February 20, 2025 – Watersheds Canada and the Boyne River Keepers will work to improve shoreline health and resiliency along the Boyne River, Manitoba by naturalizing shoreline properties in 2024-2025. The project, funded by Manitoba Habitat Conservancy and RBC Foundation, will result in 1,500m2 of riparian habitat restored and the planting of 750 native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. As a result, the Boyne River will see increased biodiversity, improved water quality, increased flood mitigation, and enhanced carbon sequestration. This project marks the first time Watersheds Canada’s flagship program, The Natural Edge, will be delivered in Manitoba.
“Each year, The Natural Edge grows to benefit more waterfront property owners and shoreline communities”, says Chloe Lajoie, national conservation director at Watersheds Canada. “We are thrilled to finally bring the program to Manitoba thanks to funding from the Manitoba Habitat Conservancy and RBC Foundation, and a new partnership with grassroots group Boyne River Keepers.”
This two-year project will help to benefit multiple sections of shoreline along the Boyne River in and around the Town of Carman, Manitoba within the Redboine Watershed District. The shoreland restoration projects will occur on both public and private lands, including one public demonstration site which will act as a site of inspiration for shoreline property owners looking to take action on their own lands to protect local freshwater sources.
Chloe Lajoie (Watersheds Canada, right) and Stacy O’Connor (Boyne River Keepers, left) conduct site visits through Watersheds Canada’s program The Natural Edge.
Watersheds Canada staff and Boyne River Keepers volunteers performed site visits to eligible waterfront property landowners along the Boyne River in summer 2024 and provided them with advice and recommendations to improve shoreline health. When restoration efforts were encouraged, a Shoreline Re-Naturalization Starter Kit was recommended. A Kit includes the creation of a shoreline restoration plan for the property, native plants and materials, and education guides on how to maintain shoreline health. If you are interested in learning more about The Natural Edge, please visit NaturalEdge.Watersheds.ca
The Natural Edge – Shoreline Naturalizations Along the Boyne River project was made possible with funding from two funders. The first is the Manitoba Habitat Conservancy (MHC) through the Conservation Trust. Supported by the Province of Manitoba, Trust funds provide opportunities to improve peoples’ connection to nature, enhance wildlife populations and habitats, and address water and soil conservation needs across Manitoba. The $204 million Provincial endowment was established to create the Conservation, GROW, and Wetland Grow Trusts. The Winnipeg Foundation holds the endowment from which the annual interest revenues will, forever, support conservation projects in Manitoba.
“All of us at MHC love seeing individuals and organizations unite in conservation efforts,” says Samantha German, grants manager at Manitoba Habitat Conservancy. “By enhancing the river’s health and resilience through naturalization practices, we are not only supporting the conservation of vital ecosystems but also fostering a stronger connection between people and the land they care for.”
This project also was made possible with funding from RBC Foundation. The donation from RBC Foundation will support on-the-ground, nature-based action across Canada. This comes at a time when shorelines are under considerable threat from climate change and increased development pressures and unsustainable land-use.
“The work of Watersheds Canada is important for helping improve and restore this ecologically significant shoreline along the Boyne River in Manitoba,” said Thea Silver, Senior Director, Environmental Impact, RBC. “RBC Foundation is proud to support nature-based solutions that address habitat loss, conserve biodiversity and build climate resilience to help drive a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.”
About Watersheds Canada
Watersheds Canada is a registered Canadian charity committed to providing programs to communities across the country to engage and help individuals and groups enhance and protect the health of their lakes and rivers. Since 2002, they have delivered freshwater stewardship programming, shoreline naturalizations and assessments, and in-water habitat restorations. Learn more: Watersheds.ca
About Boyne River Keepers
The Boyne River Keepers was established in 2019 by a small group of citizens who came together and discovered a common desire to promote, restore, and protect the historic Boyne River, Manitoba and its essential watershed. They are a non-profit with a vision of a thriving, free flowing waterway where the Boyne River’s scenic beauty is honoured. Learn more: BoyneRiverKeepers.ca
