THOROLD, Ont. (Oct. 1, 2026) – Four thousand native trees are taking root across St. Catharines and Niagara-on-the-Lake this fall, supporting ongoing efforts to enhance biodiversity, restore habitat, increase tree cover, and strengthen the natural spaces that communities rely on.
The plantings are being delivered through a continued collaboration between the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) and the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC), building on the successful collaboration between NPCA and SLSMC from 2025, when they contributed to the planting of 3,000 trees through Trees for All. This year, the collaboration will expand its impact with 4,000 trees planted across the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake and the City of St. Catharines in 2026.
Growing a healthier tree canopy is a shared effort that relies on strong partnerships. From municipalities providing land and local planning support, to organizations contributing funding, expertise, and project coordination, to volunteers lending their time and energy, each partner plays an important role in making projects like these possible. Together, they are helping create greener communities, healthier habitats, and a more resilient watershed for future generations.
The seven planting projects will take place at Newark Park, Niagara Shores, and the Glendale Fire Station in Niagara-on-the-Lake, as well as Cherie Road Park, Cindy Drive Park, Burgoyne Woods, and Walker’s Creek North in St. Catharines.
Community members will have an opportunity to participate directly through a volunteer planting event at Cherie Road Park in St. Catharines on October 17.
Through Trees for All, NPCA works alongside municipalities, organizations, businesses, volunteers, and community partners to increase tree cover and advance habitat restoration across the Niagara Peninsula watershed. Donations made through the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) help support these efforts, with NPCA leading the implementation and delivery of local tree-planting projects.
Corporations, organizations, and individuals can further support this work by contributing to tree-planting and restoration initiatives through donations to NPCF.
To learn more about Trees for All, explore upcoming tree planting opportunities, and register to volunteer, visit https://getinvolved.npca.ca/trees-for-all/.
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QUOTES
“The addition of 4,000 native trees and shrubs across St. Catharines and Niagara-on-the-Lake demonstrates what can be achieved through strong partnerships and shared commitment to environmental stewardship. Through the continued support of the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation and collaboration with our municipal partners, these projects are helping restore habitat, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen the long-term health of the Niagara Peninsula watershed. Every planting site contributes to a larger vision of healthier ecosystems, more resilient communities, and a greener future for Niagara.”
Leilani Lee-Yates, Chief Administrative Officer/Secretary-Treasurer, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority
"We’re proud to continue our collaboration with the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority on initiatives that support biodiversity and strengthen the communities around the Seaway. Working together allows us to make a positive and lasting contribution to the environment and the regions we call home.” Serge Auclair, Vice-President, Commercial and External Relations, St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation
“This generous funding from the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) enables us to expand the City of St. Catharines’ urban tree canopy and plant nearly 2,600 native trees where they are needed most,” said Ilyse Norton, City of St. Catharines Development Horticultural Technician. “We are grateful to be a partnering municipality with the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority for this Trees for All project, which is a massive win for our urban climate resilience – it means more natural cooling, better stormwater management, and a powerful tool for carbon capture. These new trees are not just increasing tree cover – they are restoring local ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity, and building a more-resilient environment for our community.”
Ilyse Norton, Development Horticultural Technician, City of St. Catharines.
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About Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority:
As a community-based natural resource management agency, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority envisions a healthy and vibrant natural environment with shared greenspace and clean water for all. NPCA’s work supports the conservation, enhancement, and sustainability of healthy watersheds with programs and services that focus on drinking water source protection, flood and hazard management, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, education, and land management.
NPCA is the caretaker of 43 conservation areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation, and education. These natural and shared greenspaces marry nature, culture, and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.
For more info on NPCA: www.npca.ca
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Questions related to the above release should be directed to:
Jacob Pozzobon
Communications and Public Relations Assistant
Cell: 905-933-1562
jpozzobon@npca.ca