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NVCA Wants You for the Fall Planting Season

NVCA staff and a volunteer install revetments in a portion of the Nottawasaga river

Autumn is a magical time in the Nottawasaga Watershed — leaves are turning, the air is crisp, and our rivers and forests are settling into the season. It’s also the perfect time to give back to the land, and the Stewardship team is inviting the community to do just that. We are working with TD to deliver TD Tree Days events as well as our own initiatives.

This fall, volunteers will have the chance to plant hundreds of trees and shrubs, helping to restore vital habitats for our wildlife, improve water quality, and provide natural spaces for people to enjoy for years to come. Each sapling and shrub planted is a small but meaningful step toward a more resilient watershed.

There are plenty of opportunities to get involved:

Oct 4 – NVCA & South Simcoe Streams Network, Upper Nottawasaga in Adjala–Tosorontio
Oct 18 – TD Tree Days at Sports Park, Wasaga Beach
Oct 18 – TD Tree Days at Carruthers Park, Creemore
Oct 25 – NVCA & South Simcoe Streams Network, Upper Nottawasaga in Adjala–Tosorontio

No experience is needed! Just bring your enthusiasm, gloves, and a love for the outdoors! Whether you’re coming with family, friends, or as part of a group, these events are a hands-on way to see the impact of your work immediately. Remember to dress for the weather and have fun!

Learn more and register for events here

Ice Storm Cleanup Continues

Spring’s ice storm left its mark on several NVCA conservation areas, and the Lands team has been hard at work restoring affected sites. Hazard tree removal, debris cleanup, and maintenance efforts are ongoing at several of our properties. While work continues on some side trails, all main trails remain open for visitors to enjoy.

These efforts also help protect the long-term health of our forests and natural areas, allowing wildlife to thrive and habitats to recover. Visitors may notice crews at work, but these measures are essential to maintain the beauty and safety of our conservation areas for everyone to enjoy.

Thank you to everyone for your patience and understanding while the team continues this important restoration work.

Find a conservation area near you

Photography Permits for Fall Colours

As autumn settles over the Nottawasaga Valley, our conservation areas come alive with a dazzling palette of golds, reds, and oranges. Winding trails, quiet ponds, and vibrant forests make these landscapes a natural magnet for photographers seeking the perfect shot.

For those planning commercial photo shoots, a photography permit is required. These permits help ensure that our conservation areas remain protected and welcoming spaces for everyone to enjoy — from casual visitors to wildlife alike.

Arranging a permit is simple: just call the NVCA office, and staff will guide you through the process. For details on requirements and how to apply, visit our website.

Get your photography permit here

Summer Camp Tiffin Comes to a Close

This summer, Camp Tiffin wrapped up its biggest year ever, filled with creativity, teamwork, and outdoor fun. Despite a few weather challenges — like low water levels in Papa Bear Pond that paused canoeing, and fire bans that put campfire lessons on hold — campers made the most of every day. Highlights included Olympic Week, where groups competed with names, cheers, and flags; the Egg Drop Challenge, testing engineering skills with natural materials; and the imaginative Disaster Shelter Challenge, where kids designed mini shelters to withstand climate-inspired scenarios — sometimes even adding dinosaurs or alien invasions!

Now, the adventure continues with Tiffin Nature School, back in session for the fall. Children can explore forests, ponds, and wildlife through hands-on lessons that spark curiosity, creativity, and confidence. Wednesdays give our older students (up to 10 years old) a chance to explore the world around them in more depth. Whether returning for another year or joining for the first time, every day brings new discoveries in a safe and supportive environment.

Learn more and register here

Planning Team Clears Backlog

Bride and Groom on the boardwalk at Tiffin

Earlier this year we cleared a backlog of over 100 applications — and that’s a big deal. This surge of applications originated during the COVID lockdowns, when many property owners took the opportunity to upgrade or develop their homes, and developers were eager to move forward with new projects.

We’ve learned from this process and managed to improve our operations and speed things up: reviews that used to take over 20 days are now down to about 17 days. For property owners, that means you can get going on your projects sooner, and know they will be safe from flooding and erosion

Learn more about NVCA permits

Show Your Support with NVCA Apparel

Fans of the watershed can now wear their support proudly! NVCA apparel—including hoodies, toques, hats, and t-shirts—is available for purchase, featuring designs inspired by local wildlife and landscapes. Every item sold helps fund conservation projects across the watershed, making it a stylish way to give back while enjoying your favourite outdoor spaces.

Looking for a great gift? Want to rep your favourite conservation area? Or just need an extra layer for those cool summer nights? NVCA merch is available online and at the Tiffin Centre for Conservation.

Shop local. Support conservation. Look great doing it.

Shop the NVCA Store

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