Create a Grassland on Your Property This Spring

Grassland Stewardship Initiative Applications Now Open

Forests Ontario is excited to announce that applications for Grassland Stewardship Initiative (GSI) spring projects are open until January 22nd.

GSI is administered through Grasslands Ontario, a division of Forests Ontario. Established in 2017 to restore grassland habitat for the Bobolink and Eastern Meadowlark (Ontario species at risk), Grasslands Ontario has worked with partners to create, enhance, and/or maintain more than 420 hectares of grassland habitat.

Why are grasslands important? In addition to providing a home for species at risk, they also help mitigate the effects of climate change, improve pollinator health, and support biodiversity. Did you know that tallgrass prairies are one of North America’s most diverse and productive ecosystems? However, they are also Ontario’s most threatened ecosystem due to changes in land use.

GSI has supported a diversity of projects and restoration activities, such as delayed haying and grazing, invasive species removal, seeding, and vegetation enhancement. Farmland,
conservation areas, and nature reserves have all hosted GSI sites. If you think the GSI is right for your property, we welcome you to submit an application for funding.

Funding for the GSI is provided through the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks’ Species at Risk Stewardship Program. Please contact Nicole Baldwin with any questions
or comments at nbaldwin@forestsontario.ca.