By Gazette Staff
October 27th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
On Saturday, October 4, Conservation Halton welcomed over 50 guests to Area 8 Conservation Area for Watershed Stewards Appreciation Day.
This annual event is hosted in partnership with the Hamilton Conservation Authority to recognize the outstanding efforts of local landowners in environmental stewardship.
The Watershed Stewardship Awards are presented to individuals, organizations, and businesses that demonstrate a commitment to protecting natural features on private or public land in the areas of agriculture, business, urban, and countryside. This year, nine landowners received the Watershed Stewardship Award, including four recipients in Conservation Halton’s watershed:
407 ETR: Corporate Environmental Leadership
From funding habitat restoration to helping create pollinator-friendly areas, 407 ETR is a long-standing supporter of environmental initiatives along its highway corridor.
Karen Brock: Community and Rural Stewardship
A passionate environmental leader with over a decade of volunteer experience with Oakville Green, Karen Brock inspires community members to take action for nature.
Ashley Elliott: Cootes to Escarpment and Urban Stewardship
Part of the Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark System,
As part of the Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark System, Ashley Elliot’s property supports habitat across watersheds. Ashley is transforming her property by removing invasive species and creating rain gardens to manage runoff.
A family-friendly farm committed to caring for the land through sustainable agricultural practices.
Andrews Scenic Acres: Agricultural Stewardship
Known for its family-friendly farm experiences and fruit wines, Andrews Scenic Acres is committed to caring for the land through sustainable agricultural practices like cover cropping and windbreaks.
“Local landowners play a vital role in our collective efforts to maintain healthy watersheds and vibrant ecosystems,” said Chandra Sharma, President & CEO, Conservation Halton. “We appreciate all the efforts of this year’s award recipients in restoring damaged ecosystems, enhancing community resilience, and creating more spaces where wildlife can thrive.”
Since 1994, Conservation Halton and Hamilton Conservation Authority have recognized more than 300 local landowners and their families for exceptional stewardship of wildlife, meadows, streams, woodlands, wetlands, valley lands and the escarpment. Collectively, these landowners protect over 13,400 acres of land.
Conservation Halton offers a variety of financial support programs for landowners who are interested in leading stewardship projects on their property. Learn more about Conservation Halton’s Financial Assistance Programs here: https://www.conservationhalton.ca/financial-assistance-programs/
Conservation Halton is a community-based environmental agency dedicated to protecting people, property and natural resources from flooding, erosion, and other natural hazards. As one of Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities, we steward 1,000 square kilometres of conservation lands. From the Lake Ontario shoreline to the Niagara Escarpment and beyond, we safeguard forests, wetlands and waterways through science-based conservation, land management and climate resilience initiatives. Our eight conservation areas welcome more than a million visitors each year and offer opportunities to connect with nature through recreation and education.
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