2024 Year in Review: A Year of Community and Vision

  December 20, 2024

As we reflect on 2024, it’s clear this has been a year of incredible progress and teamwork. Ontario is growing fast, and as it does, the Greenbelt becomes even more essential. The Greenbelt is not just a stretch of protected land; it’s a living, breathing system that supports communities, sustains agriculture, and provides spaces to connect with nature. From supporting agriculture, safeguarding our waters systems to providing spaces for recreation and boosting local tourism, a thriving Greenbelt makes all of Ontario stronger. Let’s dive into some of the year’s highlights and see how together, we’re shaping a brighter future. 

Restoring Nature: Trees, Parks, and Clean Water 

The Greenbelt Foundation’s work in greenspace restoration and conservation reached new heights in 2024. This year, the One Million Trees in the Greenbelt Program, in partnership with Forests Ontario and Green Communities Canada, expanded tree cover by 250 hectares across 326 sites. These efforts not only strengthened biodiversity but also enhanced climate resilience. 

We also launched our latest Large Parks report, emphasizing the role of private lands in park networks, and celebrated the opening of Ontario’s first Urban Provincial Park in Uxbridge. These milestones underscore how greenspaces thrive in urban contexts, providing critical access and benefits to local communities.  

Our focus on clean water took centre stage with the release of a video highlighting the Greenbelt’s critical role in safeguarding groundwater—a resource that sustains millions of Ontarian's. These initiatives not only protect vital ecosystems but also deepen connections between people and the landscapes they cherish.

Innovation in Climate Resilience 

The Greenbelt Foundation is committed to addressing the challenges of climate change through bold and innovative approaches. This year, our work included partnering with the Town of Pelham to support the Pelham Greenbelt Natural Asset Management Project, which models how municipalities can integrate natural systems as essential infrastructure. By prioritizing the protection of natural assets, this initiative provides a replicable framework for building resilience and sustainability across Ontario. 

The Greenbelt is not just an environmental asset but a vital tool in building healthier, more resilient communities. Being able to place more focus on Natural Asset Management in 2024 has been a vital steppingstone in achieving larger goals. Nature isn’t just beautiful; it’s powerful infrastructure and the Greenbelt is a hub for it- something we at the Foundation are incredibly proud of.  

Connecting Through Recreation and Tourism 

The Greenbelt is an ecological treasure and a destination for recreation and exploration. In 2024, we expanded awareness of outdoor activities through the Recreation in the Greenbelt video series, showcasing ice fishing, winter hiking, and paddleboarding. These activities encourage Ontarians to experience the Greenbelt’s beauty while supporting local economies. 

We created 3 new Recreation in the Greenbelt video series, which showcased activities like ice fishing, winter hiking, and paddleboarding. These experiences encourage Ontarians to explore the natural beauty of the Greenbelt while supporting the local businesses and communities that benefit from tourism.  We also conducted a rural town tour throughout the fall and summer, exploring firsthand the vibrant and unique communities that make up the Greenbelt!  

Our partnership with the Waterfront Regeneration Trust continued to thrive, with the annual Great Waterfront Trail Advent were highlights, attracting record numbers of participants and demonstrating the Greenbelt’s value as a hub for outdoor activities. Enhancements to the Greenbelt Cycle Route and connector trails further solidified its reputation as a premier destination for adventure. 

Soil Health: The Foundation of a Strong Agriculture and Agri-Food System 

Healthy soil is vital to a strong agricultural and agri-food system. The Greenbelt Foundation’s Soil Health Program achieved significant milestones in 2024, empowering farmers across the Greater Golden Horseshoe to adopt Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) that improve productivity while safeguarding the environment. 

This year, we engaged 130 producers in soil sampling across 161 sites and supported 31 in adopting BMPs, with 23 more planning to follow. Techniques like cover cropping and nutrient management not only enhance soil health but also contribute to carbon storage and water quality improvements, reinforcing the interconnected benefits of a healthy Greenbelt. 

Education: Inspiring the Next Generation 

Education remains a cornerstone of our mission. This year, we collaborated with Ecoschools, once again providing activities and resources that foster an understanding of biodiversity conservation. As Ontario grows, it’s critical to instill an appreciation for native plants and biodiversity corridors in our communities. 

Additionally, our collaboration with Plenty Canada resulted in the Greenbelt Indigenous Botanical Field Guide, a resource that bridges Indigenous knowledge with contemporary conservation efforts. These initiatives inspire deeper connections to the Greenbelt’s cultural and ecological landscapes. 

Looking Ahead 

The successes of 2024 illustrate the power of shared commitment to a sustainable and successful future. As we approach 2025, the Greenbelt’s 20th anniversary, we’re excited to deepen partnerships, expand programs, and continue championing the Greenbelt as a cornerstone of southern Ontario’s environment, economy, and quality of life. 

To everyone who contributed to this year’s achievements: thank you. Together, we’re building a legacy of resilience and growth, one tree, one farm, one community, and one connection at a time.

Here’s to growing stronger, together.