Meet NCC at the FCM Annual Conference 2026 June 4
The forests, wetlands and watersheds in your community filter drinking water, absorb floodwater and reduce pressure on built systems. We can work with you to secure them for the long term.
To meet up with us at FCM 2026 in Edmonton, reach out to Dawn Carr today.
About Dawn Carr
Dawn Carr is director of strategic conservation at NCC, where she works nationally to advance large scale conservation outcomes that support community resilience, biodiversity and climate goals. With more than 25 years of experience across municipal, provincial, national and international policy systems, Dawn specializes in bridging conservation action with government priorities, land use planning, Indigenous-led conservation partnerships and economic development.
At NCC, she helps unlock practical conservation solutions — such as nature-based climate adaptation, protected and conserved areas, and partnerships that align with local priorities, infrastructure planning and growth pressures. Previously, Dawn served as executive director of the Canadian Parks Council, advising federal, provincial and territorial governments, and building enduring partnerships with municipal park and recreation leaders. She is actively engaged in global biodiversity and climate processes and holds graduate degrees in public administration and protected area planning.
Discover how NCC has protected communities by protecting nature:
1. Safeguarding Saint John’s water supply
The City of Saint John protected its drinking water using land it already owned. Guided by NCC’s expertise and supported by governments of Canada and New Brunswick, Saint John formally recognized more than 4,800 hectares of city-owned land for conservation, safeguarding water quality and quantity for the long term. When they are functioning properly, healthy forests and wetlands can help cities reduce water treatment costs, providing natural filtration and other services that lower public health risks.
2. Stewarding Wellfield Sites in Charlottetown
Municipal wellfield sites play a vital role in providing drinking water to Charlottetown. In January 2026, the city worked with NCC to protect 265 hectares of wellfield sites under the Government of Canada’s other effective area-based conservation measures (OECM) conservation recognition. The OECM designation helps strengthen crucial natural assets and advances the work of the City’s Climate Action Plan.
3. Conserving the Oak Ridges Moraine headwaters
Surrounded by the growing metropolis of the Greater Toronto Area, Happy Valley Forest – Pottageville Swamp is a natural oasis with vast ecological, historical and cultural significance. NCC has helped to conserve more than 323 hectares of this forest, protecting headwaters that supply drinking water to millions in Toronto and Barrie. With mounting residential and industrial pressures throughout the GTA, this conservation effort ensures natural areas will continue to clean our air, filter our water and provide opportunities for people to connect with nature.
4. Building flood resilience in the Ottawa Valley
In partnership with the City of Ottawa, NCC recently conserved a 91-hectare wetland and forest property on the east side of the Marlborough Wetland, an extensive Provincially Significant Wetland in Ottawa. The newly conserved area strengthens the natural infrastructure that helps lower flood risk for area communities, safeguards wildlife habitat and supports quality of life for people in the Ottawa region. The project reinforces that when wetlands are conserved, public costs are reduced and communities are better protected.