Ball’s Falls outdoor education programs receive major donations

June 07, 2017

WELLAND, Ontario (June 6, 2017) – School is swiftly coming to an end and Summer Adventure Camp registration has now begun at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area. Hands-on learning, day hikes and exploration of unique historical features are just a few ways children can spend their months off enjoying the outdoors.

Two recent investments made from community partners this year will increase camp accessibility and also provide funding for the construction of a new floating dock.

In March, Niagara Regional Chair Alan Caslin announced a $10,000 donation using proceeds raised at the 2016 Regional Chair’s Charity Golf Tournament.

“Children and families often have limited opportunities to connect with nature - it is my goal as Regional Chair to ensure that every child has the chance to experience the beauty of what our Region has to offer”, states Caslin, “The health benefits of connecting with nature is well documented and I am confident this program will have a wide-reaching positive impact on our communities.”

The funding is part of a newly established Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) initiative called Eco Kids Camp, which helps send underprivileged kids to camp at Ball’s Falls. Families residing within the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s (NPCA) watershed can now apply for a subsidy to help cover both camp and transportation costs for up to three children.

Ball’s Falls Conservation Area is the heart of education programming and public education within the NPCA land holdings, hosting over 7000 students annually. “We’re always trying to find new ways to show children and families the nature that’s all around us,” says Alicia Powell, Educational Program Assistant with the NPCA. “Our pond at Ball’s Falls is home for green frogs and northern leopard frogs, as well as a nursery for toads and insects. Starting in June, we’ll be using the new floating dock regularly for camps, especially the Amazing Amphibians program.”

Enbridge provided $5000 in funding for the construction of the dock, delivering on their continued commitment to invest in community programs that promote environmental stewardship, habitat remediation, and education.

“Enbridge has always been impressed with the commitment and passion demonstrated by the professional staff at the Conservation Authority,” Ken Hall, Senior Advisor, Community Engagement comments, “we are proud to be able to partner with the NPCA to help deliver this important educational opportunity for youngsters in the region.”

For information on camp programs email Adam Christie or phone 905-562-5235 x23.

• Camps run from 9 am-3 pm daily with extended care available from 8 am-4:30 pm daily
• Weekly Fee $140
• Daily Fee $35
• Extended Care $5 per family
• 10% discount available for families with two or more children
• For campers ages 6-11

About the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation

Founded in 1969, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) is a registered charity dedicated to raising funds for the preservation & rehabilitation of our natural environment for present & future generations. Governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, it exists to raise support for projects of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA), as well as other local environmental non-profit organizations in the NPCA watershed.

The NPCF supports conservation projects that contribute to a better quality of life through improved water quality, increased green spaces, wetland and habitat restoration for fish and wildlife, and environmental education.

About the Regional Chair’s Golf Tournament

The Niagara Regional Chair annually hosts a charity golf tournament in support of deserving Niagara charities throughout the Niagara region.

Over the past 19 years, the Regional Chair’s Charity Golf Tournament has raised over $1.6 million for Niagara region charities and community organizations.

The 2016 tournament welcomed over 250 golfers on August 19, 2016, at the Legends on the Niagara golf course. 

About Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority

Conservation Authorities, created in 1946 by an Act of the Provincial Legislature, are mandated to further the conservation, restoration, development, and management of natural resources through programs that balance human, environmental and economic needs. The NPCA was established on April 30, 1959, under the Conservation Authorities Act, and serves approximately half a million people in the Niagara Peninsula Watershed, encompassing the entire Niagara Region and portions of the City of Hamilton and Haldimand County. The NPCA manages the impact of human activities, urban growth, and rural activities on the watershed.