Kawartha Conservation is a watershed-based, non-profit environmental organization established in 1979 under Ontario’s Conservation Authorities Act. Its role is to protect people, property, and natural ecosystems by managing water resources and guiding sustainable development across a diverse and rapidly growing region. The organization serves a jurisdiction of 2,563 square kilometres, spanning the City of Kawartha Lakes, Township of Scugog, Township of Brock, Municipality of Clarington, Municipality of Trent Lakes, and Township of Cavan Monaghan, and includes a strong and respectful partnership with the Mississauga’s of Scugog Island First Nation. Guided by a Board of Directors representing each municipal partner, Kawartha Conservation advances decisions grounded in science, community input, and long-term environmental responsibility.
With a dedicated team of fewer than 30 staff, the organization brings expertise in watershed science, forestry, planning and permitting, ecosystem restoration, climate change adaptation, land management, and community engagement. Its mission is to champion watershed health as a recognized leader in natural asset management, ensuring the region’s water, land, and climate systems remain resilient for future generations. Kawartha Conservation’s vision — to foster engaged communities that love, respect, and appreciate the natural environment — is reflected in its values of integrity, knowledge, collaboration, performance excellence, and innovation. Kawartha Conservation takes a holistic approach to environmental protection. It delivers flood and drought forecasting, monitoring and reporting on water quality and aquatic ecosystems, restoring and enhancing natural habitats, and empowering the public through stewardship programs that support tree planning, shoreline-naturalization, and private land conservation. The organization also manages a network of Conservation Areas that provide the public with opportunities to connect with nature while supporting environmental education and improved health and wellbeing.
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity, and truth, we acknowledge that we live, work, and gather on the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7, including the Blackfoot Confederacy—comprising the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani Nations—as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina Nations.
This land, known as Moh’kinsstis in the Blackfoot language and encompassing what is now Districts 5 and 6, is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3, within the historical Northwest Métis homeland.
We recognize and honour the deep connection these Nations have to the land, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share in its stewardship.
As we continue our work, we commit to learning from Indigenous knowledge systems, uplifting Indigenous voices, and fostering relationships rooted in equity, understanding, and reconciliation.
