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The health of a river is tied to the health of the natural areas surrounding it.

In the early 1800s, the Grand River watershed was mostly forest. But during the 19th century, most of the forests were cleared as settlers developed their farms, cities and towns. This caused a number of environmental problems, including soil erosion, extreme flooding and very low river flows during the summer months.

Since that time, tree planting initiatives have increased forest cover in southern Ontario, including the Grand River watershed. We have planted more than 30 million trees throughout the watershed since the 1930s.  

Current information on forest cover and natural characteristics by subwatershed is available on our Natural Heritage Systems webpage.

Forests are important for watershed health

• Trees, grass and shrubs along waterways soak up nutrients before they reach the water, protecting water quality.
• Forests moderate the ebb and flow of river flows over the year, reducing floods during the spring melt and keeping rivers flowing in the dry summer months.
• Forests are critical habitat for birds, animals and other creatures.
• Trees improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and carbon dioxide.

Working together

In partnership with other agencies, groups and landowners, we promote reforestation and the protection of remaining forests.

• We own and manage 11,500 hectares of forest, which is seven per cent of the watershed's total forest cover.
• We help rural landowners plant trees on their land.
• In 2004, in partnership with a variety of public agencies, groups and individuals, we published A Watershed Forest Plan for the Grand River to help us better understand the watershed's forests at the time, and how they could be made better.
• We provide information for private landowners about forest management on our website.