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Correction Notice: We recently sent out our latest newsletter, but we noticed some links were incorrect. We apologize for the inconvenience and have included the updated version below. Thank you for your understanding, and we appreciate your continued support!

Happy New Year from NVCA

It's hard to believe we're already a month into 2025! As we step into the new year, we want to take a moment to thank you—our community, partners, and supporters—for your dedication to protecting the Nottawasaga Watershed.

2024 was a year of incredible progress, from restoring wetlands and monitoring water quality to connecting people with nature through education and recreation. And we’re just getting started!

This year, we’re looking forward to even more conservation projects, community events, and opportunities to work together to protect our land and water. Stay tuned, and let’s make 2025 a year to remember!

Check out our 2024 Year in Review Video

Retiring from the Top

After seven years of dedicated leadership, Doug Hevenor has retired as NVCA’s Chief Administrative Officer. We are grateful for his unwavering commitment to conservation and his role as a strong voice in protecting our watershed.

Doug’s impact extends beyond NVCA — he played a key role in regional conservation efforts as a Committee Member for both the Greater Golden Horseshoe Conservation Authority Collaborative, the Lake Huron Partnership, and as the Conservation Authority Liaison for the South Georgian Bay Lake Simcoe Source Protection Region. His leadership kept NVCA at the forefront of vital conservation initiatives across the region.

As we begin the search for NVCA’s next CAO, Sheryl Flannagan will serve as Interim CAO to ensure a smooth transition.

From all of us at NVCA, thank you, Doug, for your passion, expertise, and years of dedicated service. We wish you all the best in your well-earned retirement!

Read Sheryl's Op-Ed on Continuing in Doug's Footsteps

New Chair and Vice Chair Elected

Left to Right: Deputy Mayor Gail Little and Councillor Jonathan Scott.

The NVCA Board of Directors has elected Jonathan Scott, Councillor for the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury, as Chair and Gail Little, Deputy Mayor for the Township of Amaranth, as Vice Chair for 2025.

Councillor Scott and Deputy Mayor Little previously served as Vice Chair and Chair, respectively. As he steps into the role of Chair, Councillor Scott expressed gratitude for Deputy Mayor Little’s leadership and looks forward to continuing NVCA’s mission of protecting and enhancing the Nottawasaga Watershed.

“Our job as a conservation authority is to serve the public,” said Chair Scott. “I’m eager to support staff in making our processes more efficient while meeting the high expectations of residents, businesses, and municipal partners.”

Deputy Mayor Little, now serving her second term as Vice Chair, is proud of NVCA’s work through recent legislative changes and remains committed to guiding the organization alongside Chair Scott.

We look forward to their leadership as NVCA continues its vital conservation efforts in 2025!

New Year, Same Sticky Situation

Spring Tonic Banner showing syrup cauldrons over a fire.

With the new year in full swing, we’re gearing up for Spring Tonic, NVCA’s annual maple syrup festival! Mark your calendars for April 5 & 6 and get ready for a delicious pancake breakfast, wagon rides through the sugar bush, maple syrup demonstrations, and plenty of family fun.

Stay tuned for more details as the festival approaches—we can’t wait to see you there!

Tiffin Nature School Spring Session

Three children from the Tiffin Nature School

Outdoor learning adventures await! Tiffin Nature School’s spring session begins on March 4. It offers hands-on, nature-based education for young explorers. Students will spend their days outside, discovering the wonders of the forest, wetlands, and fields at the Tiffin Centre for Conservation.

Spaces fill up quickly, so be sure to register soon! Visit our website for details.

Register for the Tiffin Nature School spring session today!

Warning: Stay Away from Dams

A Caution Thin Ice sign at the levee on Papa Bear Pond at the Tiffin

As winter continues, we urge everyone to stay away from dams, spillways, and other flood infrastructure, where ice is thin, unstable, and unpredictable. Ice in these areas is often thin and unpredictable, with hidden currents that create serious, potentially fatal hazards.

To stay safe:

Keep well away from all dams and flood structures.
Observe warning signs and safety barriers.
Keep pets leashed and supervise children near waterways.

Whether you're skating, snowmobiling, or exploring outdoors, always choose safe areas well away from flood and waterway infrastructure for winter activities. Stay smart, stay safe, and enjoy winter responsibly!

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