Welcome to the Watersheds Canada Resource Library!
Here you will find a comprehensive collection of free educational resources dedicated to helping rural shoreline property owners, families, municipalities, lake groups, and educators protect their lakes and restore natural habitat. Explore guides, best practices, case studies, lesson plans, and tools to become a freshwater protector. All resources are freely shareable so please include them in a newsletter, on social media, or printed for a community booth!
Funding support thanks to Peterborough K.M. Hunter Charitable Foundation, and S.M. Blair Family Foundation.
Native Plant Care Guide by Watersheds Canada
This guide provides information on how to maintain and care for your new shoreline plants. It discusses the importance of shoreline vegetation, the benefits of natural shorelines, and how to water, mulch, and prune your plants. The guide also includes a table of plant species and their specific pruning requirements.
Natural Edge Native Plant Database handout by Watersheds Canada
The Natural Edge is a free shoreline naturalization program. It allows waterfront property owners to plant native trees, shrubs, and other vegetation. The program was developed by Watersheds Canada. It includes a free native plant database for selecting suitable plants.
Nature Discovery Backpack workbook
This booklet is designed for students to explore and learn about nature, specifically the Tay Watershed. It provides tips for safely exploring nature, activities to discover local species and biodiversity, and ways to help protect the environment. The booklet includes information on the riparian zone, water quality, and the importance of native plants. It also encourages students to participate in community science and nature journaling.
Protecting Your Gardens, Lawn…and Your Lake by Love Your Lake
Many people work hard to have a lush, green lawn. However, what we do on our properties can impact the health of our lakes. Up to 35 per cent of precipitation can run off lawns and enter nearby water bodies. Alarmingly, a U.S. Geological Survey study found higher concentrations of some pesticides in urban waterways in comparison to agricultural settings.
Rain to Roots by Watersheds Canada and Helping Nature Heal Inc. handout
Native plants along shorelines act as a buffer to protect waterways. Having a large shoreline buffer helps to protect water quality by reducing pollution as well as stabilizing water levels and water temperature. Healthy shorelines also provide habitat for a wide range of aquatic and terrestrial species. Effective storm water and runoff management is critical to protect freshwater areas.
Reclaiming our Refuse: The Power of Community Shoreline Cleanups
Shoreline cleanups are an example of a direct, powerful, community-led initiative that has lasting positive impacts for our freshwater. Read this blog post to learn about the powerful benefits of these projects in the way of diverting plastic pollution, and about why it is a greening project offered by the Ottawa Faith Community Capacity Building Program.
Shoreline Habitat Creation Manual by Watersheds Canada
This manual provides guidance on how to create and protect shoreline habitat for fish and wildlife species. It suggests various methods such as planting native vegetation, leaving aquatic vegetation, and creating pathways. The manual also emphasizes the importance of reducing light pollution and installing habitat structures like bat boxes and turtle nest protection cages. By following these tips, landowners can help preserve biodiversity and create vital wildlife habitat.
Shoreline Restoration by Love Your Lake
A shoreline buffer is a strip of vegetation that helps maintain the health of a shoreline. It reduces contaminants, erosion, and improves water quality. A buffer can be created by letting nature take over or by planting trees, shrubs, and perennials. Retaining walls can cause erosion and are not recommended.
Species-Specific Resources From the Invasive Species Centre handout by Watersheds Canada
This document appears to be a collection of fact sheets and posters for various invasive plant species. The species listed include Autumn Olive, Black Locust, and many others. Each fact sheet likely provides information on the species' characteristics, impacts, and management practices. The document also mentions the Invasive Species Centre as a resource for species-specific information.