Niagara Parks Environmental Stewardship
Environmental Stewardship
The Niagara Parks Commission is one of Ontario’s original environmental organizations. Since its founding in 1885, Niagara Parks has served a mandate that includes the preservation of natural habitat along the Niagara River corridor from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario.
Today, Niagara Parks’ environmental stewardship mandate is at the very centre of its mission as the Commission works to protect, conserve and promote the natural and cultural heritage of the Niagara River corridor. That mandate now includes the pursuit of innovative conservation practices along with building an organization that is itself sustainable in its policies, plans and activities.
Preservation of the Niagara River Shoreline



Efforts to Support Endangered Species



Sustainable Land Management




Strategic Partnerships
Partnership with Brock University’s Environmental Sustainability Research Centre
In April 2018, The Niagara Parks Commission and Brock University’s Environmental Sustainability Research Centre formalized a partnership to collaborate on mutually beneficial projects with a focus on environmental stewardship. This partnership, known as The Excellence in Environmental Stewardship Initiative, will advance understanding (theoretical and applied) of environmental stewardship, inform and enhance practice, and improve the capacity of Niagara Parks and its staff to make evidence-based decisions.
Niagara Parks works regularly with the following groups and organizations: Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport; Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry; Environment Canada; Ontario Power Generation; Parks Canada; Forests Ontario; NGO’s – Canadian Wildlife Federation, Land Care Niagara, Niagara Restoration Council; Nature Clubs – e.g. Niagara Falls Nature Club; Friends of Niagara Glen; and Local Municipalities.
Document Library
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Restoring Riparian Zones of the Niagara River ProjectFilename: Niagara Parks PIC - Sept 2018 - Riparian Restoration.pdfLast Modified: Feb 19, 2019
Over the next two years, this project will aim to create, restore, and expand up to 2 kilometres of vegetated shoreline buffers along the Niagara River through the removal of non-native species, where required, and the planting of a diversity of native plant species. Also, where possible, woody debris will be anchored at select locations within the river to soften the shoreline and provide suitable fish refuge and nursery habitat. In collaboration with Niagara College’s Ecosystem Restoration Program, priority areas for shoreline vegetation restoration have been identified for initial implementation.
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Service Rd 29 & 30 Rear Properties Restoration PlanFilename: Service Rd 29 & 30 Restoration.pdfLast Modified: Nov 30, 2018
Due to Emerald Ash Borer infestation, a significant number of ash trees have been removed from Niagara Parks land directly behind the residences along service road 29 and 30. Property encroachment activities have also impacted the ecological integrity of this woodlot. Niagara Parks has developed a restoration planting plan behind these properties to control invasive species, as well as improve and support the ecosystem health. The plant materials are selected to provide a buffer of low-growing, ornamental, bird-attracting and berry producing shrubs that are fast growing native species to inhibit establishment of buckthorn and other invasive species. Additionally, trees of the same species as existing vegetation are used to infill or replace ash trees. In wet areas, wet-tolerant species for the wetland planting and butterfly/pollinator-attracting wildflowers for the meadow planting are proposed. The planting is scheduled for the Spring 2019.
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Designated Audubon Cooperative SanctuaryFilename: Niagara Parks PIC - Sept 2018 - Audubon.pdfLast Modified: Sep 28, 2018
In February 2014, Niagara Parks’ Legends on the Niagara Golf Complex achieved designation as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses. Niagara Parks has been working to achieve this designation with the Audubon International since 2004.
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Who’s Listening?
Have your say and submit your feedback to the project team developing Niagara Parks’ environmental stewardship strategies.
Ellen Savoia
Senior Manager, Environmental Planning
Corey Burant
Project Manager, Forest Health Parks, Planning & Properties