The ALUS Peel Pilot helps farmers in the Region of Peel overcome environmental challenges affecting farm productivity and soil and water quality using nature-based solutions. 

Peel farmers have a history of active farm stewardship founded on long-standing relationships with the Region and its local conservation authorities. Since 2004, the Region, Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) have helped the local farming community implement environmental farm projects valued at more than $4.7 million through the joint delivery of the Peel Rural Water Quality Program.

As an extension of the Peel Rural Water Quality Program, the ALUS Peel Pilot opens up new opportunities for on-farm stewardship by introducing the ALUS model to the program and increasing the resources available to farmers for specific long-term environmental stewardship projects.

The program supports natural infrastructure projects like tree planting, wetland, stream, and grassland restoration, in-field soil erosion control and livestock fencing. ALUS Peel provides participating farmers annual payments for ongoing project maintenance and monitoring efforts.

Natural infrastructure projects help improve farm sustainability, enhance biodiversity and support climate change adaptation. These projects also help protect the headwaters of the Credit River, Humber River, Etobicoke Creek and Mimico Creek; unique ecological features, like the Niagara Escarpment and Oak Ridges Moraine; and habitat for at-risk species, like the Jefferson Salamander, Redside Dace, Bobolink and Eastern Meadowlark.

Natural infrastructure also performs valuable ecosystem services, such as reducing flood risk, capturing carbon, cleaning the air and water and cooling communities.