Natural heritage

The Grand River watershed contains a variety of natural heritage features and functions. It has rivers, reservoirs, forests, wetlands and grasslands that provide habitat to thousands of species of birds, fish, animals and other creatures. These landscape features and the ecosystem functions and services they provide, make up the watershed's natural heritage system. Natural heritage features and functions are also widely referred to in the literature as biological diversity or biodiversity. Climate, soil, and water all have an impact on biodiversity and natural heritage systems. Humans can also have an impact.  

The watershed has changed dramatically over the past 200 years as a result of human settlement. Most of our forests and wetlands have disappeared. Habitat loss and fragmentation prevents the movement of animals and plants, which become less abundant and geographically restricted. Many species are at risk of becoming extinct in Ontario or Canada. However, invasive plants and animals are becoming more abundant and widepread, threatening native species.

The GRCA and its partners in the public and private sectors have worked for many decades to protect what remains and restore what has been lost. Habitat restoration efforts are aimed at protecting and improving biodiversity, restoring the ecological integrity and resiliency of the watershed, and providing recreational spaces for watershed residents.

Natural heritage systems

A natural heritage system includes natural features like wetlands, forests, river and creek valleys, and hills. These features are connected to each other and work together to provide suitable habitat for plants and animals. Wetlands and forests also protect the soil and help control flooding. Mapping natural heritage systems can also help identify environmentally important areas and potential habitat restoration areas. 

Working with many stakeholders, the Grand River Conservation Authority mapped and described natural heritage systems within the 11 major subwatersheds that make up the Grand River watershed. For more information about the natural heritage system within each subwatershed, please visit our natural heritage system page.

Fisheries management

The Grand River Watershed Fisheries Management Plan provides a blueprint to improve the health of our rivers and creeks . The plan has benefited a variety of fish and mussel species.

Trees and forests

Forests and trees are important for watershed health. The GRCA has planted more than 30 million trees since the 1930s. We also provide financial support and advice to landowners who want to plant more trees and create more forests. Learn more on our tree planting page.

The Grand River Watershed Forest Plan supports the growth of a healthy, sustainable watershed forest. 

Habitat restoration

The GRCA also coordinates habitat restoration projects that focus on recreating and reconnecting forests, wetlands, tallgrass prairies, and meadows.

Fighting invasive species

Invasive species are a threat to native plant and animal species within the Grand River watershed. All landowners can play a role in controlling invasive species and protecting native species, including species at risk.