline for ordering seedlings is Jan. 31, 2025, while the deadline for large stock trees is March 7.
“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.
Established in 1973 and governed by local municipalities, the ERCA has spent 50 years delivering programs and services to conserve, restore and manage natural resources in Essex Region watersheds.
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