It wasn’t long ago that wetlands were vastly underappreciated. Considered wastelands, unfit for modern agriculture or the building of homes and highways, many were drained and filled.
We now know that wetlands provide many important ecological functions and are one of our most important ecosystems. They filter water, capture carbon and provide homes for wildlife.
Without wetlands, we wouldn’t have the sounds of spring peepers. We’d lose the sight of herons fishing from their shores and turtles basking on logs. Winter would be harder for white-tailed deer, who use the shelter of treed wetlands for protection from predators and who forage there when the snow gets deep.
Landowners can protect wetlands by planting native trees and shrubs around their edges, leaving fallen logs in place which provide important wildlife habitat, and adding native aquatic plants to stabilize soil and increase visual appeal.
Show some love for wetlands this Valentine's season. Appreciate their beauty, be grateful for everything they do, listen to the signs they give and practice a little compromise by giving them their space.
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Caring for Your Land and Water
Tuesday, March 10, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Terra Cotta Conservation Area, Watershed Learning Centre. Register.
Learn how to care for your land and water. Discover how to build habitat for wildlife and to protect your well, woodlands and streams from climate change. Hear about funding programs to help you get started.
Climate Change and Your Health
Saturday, May 30, 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Warwick Conservation Centre. Register.
Is climate change making us sick? Get a diagnosis on how changes in our climate will impact the local environment and public health. Learn ways to keep you and your property healthy.
Septic Social
Saturday, June 6, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., Private Residence, Caledon. Register.
Get pumped about proper septic system maintenance. Join us septic-side to learn how you can protect groundwater and community health on your property.
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Sincerely,
Your Countryside Stewardship Team
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