Landowner Workshops Recap听
The 糖心直播 (UTRCA) Stewardship Team recently wrapped up two successful Landowner Workshops, bringing together farmers, landowners, and environmental partners.听
In Thorndale, attendees gathered for our annual UTRCA Landowners Workshop, where the focus was on 鈥渟tacking鈥� best management practices and exploring both the environmental and economic benefits. Local voices led the way, grounding the discussion in real-world experience. Farmer and agronomist Curtis听Gartly听shared insights from his fields, while Marilyn and Wayne Flanigan of McCutcheon Farm Drainage addressed one of the most persistent challenges in agricultural: erosion.听
Staff highlighted water quality and successful restoration projects 鈥� and outlined the many ways听we鈥檙e听partnering with landowners to bring their stewardship projects to life. Adding to the momentum, partner organizations including Forests Canada, ALUS, Thames Talbot Land Trust, and Ducks Unlimited Canada shared funding opportunities available to support everything from tree planting to habitat restoration.听
The conversation continued in Mitchell, where UTRCA joined Maitland Valley and Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authorities for a second workshop. Here, the focus shifted to landscape projects such as grassland, prairies, windbreaks, wetlands, and reforestation initiatives that not only strengthen farm resilience but also contribute to healthier ecosystems.听听听
Guest speakers brought these ideas to life. Alanna听Coneybeare听of Conlee Farms Inc. spoke about the value of windbreaks and buffers in protecting soil and crops, while Kate Procter of Bodmin Farms Ltd. shared her experience with wetland creation and transforming marginal lands into thriving natural spaces.听
UTRCA offers a wide range of stewardship funding programs designed to support farmers and landowners in implementing projects that improve soil health, manage water, enhance biodiversity, and build long-term resilience. Whether听you鈥檙e听considering a small or large project, UTRCA is ready to help听identify听opportunities, provide guidance, carry out on-the-ground work, and connect you with available funding.听
To everyone who joined us in Thorndale and Mitchell, thank you.听We鈥檙e听looking forward to our next landowner鈥檚 event.听听听
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Learn More About Stewardship Funding Opportunities on our听website.