Shorelines are vital habitat, throughout their life cycles, over 90% of aquatic species use shorelines for food, shelter, breeding, and rearing areas. However, shoreline development is impacting Canada’s freshwater ecosystems, causing issues such as poor water quality, erosion, and blue-green algae blooms. Taking action on both public and private property now can help reverse these effects while protecting the future of our freshwater. Watersheds Canada’s Natural Edge is a shoreline naturalization program with the goal to restore shoreline and agricultural buffers. Watersheds Canada provides local groups with the tools and information to deliver the program in their communities, including the Natural Edge App, Canada-wide Native Plant Database, an online Admin system, and all necessary program materials. For this project Watersheds Canada reached out to partners in the Ontario Great Lakes region and has included the following 5 projects areas for this partnership opportunity.
State / Province: Ontario
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Bay of Quinte Reforestation
This project will focus on improving water quality in the Bay of Quinte and Lake Ontario by contributing to one of the largest reforestation efforts in its service area. Quinte Conservation Association will restore at least 20 acres of riparian zone and upland forests with 750 plants per acre in the Bay of Quinte. Increasing forest cover throughout the watershed, in addition to along rivers, streams, and lakes draining to/and along the Bay of Quinte and Lake Ontario, will aid in intercepting and slowing rainfall and runoff. Slowing and capturing rainfall will reduce the amount of runoff entering water systems, reducing the frequency of flooding events, and aiding in recharging groundwater while contributing to cleaner water. Replanting forests will support wildlife and help to rebuild strong and resilient ecosystems with rich plant and animal life in a now increasingly fragmented landscape.