Essex Region –The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) will hold its regularly scheduled Board of Directors’ meeting at the Essex County Civic and Education Centre on Thursday, February 12 at 6:00 pm.   Agenda items include: Continued Local Advocacy Regarding Proposed Regional Consolidation of Ontario’s Conservation Authorities ERCA 2026 Budget Approval and Municipal Cost Apportionment Financial Entities’ Verification Requirements & Legal Compliance Watershed Management Activities...

Essex Region – The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) is reminding the public that the use of snowmobiles, all‑terrain vehicles (ATVs), and any other motorized vehicles is strictly prohibited in ERCA Conservation Areas and along the Greenway Trail System.   ERCA has received increasing reports of unauthorized motorized vehicle use, particularly during evenings and weekends during these winter conditions. This activity poses safety risks, damages natural areas, and undermines the...

Essex Region – The aquatic invasive plant, hydrilla, was detected for the first time in Ontario and Canada in the West Cell at Hillman Marsh Conservation Area located in Leamington, Ontario in 2024. Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) can grow up to 2.5 centimeters per day and to lengths of 7.5 meters. This rapid growing invasive species can choke out native species and clog water intake pipes, boat motors and impede other recreational activities like swimming and paddling. Hydrilla is a...