THOROLD, Ont. (June 00, 2026) – The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) is pleased to receive extended funding for Agricultural Land Restoration from the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program – Marginal Lands Initiative (RALP MLI) to improve watershed natural infrastructure.
Now in its second year of a three-year funding commitment, NPCA provides subsidy for projects that restore and enhance natural features on farmland within the Niagara Peninsula watershed.
By supporting habitat restoration projects on agricultural lands, this funding helps tackle ongoing challenges such as agricultural runoff, soil erosion, and habitat loss while delivering measurable progress toward a healthier, more resilient watershed.
Eligible projects include:
- Tree and shrub planting on marginal cropland
- Wetland restoration and enhancement
- Watercourse buffer establishment and widening
- Native grassland/pollinator habitat establishment on marginal cropland
Through the initiative, up to 90 percent of eligible project costs may be covered for approved projects, with participating landowners responsible for remaining project expenses.
To be eligible, landowners or tenant farmers must have, or be working toward completing, a 4th edition or later Environmental Farm Plan. Projects must take place on farmland and successful applicants will be required to sign a land-use agreement with NPCA to maintain and steward the project for a minimum of 10 years.
Eligible projects will be evaluated based on their contribution to natural systems, landowner stewardship capacity, project size and location, and available funding. Only projects selected for implementation will be advanced subject to funding availability.
Project timelines may vary depending on project type, seasonal timing, permitting requirements, and site conditions. NPCA staff will work with landowners through site evaluations, project planning, implementation, completion, and long-term monitoring.
Interested landowners are encouraged to visit npca.ca/restoration to learn more about eligible project opportunities, determine whether their property may be a good fit, and begin the application process.
Financial support for this project was provided under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year, federal-provincial-territorial initiative.
The RALP Marginal Lands Initiative is administered by Conservation Ontario in partnership with local organizations to assist farmers undertaking larger environmental projects by offering the support and resources needed to implement meaningful changes.
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“RALP funding helps turn watershed priorities into practical, lasting improvements on the ground. By reducing financial barriers and working directly with agricultural landowners, the program supports meaningful stewardship actions that strengthen climate resilience across the watershed.”
Steve Gillis, Supervisor of Watershed Restoration and Stewardship, NPCA
“Healthy watersheds are the foundation of healthy communities, and farmers and agricultural landowners are important partners in protecting that shared future. This continued funding allows NPCA to work alongside the agricultural community to advance sustainable farming practices, safeguard local water sources, and enhance the natural spaces that benefit us all.”
Leilani Lee-Yates, Chief Administrative Officer/Secretary-Treasurer, NPCA
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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 Program Associate
Cell: 905-325-6127
jpozzobon@npca.ca