Oakvillegreen Conservation Association Inc., a non-partisan grassroots environmental charity, has been dedicated to protecting and restoring nature through community education and local action since 2000.


With the help of thousands of local volunteers, the organization works to enhance the ecological health of lands and waters, fostering a more resilient community. Oakvillegreen empowers individuals to drive local action by providing tools, knowledge and opportunities, to create a greener Oakville through nature-based climate solutions.


In partnership with corporates, schools, community groups, and residents of Oakville and beyond, our initiatives focus on environmental education, restoration of greenspaces, invasive species removal (ISR), pollinator habitat creation, and enhancing habitat connectivity.

Grounded in our commitment towards creating a low-carbon future, with the dedicated help of our supporters and volunteers, we have planted 40,000 native trees and shrubs in Oakville, engaged 15,000 volunteers, and inspired over 31,000 students, demonstrating our impactful community involvement. 

Through advocacy, action, and community engagement, Oakvillegreen is leading the way to a sustainable future where nature thrives and individuals take ownership and stewardship of local environmental issues.

  • SDG Spotlight

    Our work enhances the climate resilience of the Town of Oakville by advocating for and implementing nature-based solutions (NbS) that actively support UN Sustainable Development Goals 13 (Climate Action) and 15 (Life on Land), specifically targeting 13.1 (Strengthen Resilience and Adaptive Capacity to Climate-related Hazards & Natural Disasters), 15.5 (Protect Biodiversity & Natural Habitats), and 15.8 (Prevent Invasive Alien Species).


  • Our Mission

    Protecting nature where you live.

  • Our Vision

    To reconnect people to nature in their community through education, advocacy and action. By restoring natural habitat, increasing tree cover, improving local biodiversity and protecting local water sources we create a healthy town that benefits nature and all its inhabitants. 

    To create a LIVING Oakville with restored nature and a community that is connected to nature. We strive to make Oakville a living city with enhanced natural diversity, stronger connections between natural areas, and healthier green spaces. 

    Reconnect people to the natural environment in their neighbourhood and across their community to increase their awareness of the importance of nature, and to move them to action to protect, enhance and restore Oakville’s natural environment.

  • Our Values

    What sets us apart is our values:

    Community Focus: Oakvillegreen places a strong emphasis on community engagement and grassroots initiatives. We involve residents of all ages and backgrounds in conservation efforts, fostering a sense of ownership over local environmental issues and community belonging. This local focus enables us to directly impact our surroundings, enhancing health, and recreational opportunities.

    Holistic Approach: Oakvillegreen takes a holistic approach to conservation and climate action. We tackle a wide range of environmental concerns, such as biodiversity loss, enhancing urban forest canopy, removing invasive species, and promoting environmental education. We pride ourselves on taking on a hands-on approach to addressing climate change and biodiversity loss.

    Advocacy and Education: We not only engage in on-the-ground conservation work but also run environmental education programs, raising awareness in schools and the community about environmental issues and promoting environmental sustainability.

    Collaboration and Partnerships: We actively partner with other organizations, government agencies, businesses, and community groups. This collaborative approach amplifies our impact and allows for larger-scale projects and initiatives. Corporations are offered the opportunity to embrace CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) principles and contribute to the well-being of society and the environment.

    Long-Term Vision: The association is committed to long-term environmental sustainability and climate resilience. Our initiatives are designed with future generations in mind, aiming to create lasting positive impacts on Oakville's environment.


Our Beginnings

Oakvillegreen was founded in 2000 by Oakville residents Allan Elgar, Linda Elgar, Mike Landsdown, Iris McGee, Hank Rodenburg, and Renee Sandelowsky in response to the proposed development of 7,600 acres of agricultural land north of Dundas Road. Together they began to increase public awareness for the protection of North Oakville’s natural environment by insisting on a sound planning process. Through their hard work, they were successful in protecting a third of the area slated for development. The resulting Natural Heritage System was the first of its kind in the GTA.


Twenty years later, Oakvillegreen’s charitable mandate and programs have now expanded to address today’s critical issues of climate change and biodiversity loss, with a continued focus on greenspace protection. Through our work with schools and youth, community groups, seniors and local partners, we’re striving to create inclusive and lasting nature connections.


Visit our Mission, Vision, and Key Objectives page.


Visit our Programs page to see how we’re enabling action for a healthier, greener Oakville.

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