June 12, 2026 – Today, Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) in partnership with Credit Valley Conservation Foundation (CVCF) announced the launch of CVC’s Conservation Detection Dog program, a first in Ontario innovation in early detection of invasive species. At the heart of the program is Tilly, a scent-trained Labrador Retriever who will play a critical role in identifying priority invasive species on CVC properties.
“The introduction of the Conservation Detection Dog program strengthens CVC’s ability to detect high-risk invasive species before they become established in our conservation areas and on CVC properties,” said Terri LeRoux, Chief Administrative Offer at Credit Valley Conservation. “It reflects CVC’s commitment to innovation and proactive conservation recognizing that early detection and rapid response greatly reduces long-term management costs and can improve ecological outcomes.”
Preventing new species from becoming established is critical. Tilly is specially trained to use her highly developed sense of smell, up to 100,000 times more sensitive than humans, to detect target priority invasive species odours before more visible signs appear. Because invasive species are difficult to identify at low densities and across complex terrains, by the time they are visible, control becomes significantly more costly and less effective, making the use of a detection dog more accurate and cost-effective than conventional field surveys.
“This program demonstrates how innovation can strengthen environmental protection and deliver meaningful conservation outcomes,” said Dayana Gomez, Executive Director of Credit Valley Conservation Foundation. “We look forward to engaging donors, partners and community supporters who share our commitment to protecting the Credit River Watershed and helping ensure the long-term success of this important initiative.”
Invasive species pose one of the greatest threats to forests, biodiversity and local economies. Once established, they spread rapidly and often have irreversible impacts, resulting in long-term ecological degradation, loss of biodiversity, and substantial economic burden on public and private land managers.
Across Canada, invasive species are estimated to cost approximately $7.5 billion annually with economic impacts spanning forests, agriculture, fisheries and infrastructure. Research consistently shows that early detection and rapid response can reduce management costs by up to 90 per cent compared to delayed intervention, while significantly improving ecological outcomes
“Tilly is trained to survey natural habitats to detect invasive species earlier, faster, and with much greater accuracy,” said Tony Pallotta, Master Trainer with Working K9.
Tilly is bred from a working line of dogs and is currently trained to detect three invasive species:
- Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA): A small invasive insect that feeds on eastern hemlock trees, causing needle loss, branch dieback, and eventual tree mortality.
- Spotted Lanternfly (SLF): An invasive sap-feeding insect that attacks a wide range of trees and plants, weakening them and reducing growth and productivity.
- Red Swamp Crayfish (RSC): An invasive crayfish that can outcompete native species, alter aquatic habitats, and disrupt aquatic ecosystems.
As new threats emerge, they will be assessed for feasibility of being added to her repertoire.
CVC is proactively preparing for emerging invasive species through monitoring, planning and collaboration with local, provincial and federal partners.
Since 2016, CVC has been monitoring priority hemlock forests in the Credit River Watershed. Through the new Conservation Detection Dog Program, CVC will expand current monitoring efforts for hemlock woolly adelgid and add spotted lanternfly as a target species.
When priority invasive species are detected, CVC shifts from early detection to a coordinated response in partnership with relevant agencies. This includes determining the population extent, risks, and potential management actions for containment and/or control.
This initiative has been developed in collaboration with experts at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Canadian Forest Service. These partnerships ensure the program is grounded in strong science and aligned with national best practices in invasive species detection and response.
Tilly will be out with CVC handler staff at CVC priority conservation areas beginning detection work this summer. The public is asked to not pet, call to, feed, or otherwise interact with Tilly while she is working or under handler direction unless the handler explicitly invites interaction.
To learn more about the Conservation Detection Dog Program go to cvc.ca/Tilly. To support conservation initiatives across the Credit River Watershed, please visit cvcfoundation.ca.
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About Credit Valley Conservation
Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) is a local conservation authority established by the Ontario government in 1954 to protect, restore and enhance the natural environment of the Credit River watershed. That watershed is the area of land where all rainfall, snowmelt and runoff drains (“sheds”) into lands and waters flowing into the Credit River. CVC creates connections between people and nature, knowledge and action. It inspires a deep appreciation for the role of nature in keeping people connected, healthy and happy. CVC is a member of Conservation Ontario.
About Credit Valley Conservation Foundation
Credit Valley Conservation Foundation is a registered environmental charity working to help protect and conserve the lands and waters of the Credit River Watershed. The Foundation accomplishes this by raising funds in support of the valuable conservation projects carried out by Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) that protect the health and well-being of the flora and fauna, the watershed and its inhabitants for today and tomorrow. CVC inspires a deep appreciation for the role of nature in keeping people connected, healthy and happy.
CVC Media Contact
Sophia Maio
Senior Manager, Marketing and Communications
Credit Valley Conservation
M: 437-240-4801
Email
CVCF Media Contact
Dayana Gomez
Executive Director
Credit Valley Conservation Foundation
M: 416-409-2916
Email