Community Water Leaders is a program for students, young professionals, and community members aged 18+ to gain practical experience collecting water quality data. In addition to water testing, the group meets weekly for workshops and networking events. While this program does focus on water testing and water-related issues, the real emphasis is on building leaders within our community. We hope to foster confidence in volunteers to be able to discuss issues specifically related to the Hamilton Harbour area with other community members and to promote long-term action within our watershed. We request that participants are located in Hamilton or adjacent areas.

Registation for the Fall 2026 cohort of Community Water Leaders is now closed with the program well underway. 

Please check back in April for information regarding the Spring 2027 cohort.

Since the 1990s, volunteers have played an essential role in helping Bay Area Restoration Council (BARC) and Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) plant native wetland species in Cootes Paradise and Grindstone Marshes. These wetland plants provide food and shelter for wildlife and improve water quality by stabilizing soil and reducing erosion. 

Due to the nature and location of the planting sites, these events are not suitable for children. You must be at least 16 years old to participate. An adult guardian must sign a waiver for anyone under 18.  

As a Marsh Volunteer Planter, you will receive: 

• Hands-on experience in planting native marsh vegetation
• A chance to visit and learn about unique marsh ecosystems with BARC and RBG staff
• The opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who care about the environment
• Refreshments and all necessary equipment at each event – provided by BARC
• Sign-off for volunteer hours if requested
• A Certificate of Completion *available to volunteers who complete the orientation session and attend a minimum of 2 marsh planting events in one summer

Registration for 2027 will open in May.

Invasive species are plants and animals that have spread beyond where they’re naturally found (their native range). In this new area, they often lack natural predators, allowing them to spread rapidly and uncontrollably. They are tough and flexible, making them hard to control. Invasive species outcompete native locals by stealing resources such as food, water, light, and space. They cause numerous challenges by disrupting the food chain and ultimately causing biodiversity loss.

Stay tuned for 2027 dates.

Seabins are floating rubbish bins designed to intercept plastic waste from the water’s surface. Think automatic garbage cans in the water!

Harbour West Marina has two Seabins and we need your help characterizing the collected waste.

Stay tuned for 2027 dates.

Community clean-ups bring people together to make local parks, trails, and public spaces cleaner and more welcoming. By cleaning up garbage, we keep it from making its way into our waterways where it pollutes our water and harms wildlife.

Stay tuned for 2027 dates.