The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) is inviting community members, partners, and visitors to participate in an upcoming open house as it begins the management planning process for Woodend Conservation Area.
The open house will take place on May 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. in room W214 at Niagara College’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Registration required. Light refreshments will be provided. The session will provide an opportunity for the public to learn more about the project, ask questions, and share ideas that will help shape the future of the conservation area.
Located along the Niagara Escarpment, Woodend Conservation Area is one of Niagara’s most significant natural and cultural landscapes. The area supports recreation, outdoor education, and ecological conservation, while also serving as a gateway to natural heritage features and trail networks.
The management plan will guide how Woodend is protected, enhanced, and experienced in the years ahead as visitation and community needs continue to evolve. This process aligns with NPCA’s 2021–2031 Strategic Plan and its Conservation Area Strategy, with a focus on sustainability, accessibility, and visitor experience.
“This process is just getting started, and community input will be essential,” said Eric Baldin, NPCA Manager Conservation Areas Land Planning. “We are committed to transparent, inclusive engagement that ensures the plan reflects shared values, current environmental needs, and future opportunities.”
Through this planning process, NPCA will explore opportunities to:
- Improve accessibility and visitor experience
- Update interpretive and educational signage
- Enhance outdoor recreation opportunities
- Incorporate sustainable design in future improvements
- Protect biodiversity and strengthen natural heritage features
Woodend’s trail systems and surrounding landscape also reflect centuries of human history, including Indigenous pathways, links to the War of 1812, and connections to the Laura Secord Legacy Trail. Today, it also supports outdoor education through partnerships with Niagara College, Niagara Geopark, and the District School Board of Niagara.
The May 26 open house marks the first of several opportunities for public engagement throughout the planning process. For more information about the project and upcoming engagement opportunities, please visit Get Involved NPCA.
—30—
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
Follow on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for more updates.
Media inquiries should be directed to:
Jennifer McQuillan
Communications & Marketing Specialist
jmcquillan@npca.ca
905-933-0532