Eco-Grants Program
This year, the Eco-Grants Committee received six applications for funding
totalling $26,696. Four applications, totalling $16,585, were recommended for funding. They were evaluated using the Nature London Eco-Grants Application Evaluation Tool.
Upper Thames River Conservation Authority –Savana Restoration Project– $2,000
This project was year two of the restoration and transition of a 4.5-acre sterile pine plantation at the head of the Fanshawe Conservation Area Lake Trail.
The expected outcomes are:
An area free of invasive plants with an open canopy to allow prairie and savanna plants to flourish
A savanna/prairie site that will attract pollinators
Add to the diversity of habitats at Fanshawe CA for the enjoyment of visitors
St. Clair Regional Conservation Authority Coldstream Conversation Area – Trail Rehab/Parking Lot Extension – $6,ooo
The request was for funding to expand the parking lot at the Coldstream Conservation Area. There is a lot of damage to the area due to all terrain vehicles and the larger project will repair damage, place signs, restrict vehicular traffic and encourage trail use.
The parking lot is essential to the success of the larger project and the committee determined that we should fund this component that will help to protect the environment, the native species and increase the enjoyment of Coldstream.
Thames Talbot Land Trust – Snake Monitoring in Southern Ontario – $2,760
This was a funding request for the first year of a 10-year project to implement Ontario Nature’s Long-Term Monitoring Protocol for Ontario Snakes in the Skunks Misery area. 75% of reptiles are listed as at risk in Ontario. Most of the funds will support staff coordination and implementation of the project.
We asked that Nature London’s support be recognized in the reports to Ontario Nature and requested that we receive ongoing annual reports for the project.
London Environmental Network – Bird Friendly London – $5,825
Funding supported building a Barn Swallow nesting structure by Medway ESA at Western University as well as community education, retrofitting bird safe windows, and funding for the 2023 coordinator. Western’s Society of Graduate Students and Undergraduate Student Council both support the Barn Swallow structure financially. Western Students will participate in the project.
The committee expressed concern about the size and success of this type of Barn Swallow nesting structure. The Bird Team has reported that models existing in other communities are being reviewed to ensure success.
Birding Kits including binoculars will be loaned through the London Library Thing service to encourage non-typical participants in birding activities and provide education about bird conservation and protection.
Susan Relecom