STEWARDSHIP, RESTORATION, HABITAT CREATION

Stewardship means to take good care of something. Private land stewardship refers to taking good care of the land while we use it.  This does not mean absolute preservation nor does it leave room for unbridled development.  Rather it means to have consideration for the land and use it wisely. 

What can I, as a landowner, do?

Make a conscious commitment to look after your land by developing an understanding and appreciation of the natural and cultural features of your property. This is one of the best ways to ensure that the unique values of your property remain for future generations.

You can make your property an inviting haven for wildlife.  Here are a few suggestions:

• Resist the urge to tidy up your property especially in wilder areas.  As long as they pose no danger, standing and fallen dead trees should be left where they are.  They provide invaluable nesting sites, shelter, and hiding places.  As they decompose, fallen trees provide essential nutrients to the forest soil for other plants to thrive.
• Naturalize your property wherever possible by either landscaping with native plant species or by allowing an area to grow back on its own.  Native species have adapted to local climate and soil conditions and are therefore hardier, requiring little care.
• Consider creating habitat on your property such as basking areas for reptiles, brush piles for creatures to hide in, and small ponds if a water supply is needed.
• Reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides and fertilizers, particularly near water. 
• Take the natural landscape into consideration when doing any construction or alterations around your property. 

In the larger picture, lightening your footprint is also the way to go. Easy adjustments can be made that make big differences personally, locally and globally.  Using alternative energy sources where possible, recycling, reducing light pollution, choosing alternative modes of travel and even buying locally do a lot to support economic and environmental sustainability at all scales.

Site Visits and Stewardship Agreements

Creating a stewardship plan for your property is an excellent way to learn about and manage your unique property. Site visits and assessments conducted by qualified Biologists will provide you with features and species on your property, and can outline best practices, restoration designs and management options. Contact us for resources, for availability or for other agencies providing these services.

HABITAT CREATION

Should your property warrant some enhancements, any alteration or restoration should be done considering the surrounding environment including: forest type, cover, hydrology, plant hardiness zone etc. Native seed sources should be sought, and plants should come from local seed sources within the same plant hardiness zone. Be careful when bringing in heavy equipment or external sources of materials. Seeds of invasive species often hitch a ride, and may cause more damage than the restoration intended. Removal of established invasive species is a great form of restoration in itself.

Ontario Stewardship (External Link) may provide hands on help through their Stewardship Ranger Program, and often have Native Trees and Shrubs for purchase.

Conservation Ontario (External Link) Programs offer many planting and shoreline restoration programs.

Ducks Unlimited Canada (External Link) also has landowner programs to help with wetland restoration.

The Landowner Resource Centre (LRC) is a one-window information shop for landowners to get user-friendly information on natural resources and land and water management: www.lrconline.com (External Link)

Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters’ Invading Species Awareness Program provides educational material to raise awareness and assist landowners in reducing and managing the spread of invading species. They also monitor the spread of invading species in Ontario waters through the Invading Species Hotline and Watch program: www.invadingspecies.com (External Link)

For additional assistance check out our Links and Resources page.