South Nation Conservation (SNC) is delivering a new program on behalf of Grasslands Ontario, in partnership with ALUS Ontario East; an innovative community-developed and farmer-delivered program that produces, enhances and maintains ecosystem services on agricultural lands operating within the Raisin Region and South Nation Conservation Authorities’ watersheds.
The Grassland Stewardship Initiative (GSI) is a habitat restoration initiative implemented by Grasslands Ontario, a division of Forests Ontario, aimed at supporting the conservation and recovery of Bobolink and Eastern Meadowlark populations through the management and protection of high-quality grassland habitat in the Province.
Grasslands provide critical habitat for species at risk birds such as Upland Sandpipers, Short-Eared Owls, and Kingbirds. They also foster pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control.
Applications are being accepted until January 18, 2023. Grasslands Ontario will provide between 35-100 percent of eligible project costs to create, enhance, or maintain grasslands on your property. Eligibility is based on proximity to core breeding ranges for Bobolink and/or Eastern Meadowlark, recent sightings, and the ability to dedicate 4ha or more of land that is not owned by Provincial or Federal government agencies to grasslands and/or bird friendly hay cropping. Private and public land including Conservation Authority lands will be considered.
Landowners who don't meet eligibility requirements for the GSI should reach out to ALUS Ontario East, which helps farmers with projects such as wetland restoration and enhancement, riparian buffers, shelterbelts, afforestation and native prairie grass restoration provide cleaner water and air, habitat, carbon sequestration and climate resiliency.
For more information, call SNC: 613-984-2948 or toll free: 1-877-984-2948. Email: info@nation.on.ca.