Water Fund: Funding and Support Available to Help Protect the Kawartha Lakes

For nearly two decades, the Water Fund has been a cornerstone of environmental stewardship within the Kawartha Conservation watershed, empowering landowners and community organizations to make meaningful contributions to the health of local ecosystems. Through financial support, technical guidance, and shared expertise, the Water Fund has become a vital tool in protecting water quality and promoting sustainable practices across the region.

“The Water Fund enables individuals and groups to take direct action to enhance their properties and projects in ways that benefit the environment,” said Danielle Marcoux-Hunter, Landowner and Community Specialist at Kawartha Conservation. “The results are long-lasting improvements that contribute to the overall health of our watershed.”

Since 2007, the Water Fund has provided over $770,000 in funding to support 490 landowner-led projects. These efforts have included tree planting, shoreline naturalization, erosion control, agricultural Best Management Practices, and much more. The impact is visible across the watershed in cleaner water, healthier habitats, and thriving natural landscapes.

The addition of the Kawartha Community Water Fund in 2019 has further expanded this legacy, granting an additional $80,000 to support projects initiated by not-for-profit community organizations. From restoring natural shorelines to improving stormwater management, these initiatives underscore the importance of community-led environmental efforts.

“These projects are about more than just improving individual properties,” Marcoux-Hunter explained. “They help create a ripple effect of positive change, enhancing biodiversity, reducing pollution, and fostering a more resilient ecosystem.”

For many participants, the Water Fund has been a gateway to achieving ambitious environmental goals. Whether it’s decommissioning an unused well to protect groundwater or planting native vegetation to prevent shoreline erosion, the fund has enabled countless residents and organizations to take on projects that might otherwise have been out of reach.

The importance of these efforts cannot be overstated. With growing pressures on water resources from development, climate change, and population growth, programs like the Water Fund play a critical role in maintaining the health of the watershed for future generations.

“Every project supported by the Water Fund contributes to a collective effort to protect and preserve our natural environment,” said Marcoux-Hunter. “It’s inspiring to see the impact that individuals and organizations can have when they work together toward a shared goal.”

Applications for funding are open annually, and eligibility is based on the potential of projects to positively impact water quality or ecosystem health. To learn more about the program or to apply, visit kawarthaconservation.com/waterfund or contact Danielle Marcoux-Hunter at 705-328-2271 ext. 242.

Through the Water Fund, Kawartha Conservation is fostering a culture of environmental stewardship and ensuring the region’s natural beauty and ecological health are safeguarded for generations to come.