Hamilton Conservation Authority

Hamilton’s conservation areas offer a wealth of outdoor activities, but for many, boating stands out as a highlight. HCA is excited to share that boat rentals are once again available at Christie Lake and Valens Lake Conservation Areas!

Here’s your guide to boating at HCA’s beautiful locations!
https://conservationhamilton.ca/blog/discover-boating-at-hca/

Ready to catch your first fish? Ontario’s Learn to Fish program is back with free 2-hour sessions at Christie Lake, Valens Lake, and Fifty Point Conservation Areas!
With sessions throughout the summer, we provide the gear, the lessons, and the fun — all you have to do is sign up, show up and let the Learn to Fish Leaders handle the rest.

Sign up now to learn everything you need to know about fishing and get set up for a great summer on the water. Learn more https://conservationhamilton.ca/learn-to-fish/

Our Ecology and Education teams recently joined forces at the 2026 Hamilton Children’s Water Festival, connecting with more than 900 students over three exciting days of hands-on environmental learning.

At our Aqua Invaders station, students discovered the impact invasive species can have on local ecosystems through interactive games, activities, and real-world examples. From a fast-paced tag game showing how quickly invasive species can spread, to learning how simple actions like brushing off their boots can help stop hitchhiking seeds, students became eco-heroes in action!

A big thank you to the for organizing another incredible event and to all the community partners who helped inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

Ever wondered what type of tree you're looking at, what those ruins once were, or what existed before an area became a conservation area? HCA’s Talking Forest App has the answers!

Turn your next hike into an interactive adventure. As you explore HCA trails, your phone becomes your guide, sharing fascinating stories about local wildlife, history, geology, and more.

Plus, new experiences have recently been added, giving you even more stories to discover along the trail.

Download the Talking Forest App before your next visit and experience nature in a whole new way.

📱 Learn more: https://conservationhamilton.ca/blog/listen-learn-explore-talking-forest-app/

In Eastern North America, Purple Martins rely entirely on human-made homes to nest and we’ve rolled out the welcome mat! Nesting structures have landed at our wetland projects at Fifty Point and Saltfleet Conservation Area, helping to grow a nesting trail from Hamilton to Niagara-on-the-Lake.

These stunning swallows are returning from South America right now and looking for a place to start or rejoin their colony. Thanks to support from Birds Canada and the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club, we’re giving them a safe spot to settle and thrive.

Every nest helps! With swallow populations declining, these homes are a small but mighty way to support local wildlife.

HCA is proud to announce a transformational milestone for the future of Saltfleet Conservation Area

Thanks to the incredible support of the Hamilton Conservation Foundation and a remarkable gift of $6,075,000 from Heritage Green Community Trust, the Saltfleet Conservation Area Wetland Restoration Project continues to move forward.

This significant investment will help expand wetland restoration efforts, improve climate resilience, reduce flooding and erosion risks, enhance wildlife habitat, and protect the natural environment for future generations.

Together with our partners and community, HCA is helping shape one of the largest nature-based climate adaptation projects in the Hamilton area.

https://conservationhamilton.ca/6-million-gift-supports-saltfleet/

Looking to unwind and reconnect with nature? Come to Westfield Heritage Village for a guided mindful walk through our scenic conservation area.

During this 2-kilometre walk, participants will experience nature in a calm and meaningful way, led by a certified guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Trainers.

📅Dates June 7, July 12, August 9 and September 20.

Learn More: https://westfieldheritage.ca/mindfulness-walk

HCA is seeking public input for the Dundas Valley Study Area Plans (Phase 1).

We are updating Master Plans and Management Plans for several conservation areas in the Dundas Valley area as part of our Ten-Year Master Plan Update Strategy. These plans provide a long-term vision and help guide how conservation areas are managed, restored, improved, and developed over time.

Phase 1 areas include Tiffany Falls Conservation Area, Iroquoia Heights Conservation Area, Meadowlands Conservation Area, Lower Spencer Creek Conservation Area, and Canal Park.

Public surveys are open until June 12, 2026.

Learn more and share your feedback: https://lnkd.in/eHPSx8JY