Restoration work is in progress today at Merrick Orchard in Dundas Valley Conservation Area as HCA Ecology staff continue efforts to improve habitat and support native plants and wildlife.
A portion of the orchard is being mowed to help control invasive species such as multiflora rose and keep the area open for birds and other wildlife. This restoration work helps improve habitat and support a healthy natural environment across the watershed.
Before mowing began, Ecology staff completed a wildlife sweep of the area, including identifying and marking active nesting sites for operators to avoid.
Visitors may notice restoration equipment and “Restoration in Progress” signage in the area while work is taking place.
Thank you for your patience as we continue restoration efforts within Dundas Valley Conservation Area.
A big thank you to the Trans Canada Trail for supporting our annual litter cleanup projects through the Trail Care Fund Grant for the past 7 years! 💚
This year, we collected 250+ pounds of garbage, including three shopping carts and a broken bike. Our community volunteers went the extra mile at this cleanup event, hauling out garbage from under footbridges and clearing the way for natural ecosystems to thrive this spring.
Want to become an HCA volunteer? Join our database: https://conservationhamilton.ca/volunteer-form/
Eastern Hemlocks help make places like Dundas Valley feel cool, quiet, and wild. But a tiny invasive insect called the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) is putting these important trees at risk.
Recently detected in Hamilton, HWA can weaken and kill hemlock trees over time, impacting wildlife habitat, stream health, and forest stability along steep slopes.
To help protect these forests, HCA has begun treating priority hemlock areas in Dundas Valley Conservation Area and is actively monitoring local forests alongside the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Thanks to support from the Invasive Species Action Fund through the Invasive Species Centre, a detailed management plan is now in place and trained staff are working to help slow the spread of this invasive pest.
If you’re out on the trails this month, you may spot crews working in the forest. It’s all part of helping protect the forests, wildlife, and natural spaces we all love. 💚
Buckthorn may look harmless, but dense patches of this invasive species can choke out native plants and trees.
Recent restoration work at Eramosa Karst Conservation Area, has freed this native shagbark hickory tree from a thick wall of buckthorn… and the before-and-after photos say it all.
Projects like this help give native species more space, sunlight, and opportunity to thrive for years to come.
We planted 75 trees at Dundas Valley Conservation Area! 🌳☀️
@HamiltonConservation , @TreesForHamilton , and @HSAPgreen are so grateful to our 28 amazing volunteers who came together to help grow a greener, more sustainable Hamilton. It was inspiring to see our community take action and make a lasting impact together 💚
🌱 Join us on May 16 for a community garden build day with the Riverdale Community Salad Bowl Garden, Trees for Hamilton, and HSAP! Come help create a growing space that brings the East Hamilton community together. Register via the link in our bio!
Get your tickets today for the 50/50 in celebration of 50 years of support from Hamilton Conservation Foundation for Hamilton Conservation Authority.
Every ticket helps fund trails, habitat restoration, and environmental education right here in our community.
Link in Bio
It’s #WildlifeWednesday and we’re featuring spring peepers 🐸
Have you heard this sound at night?
That high-pitched chorus is spring peepers calling… one of the first signs that spring has arrived. Our team is out surveying frogs to better understand wetland health and breeding activity.
This Emergency Preparedness Week, we’re sending a big thank you to our local EMS teams for everything they do to keep our community safe.
Did you know? Emergency responders sometimes train right here in our conservation areas, using real landscapes to practise search and rescue, navigation, and emergency response skills. It helps them stay ready for anything, anywhere.
You can do your part too before heading out on the trails:
• Share your plans with someone
• Pack the essentials
• Stay on marked trails
• Be aware of your surroundings
Preparation makes all the difference, for you and for those who may come to help.
May the forest be with you 🌲✨
This May 4, trade the galaxy for the great outdoors. From towering trees to hidden wildlife, there’s a whole world waiting to be explored right here at home.
Whether you’re hiking your favourite trail, listening for birds, or just soaking in the sights, nature always has a way of bringing balance back to the force.
Where will you explore today?
Looking to switch up your next outdoor outing? Try disc golf.
Grab a frisbee and head to the course at Christie Lake Conservation Area for a fun, low-cost activity that’s easy to learn and great for all ages. Play through a scenic course, enjoy the fresh air, and see how your aim stacks up from hole to hole.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, it’s a great way to get outside and stay active this season.
Plan your visit today! Link in bio.
Hamilton’s shoreline is changing — and we want you to be part of the conversation 🌊
The Lake Ontario Coastal Resilience Pilot Project is helping communities like Hamilton plan for flooding, erosion, and extreme weather. City staff are contributing local expertise and supporting this important collaborative initiative.
Join us at the open house:
📍 Hamilton Museum of Steam
📅 May 6
🕒 6 – 8:30pm
Drop in to learn more and share your thoughts on the future of Hamilton’s waterfront.
Can’t make it? You can still participate online through the survey and mapping tool at lakeontariocoastal.ca (link in bio).
HCA staff had the opportunity to explore and learn alongside colleagues at Saltfleet Conservation Area. Experiences like this strengthen connections across teams, encourage knowledge sharing, and support a culture of collaboration. By learning from one another, HCA continues to grow and build organizational excellence.
