Local environmental projects receive $75,000 in funding through Kawartha Conservation program

JULY 12, 2023 – Kawartha Conservation recently awarded more than $75,000 to local landowners and community groups in support of environmental projects that aim to positively impact the environment, create habitat, and support biodiversity throughout the region.

Thirty-three projects will receive a financial boost through Kawartha Conservation’s 2023 Water Fund, an annual grant program that connects landowners to funding, knowledge, and technical support for future environmental projects in the City of Kawartha Lakes and Durham Region.

“Many waterways and vital ecological areas within the Kawartha Watershed are bordered by privately owned residential and agricultural property, making community collaboration essential for restoring and protecting these spaces,” said Danielle Marcoux-Hunter, Kawartha Conservation’s Landowner and Community Support. “This year’s funding will support shoreline naturalization, tree planting, and water management projects, as well as septic system upgrades, well decommissions, and more.”

The funding will help landowners and community groups purchase materials and supplies, as well as cover contracting and labour fees for their projects, leveraging an estimated $248,000 in additional community investment.

Since the inception of the program, Kawartha Conservation has allocated more than $747,000 in funding to environmental projects in the City of Kawartha Lakes and Durham Region, leveraging more than $1.4M in community investment across 453 projects.

“We are incredibly thankful for the continued support of our community in helping to create a strong, healthy, and resilient watershed, and are excited to see these projects take shape throughout the next year,” said Marcoux-Hunter. “Every wildflower planted, shoreline naturalized, and project completed is a critical step forward in creating a sustainable future for generations to come.”

To learn more about the Water Fund and receive updates about upcoming funding opportunities, visit and subscribe to our Landowner Grants page.