The County of Lambton has launched a Land Stewardship Pilot Program to help landowners take on climate-focused restoration projects.
A new pilot program in Lambton County is offering financial support to farmers and landowners for conservation work on their properties, with the goal of protecting local watersheds and strengthening environmental resilience.
Launched in partnership with the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA) and Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA), the Lambton County Land Stewardship pilot program provides matching grants of up to 50%—to a maximum of $10,000—for eligible land stewardship projects. The initiative is funded by Ontario’s Great Lakes Local Action Fund.
The program was identified as a priority in Lambton County’s Corporate Climate Change Strategy, adopted in 2024.
“As part of its mission, the County is committed to environmental stewardship, practicing sound environmental principles that are transferable from one generation to the next,” said Lambton County Warden Kevin Marriott.
Ontario’s Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Todd McCarthy, emphasized the role of local landowners in the program’s success.
“Farmers and landowners know their lands best—they are ideal environmental stewardship partners for this project spearheaded by the County of Lambton and local conservation organizations to protect local watersheds and communities,” McCarthy said.
Sarnia–Lambton MPP Bob Bailey echoed the call for local participation.
“I strongly encourage local residents to put forward stewardship ideas that will support and strengthen our local environment for generations to come,” Bailey said.
Eligible projects were developed in consultation with SCRCA, ABCA, and the County’s Agricultural Advisory Committee. Project types include cover crop incentives, erosion control, wetland restoration, community tree plantings, rural stormwater management plans, well decommissioning, and more.
All projects must take place between February 15 and December 31, 2025, and align with local conservation goals to improve soil health, water quality, and habitat connectivity in support of the Great Lakes ecosystem.
For full program details and application information, visit lambtononline.ca/landstewardship.
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