Shorelines are one of the richest environments on earth, but they are also among the most threatened. Habitat loss and degradation, water quality impairments, and increasing pressures from shoreline development can deteriorate our lakes and rivers, making them a priority for environmental stewardship and restoration.
The Natural Edge Program helps shoreline property owners restore their shoreline, protect their water quality, and create habitat for wildlife and pollinators. Trained staff walk your shoreline with you from a safe physical distance to create a planting plan using Watersheds Canada’s self-developed Natural Edge App. You pick plants based on your soil type, sunlight availability, and personal aesthetic preferences and our staff are there to guide you through the entire process.
2020 is a busy year for the Natural Edge program as we continue to spread across Ontario to help restore your property’s natural edge! Are we delivering to your area? If you think you might be eligible, please contact the Natural Edge team: naturaledge@watersheds.ca
- Quinte watershed, residential property owners
Natural Edge starter kits include a free site visit, custom restoration plan, a variety of native vegetation delivered and planted along your shoreline, as well as educational materials. With generous funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Daniel and Susan Gottlieb Foundation, landowners only have to contribute 25% of the total project costs. Planting will take place in either fall 2020 or spring 2021 depending on availability.
Quinte NE poster – PDF download
- Eastern Ontario, residential property owners
If you are in Eastern Ontario, like the Mississippi or Cataraqui watersheds, you are eligible for a Natural Edge shoreline re-naturalization starter kit! For $250, you will receive a site visit, customized planting plan, 50 native plants including bare root and potted stock, 45 coconut fibre mats, mulch & tree guards, and 3 care guides. Your starter kit will be available for pick up fall 2020. Funding provided by the Love Your Lake Program in partnership with Canadian Wildlife Federation and the Rogers Foundation, and the Daniel and Susan Gottlieb Foundation.
Eastern Ontario NE poster – PDF download
- Quinte watershed, agricultural property owners
Watersheds Canada is offering the Natural Edge Program to agricultural property owners in the Quinte Watershed. This program helps farmers restore their shorelines (along creeks, streams, rivers, or lakes) with native vegetation to improve water quality, help protect against erosion, and increase wildlife habitat. By participating in this program, you will receive a free site visit, custom planting plan, and a variety of native vegetation delivered and planted along your shoreline. Funding provided by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
