Watershed News

Essex Region  –  The Essex Region Conservation Authority Board of Directors has approved its draft 2026 Budget for circulation to member municipalities. “Total municipal funding for 2026 remains consistent with the 2025 level, thanks to the previous year’s surplus,” announced Tim Byrne, ERCA CAO.   Some highlighted projects for the year ahead include updating flood hazard mapping, GIS updates to the Limit of Regulated Area and continuing to promote a planning-first approach t

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, December 11 at 6:00 pm.    Agenda items include:  2026 Draft Budget and Municipal Cost Apportionment  Holiday Beach Conservation Area Financial Performance Update  ERCA Policy Review  John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area Policy Updates  PERCA Flood Forecasting & Warning (FFW) Program  Watershed Management

The section of the Cypher System Greenway stretching from Texas Road to Concession 5 North in Amherstburg will be closed from Monday December 8, 2025 until Tuesday December 16 th .  This closure is for the restoration of a pedestrian bridge over the Long Marsh drain.  Due to construction equipment and temporary structural changes to the bridge, it will not be safe to pedestrians to travel this section while it is being repaired.

Essex – The Essex Region Conservation Authority is offering grants ranging from 75% to 100% for projects that help protect our environment. Interested landowners should contact ERCA soon to learn about these grant programs and plan for spring projects.    "Landowners interested in planting trees or creating prairie habitat on their property this spring should contact us as soon as possible,” said Paul Giroux, ERCA’s Forester.  “Planting trees on your property not only helps t

Essex - At its Board meeting on November 13, the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) discussed the Province’s proposal to consolidate Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities into seven regional entities under Bill 68, Plan to Protect Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2025 . The plan, announced by Environment Minister Todd McCarthy on October 31, includes creating an Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency to oversee the amalgamation and consult on proposed boundaries. While

Essex  – What’s better than kicking off the holidays in good old-fashioned style at the John R. Park Homestead’s Christmas in the Country special event? Getting to also shop for unique, handmade special gift items at the Holiday Makers’ Market at the same time. And it’s all happening on Sunday, December 7 from 11 am – 4pm.    The 1842 Park family home and farm will be beautifully decorated with natural forest materials. Guests can experience the historic home in its holiday s

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, November 13 at 6:00 pm.    Agenda items include:  Long Marsh Drain Bridge Repair Tender  2026 Fee Schedule  2026 Board Meeting Schedule  Proposed New Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency  Watershed Management Activities Report     There will also be a presentation by Parks Canada on the Proposed National Urb

On October 31, 2025, the Ontario Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks announced plans to create a provincial board-governed agency, the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency, to provide leadership, governance, and strategic direction to Conservation Authorities (CAs).    It is understood the Province will introduce amendments to the  Conservation Authorities Act  (CAA) to establish this new agency.  Further, the Province will consult on proposed boundaries for regi

Essex  – The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) is now accepting nominations for its 2026  Conservation Awards , which honour individuals, organizations, and municipalities making a meaningful environmental impact across the Windsor-Essex-Pelee Island region.   “We continue to witness remarkable community commitment to environmental stewardship,” says Danielle Breault Stuebing, Director of Communications & Outreach Services. “From tree planting and habitat restoration

Service Disruption - Thursday, October 16th, the museum will be closing early at 2pm. The grounds remain open for walk through access from dawn to dusk daily.

Essex  – A favourite fall tradition returns! The Harvest and Horses Festival is back at the John R. Park Homestead on Sunday, October 5,...

Essex Region Source Protection Committee (SPC)   We are seeking to fill a vacancy for one position on the SPC in the other interests'...