Cataraqui Conservation is Celebrating 60 Years

Kingston – 2024 marks the 60^th anniversary of Cataraqui Conservation and to celebrate this significant milestone we are excited to share achievements of the past six decades with the watershed community.

Join us throughout the year for special anniversary events that will highlight Cataraqui Conservation’s evolution over the years through stories from staff, longtime members of our Board, volunteers, and visitors.

Created in 1964, Cataraqui Conservation has been the steward of the Cataraqui Region Watershed which encompasses more than 3,800 sq. km of land, stretching from Greater Napanee in the west to Brockville in the east. Over the last 60 years, we have delivered a wide range of programs and services that focus on natural hazard management, source water protection, land conservation, outdoor recreation, education, monitoring, and land stewardship.

Since our inception, we have collaborated with our partners, volunteers, citizens, and visitors to:

• Plant over 5.6 million trees on public and private lands since 1982 through our afforestation tree planting program.
• Provide outdoor environmental education programs to over 100,000 learners of all ages.
• Support best management practices for development around shorelines, wetlands, and watercourses with over 7,590 permit applications approved.
• Attract approximately 12,000 visitors annually to Maple Madness festivities at Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area each March since 1983.
• Acquire and protect more than 4,700 hectares of environmentally significant and ecologically sensitive lands within our jurisdiction.
• Gather locally important water quality, quantity, and aquatic ecosystem data throughout the Cataraqui watershed.

“Cataraqui Conservation’s success can be attributed to the hard work of staff, collaboration with our partners, and the support and dedication of our community volunteers past and present.” Said Krista Fazackerley, Communications & Education Supervisor. “Our mission to support watershed conservation continues to evolve along with the land, the climate, and the needs of our communities. Thank you to all who have helped make the last 60 years a success.”

Visit our 60^th Anniversary webpage and social media sites for updates on special events, photo contests, and challenges, along with photos, videos and articles that will give you an insight into the accomplishments of our past, present, and future aspirations for our watershed community.

For more information email info@crca.ca or find us on Instagram, Facebook, and X (Twitter).