The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) has been leading efforts in reforestation, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable forest management across the region for more than half a century.
Since 1974, SVCA has planted 5.9 million trees, partnering with more than 1,100 landowners, municipalities, and environmental organizations to restore over 8,400 hectares of land. The Authority marked its largest planting season in 2010, when nearly 245,000 seedlings were planted.
“At Saugeen Conservation, we don’t just plant trees – we grow forests,” said Donna Lacey, SVCA Manager of Forestry and Lands. “Our forestry program is designed to provide long-term benefits for landowners and the environment, helping to combat climate change, enhance biodiversity, and improve soil and water health.”
SVCA’s forestry services are comprehensive, including:
Free site assessments to recommend the most suitable species and planting approach.
Custom planting plans tailored to landowners’ goals.
Full-service planting using machine or hand-planting techniques.
Cost-sharing programs to reduce expenses through available funding.
Post-planting survival assessments to ensure long-term success.
The organization is also a certified Planting Delivery Agent (PDA) for Forests Canada’s 50 Million Tree Program, which can cover up to 90 per cent of planting costs for eligible landowners. This funding has made large-scale planting accessible and affordable across the watershed.
Beyond federal programs, SVCA offers a variety of independent tree planting services, afforestation projects, and sustainable forest management plans for landowners, municipalities, and community organizations aiming to improve their environmental impact.
To learn more about SVCA’s forestry services or to inquire about planting opportunities for 2025, visit www.saugeenconservation.ca.