A Day at the Hollow Oak Nature Reserve
June 9th marked a joyful occasion to celebrate the achievements of conservation in Ontario through the Greenlands Conservation Partnership. The event took place at the Bruce Trail Conservancy’s Hollow Oak Nature Reserve just outside Burlington—one of the partnership’s great successes. Despite an overcast start and looming rain clouds, spirits were high, and the weather held just long enough to make the day a memorable one.
The Honourable Todd McCarthy, Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks, provided a few words alongside MPP Natalie Pierre, Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, Bruce Trail Conservancy CEO Michael McDonald, and OLTA’s Executive Director Alison Howson. Land trust members and volunteers came out in strong numbers, filling the event space with energy and anticipation as we celebrated the work of the partnership.
The Greenlands Conservation Partnership is the single largest provincial fund to secure private land in Ontario. Between 2020 and 2024, the program has protected nearly 431,000 acres (approximately 174,300 hectares) of land across the province– more than 2.75 times the size of Toronto. This year, the Government of Ontario has committed an additional $20 million over the next four years to support conservation in Ontario, bringing their total investment in the Greenlands Conservation Partnership to $58 million. New to the program, as of April 2025, all GCP properties going forward must have some form of public access, expanding Ontarians’ access to recreational trails and beautiful green spaces across the province.
After the speeches, attendees enjoyed a guided hike along the Bruce Trail, 475 meters of which runs through the reserve. The trail winds through escarpment forest and rich habitat protected under the program. For 2024/25, 15 projects will conserve over 1,650 acres of land, including similar trails like the one at Hollow Oak Nature Reserve, for the public to enjoy at no cost. Afterward, guests explored the grounds of the property, mingled at booths hosted by local land trusts, and enjoyed light refreshments. A gentle rain toward the end of the day added a refreshing close to what was a heartfelt celebration of collaboration, dedication, and a shared commitment to protecting Ontario’s natural heritage.
Read the full press release here and stay tuned for more updates on the Greenlands Conservation Partnership!
