Our Mission

The Maitland Valley Conservation Authority is a community based organization dedicated to providing leadership to protect and enhance our water, forests and soils. We're working for a healthy environment!

About MAITLAND VALLEY CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

The purpose of the MVCA is to protect water and related resources for present and future generations. Conservation Authorities are established by the provincial government at the request of municipalities. 

The MVCA covers the watershed, or drainage area, of the Maitland, Nine Mile and Eighteen Mile Rivers, along with smaller watersheds along Lake Huron. 

The activities of the MVCA are driven by local municipalities, landowners and community organizations. We are committed to providing effective community-based conservation services in a cost efficient manner. 

MVCA priorities: 

1. To strengthen the capacity of Flood and Erosion Safety Services: This will help reduce the risk of loss of life and community disruption from flooding and erosion events. 
2. To strengthen Watershed Stewardship Services: Our focus is to work with landowners to keep soil and nutrients on the land and out of watercourses. This will help to protect soil health while improving water quality and aquatic habitats. 
3. To ensure our Conservation Areas are safe for visitors and to demonstrate best management practices on our lands. 

There are several funds that donors are welcome to contribute to:

• Perth Children's Water Festival - Maitland Conservation is coordinating the PCWF in partnership with numerous local agencies and community groups. The event is scheduled for May 26, 2024 at Listowel Memorial Park. It's a free event for families featuring hands-on activities that explore the importance of water quality and water quantity. 
• Wawanosh Valley Conservation Area Pavilion - The Nature Centre structure at Wawanosh was recently removed due to structural issues. We are working to build a picnic shelter on the site that will be available for special events and community groups.

• Naftel's Creek Conservation Area - Efforts are now underway to replace the boardwalks and upgrade the trails at Naftel's Creek Conservation Area. Located on the east side of Highway 21, south of Goderich, this property features a variety of habitats and is well loved for skiing, snowshoeing and walking. We hope you can show the trails a little love and donate to this work. 

• Middle Maitland Restoration Campaign - This project involves restoring floodplain and valley lands along the Middle Maitland River. Efforts are underway to plant stream buffers with native trees and shrubs, reduce soil erosion and improve habitat. These efforts will improve water quality and stream health. We're working in partnership with landowners, agencies and local municipalities on these projects.

• Conservation Areas - We own and manage 28 properties encompassing over 1,800 ha. Donations to our Conservation Areas are used help ensure the properties are safe for public use and to implement best management practices. Recent initiatives include the installation of a new privy at Lake Wawanosh and the removal of invasive plants at Wawanosh Valley and Gorrie Conservation Areas.