Ontario Biodiversity Council

An ideal shoreline buffer is a strip of native wildflowers, trees, shrubs, and grasses at least 30 metres wide that extends from the waterline upland to protect the water from both natural and human-induced impacts. If your property has a manicured lawn to the water’s edge, try leaving a 10-15 metres (or more!) strip of shoreline un-mowed to allow for natural regeneration of native vegetation. ➡️ Planting deep-rooted vegetation, like trees and shrubs, will bind and stabilize the soil along your shoreline, reducing property loss caused by erosion. ➡️ Using their extensive root systems, trees and shrubs will also act as barriers to reduce surface runoff, slow floodwaters, and filter pollutants and excess nutrients. ➡️ Planting native shrubs that produce berries and flowers will provide birds, pollinators, and small mammals with shelter and a year-round food source. Are you a shoreline property owner? Restoring your shoreline with native plants is a great way protect the health of your water and create great areas for wildlife viewing! Get in touch with Chantal from The Natural Edge team to inquire about a free site visit: naturaledge.watersheds.ca/co…

Do you own a waterfront property in Central-Eastern Ontario? Shoreline property owners like you have a unique opportunity to protect the long-term health of your waterbody by creating a naturalized shoreline using native plants. The Natural Edge program empowers you to take local action on the restoration and conservation of freshwater areas by enhancing your shoreline areas with native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers for long-term sustainability. Fill out our online form to inquire about a free site visit! naturaledge.watersheds.ca/co…