Quinte West – Lower Trent Conservation is excited to announce receipt of an $80,000 grant to revitalize a 0.3 ha section of the Trenton Greenbelt Conservation Area in the downtown core. The two-year project, called “Restoring the Trenton Greenbelt”, will create a natural area that will allow people to relax by the river and spend time in nature.

The Trenton Greenbelt Conservation Area is located in the heart of Trenton at the gateway to the historic Trent-Severn Waterway. The 2.5 km long Conservation Area hugs the Trent River shoreline almost reaching the river mouth at the Bay of Quinte on Lake Ontario. This ribbon of green is Trenton’s only urban riverside natural area, popular for hiking, cycling, wildlife viewing, and fishing.

Unfortunately, this public green space is in poor ecological health. Many sections of the Conservation Area consist of compacted soils, invasive plants, and few native species, which makes for poor quality shoreline habitat. Lower Trent Conservation, together with community partners, endeavors to transform this section of lawn into a native wildflower meadow with scattered shade trees, complete with new seating areas and an accessible walking trail.

“We are excited to revitalize this very special urban greenspace, making it more attractive to both people and wildlife, while showcasing nature-based ways to boost climate resiliency,” say Ewa Bednarczuk, Ecology and Stewardship Specialist. “The high demand for access to green spaces during the pandemic was made clear as recreational use of Conservation Areas increased dramatically. Most people value access to high quality natural areas where they can relax, exercise, or generally improve their mental and physical wellbeing by spending time in nature.”

Lower Trent Conservation’s partnerships with the City of Quinte West, Rotary Club of Trenton, Alderville Black Oak Savanna, Trees for Life, Nature Conservancy of Canada, is undertaken with the financial support of the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund, a Government of Canada’s Department of Environment and Climate Change program in partnership with Conservation Ontario.

“Assistance through partnerships and financial support is the best way to complete projects like this,” says Rhonda Bateman, Lower Trent Conservation CAO. “Without them, we would not have the resources to carry out projects critical to the future of our conservation areas.”