Community Action

Objective

To assist community groups and schools implementing environmental initiatives and projects that provide educational opportunities and help improve one or more of the following Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority restoration program goals: soil or water conservation, water quality, and /or natural heritage.

Eligible Projects

• Community tree planting events

• Environmentally-focused community events (invasive species removal, citizen science, enhancing​ wildlife habitat, etc.)
• Educational materials that promote a current, approved, Conservation Authority-supported restoration project
• Priority may be given to projects that are adjacent to identified natural heritage areas (please consult with a Restoration Project Specialist)
• The Conservation Authority will consider innovative projects if the objective of the category
• Priority will be given to school projects that are being developed and delivered in partnership with the Conservation Authority’s Education Department

Project Details

This grant is for community and school groups. Private Individuals are not eligible to apply to this category.All educational materials must include the Conservation Authority logo and be approved by staff prior to publishing.For work proposed on public or private land, landowner permission must be documented and must promote/support the approved Conservation Authority restoration project.Landowner authorization must be submitted with the funding application.Applicants are responsible for securing all applicable permits prior to commencing the project.Each community action project will be reviewed by Conservation Authority staff to ensure that it fits the mandate and vision of the Authority. Depending on timing and the nature of your event, Restoration staff may be available to assist. If this is of interest, please discuss with your Restoration Project Specialist when you submit your application.Data collection methods used in citizen science events must be provided to Conservation Authority for review and consideration prior to project approval. In addition, data collected must be submitted to Conservation Authority staff following the event, before a grant will be issued. Data will be received as confirmation that the community event occurred as proposed. All of the associated rights for the intellectual property supplied, generated or derived under this project remains with the owner of the intellectual property who collected it. Research and data may be requested for use by Conservation Authority staff.Funding Guide​lines​​​​Projects must be a minimum cost of $500.00 before tax.

• Planting Events (native trees and shrubs; bare root and/or maximum 2 gallon pots) – 100% up to $2,500
• Wildlife Habitat Enhancement (construction material for: snake hibernacula, bird/bat/butterfly/insect boxes, nesting platform, seed costs etc.) – 50% up to $2,500
• Invasive Species Management Events (materials needed for removals; gloves, bags, herbicide application (if applied by licensed applicator) – 50% up to $2,500
• Education and Citizen Science Events (materials needed for citizen science research, costs associated with lab results, guide materials that are needed during a community event, venue rental, etc.) – 50% up to $2,500
• Site Preparation and Planting Materials (including but not limited to: rototilling, mowing, competition control including herbicide application by licensed applicator, soil amendments, rodent guards, brush mats, mulch, etc.) – 50% up to $2,500
• Educational Materials (interpretative signs, plaques and flyers associated with an approved Conservation Authority restoration project) – 50% up to $2,500
• Miscellaneous Items (gloves, shovels, volunteer refreshments, transportation, other innovative projects if they meet the objective of the category) – reviewed on a case by case basis

What costs are covered?

• Permits
• Engineering or consulting fees
• Materials and labour associated with an approved project;
• Transportation associated with a school approved project