Bridging the gap between conservation and agriculture, farmers and environmental advocates gathered at the Ruthven Park National Historical Site to explore how ALUS Canada could reshape the future of land stewardship in Haldimand County.
Haldimand Stewardship Council organized the discussion on March 6, 2025 with the goal of learning more about ALUS Canada and the potential to form an ALUS chapter for local farmers.
The meeting brought together local landowners, environmental advocates, and agricultural stakeholders who were eager to explore how ALUS Canada’s nature-based solutions could support local conservation and farming efforts.
Cathy Blott, biotechnical services representative for Haldimand Stewardship Council, opened the evening by welcoming attendees and emphasizing the significance of the gathering.
She noted that discussions with ALUS Canada and ALUS Norfolk began in 2022, with an early sample project already showing positive environmental outcomes.
“We established a beautiful grassland in the Grand River floodplain where our Goldenberg Observatory is, and the results have been remarkable,” she shared. “We’ve seen rare species return to the area, and we’re hopeful that next year we’ll start to see reproduction.”
Blott highlighted the importance of the Haldimand County area within the broader environmental landscape, noting its role in biodiversity and regional connectivity.
“We’re part of what’s called the Carolinian zone, a unique and ecologically rich ecosystem,” she explained. “Lake Erie’s water quality is a major concern, and every spring, nearly every fish species migrates up into our creeks and rivers to spawn. That’s why it’s critical for us to focus on drainage lands, ensuring we filter out pollutants before they reach the lake.”
She also emphasized the importance of maintaining connections with neighbouring regions such as Norfolk, Niagara, and Six Nations, as wildlife restoration efforts often require broader collaboration.
“Part of wildlife management is ensuring genetic mixing across small populations, and that means creating ecological corridors across our county and beyond,” she added. “Tonight’s meeting is a step toward expanding these efforts through ALUS.”
Following Blott’s introduction, Alyssa Cousineau, Eastern Hub Manager for ALUS Canada, provided an in-depth overview of ALUS and its approach to conservation and agriculture.
She explained that ALUS is a charitable organization dedicated to supporting farmers and ranchers in implementing environmental projects on their land.
“ALUS is about working with, not against, agriculture,” she said. “We focus on edge-of-field practices and the boundaries where farming and nature intersect. The goal isn’t to take land out of production, but rather to enhance the ecological value of existing landscapes.”
Cousineau emphasized that ALUS operates on a voluntary basis, allowing farmers and communities to determine the best conservation strategies for their needs.
“Farmers come to us because they want to participate,” she said. “They identify marginal or environmentally sensitive land on their properties, and we work with them to implement solutions that enhance biodiversity, improve water quality, and create habitat for wildlife.”
She highlighted the success of ALUS projects across Canada, noting that the program is now active in 39 communities, with more than 1,700 participating farmers and ranchers.
“It’s a model that works,” she stated. “By compensating farmers for their efforts, we recognize the value of ecosystem services, which benefits both agricultural operations and the broader community.”
The discussion then shifted to how Haldimand could establish its own ALUS chapter.
Cousineau outlined the steps involved, from forming a local Partnership Advisory Committee (PAC) to securing funding and identifying priority conservation projects.
“Each ALUS community operates independently, with decisions made at the local level,” she said. “The PAC is at the heart of the program, consisting of farmers, conservation experts, and municipal representatives who guide how projects are implemented.”
She encouraged attendees to think about what conservation priorities might be most relevant for Haldimand.
“In some areas, water quality is the primary focus. In others, it might be pollinator habitats or grassland restoration,” she noted. “It’s up to the community to decide what’s most important and how best to allocate resources.”
Farmers in attendance expressed interest in learning more about how ALUS funding and compensation structures work. Cousineau explained that payments are based on the ecological value of projects, with funding coming from a mix of government sources, private sector investments, and philanthropic foundations.
“We aim to make conservation an economically viable option for farmers,” she said. “That’s why ALUS supports annual payments for maintaining projects, rather than just covering initial establishment costs.”
The conversation also touched on the role of community partnerships in ensuring ALUS projects are successful. Cousineau noted that ALUS communities frequently collaborate with conservation authorities, environmental organizations, and local businesses.
“It’s all about bringing together the right people to make these projects work,” she said. “We’re here to facilitate, but the leadership needs to come from the community.”
As the evening drew to a close, Blott invited interested attendees to step forward and volunteer for the initial steering committee that would explore the feasibility of an ALUS chapter in Haldimand. Several individuals expressed interest, signing up to help lay the groundwork for the program.
“This is an exciting opportunity for us,” Blott said. “We have a strong farming community here, and ALUS could be a great fit for Haldimand.”
Cousineau echoed that sentiment, expressing enthusiasm for the potential expansion of ALUS into the county.
“You have everything you need to make this work – engaged farmers, a committed stewardship council, and a community that values conservation,” she said. “I’m looking forward to seeing where this goes.”
To learn more about the Haldimand ALUS chapter or to get involved, contact Blott by email at biotech@haldimandstewardshipcouncil.org or Cousineau at acousineau@alus.ca.
