Quinte West – Lower Trent Conservation is on the home stretch of completing a 2-year project that has been referred to as, “Restoring the Trenton Greenbelt.” One of the final stages of this project is creating a trail through the small parcel of land that is being converted back to a natural meadow.
“This has involved extensive collaboration between Lower Trent Conservation and the City of Quinte West, “says Rhonda Bateman, Lower Trent Conservation CAO. “We could not have done this
without the support and partnership of Quinte West. They have been critical in many aspects of this project, and we are very grateful for their contributions.”
Prior to the project’s commencement, the Trenton Greenbelt Conservation Area, located in the heart of Trenton, suffered from compacted soils, invasive species, and minimal biodiversity, which contribute to poor quality shoreline habitat. Ecologically, it was blank canvas for site rehabilitation.
Since late 2022, Lower Trent Conservation has been restoring the shoreline of the Trenton Greenbelt, focusing on the ecological health of the area while incorporating elements to create a
special urban greenspace, making it more attractive to both people and wildlife.
Together with volunteers, community partners, and financial support from the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund (a Government of Canada’s Department of Environment and Climate Change
program in partnership with Conservation Ontario) and the Great Lakes Local Action Fund this area is being transformed into a native wildflower meadow with scattered shade trees, complete with new seating areas and an accessible walking trail.
“By incorporating local grasses, wildflowers, trees, and shrubs, we are not only creating habitat for pollinators, but also building spongey, healthy soils that will absorb rainwater and be resistant to
climate change. We hope everyone enjoys seeing the space evolve over the years,” says Jason Jobin, Lower Trent Conservation Environmental Stewardship Technician
To find out more about the project please visit www.ltc.on.ca
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
