Consider conservation resolution this New Year

A photo of windbreaks in winter.

What are your #ConservationResolutions in 2023?

Thanks go to our neighbours in the United States, at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, for their great idea of encouraging people to think of their 2023 #ConservationResolutions

Between Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, Ausable Bayfield Conservation will share, on our social media platforms, some ideas for conservation New Year’s resolutions you can make ... and keep!

Come up with your own #ConservationResolution or consider one of these options (some of which are our own and some of which are courtesy of USDA):

• Plant trees to improve forest conditions and to build habitat and resiliency against extreme weather.
• If you farm, incorporate cover crops into your operation.
• Improve your soil health by utilizing no-till practices.
• Create, restore or enhance a wetland area to create wildlife habitat and to protect water quality.
• Manage nutrients to protect creeks and rivers and to reduce input costs.
• Order trees! Consider planting trees on land that is not good for farming.
• Contact your local stewardship staff at Ausable Bayfield Conservation to find out about technical expertise and grants that can help you realize your projects in 2023.
• Talk to our wetlands specialist about how to better manage stormwater on your property.
• Donate to tree planting through Carbon Footprints to Forests to improve forest conditions.
• Learn from your fellow landowners about ways they are adding overwinter vegetative cover.
• Subscribe to our YouTube channel to find out more about tree planting, cover crops, wetlands, and more.
• Visit the Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy’s website, at htltc.ca to learn more about leaving a lasting local land legacy.
• Many of our conservation areas can be accessed in the winter. Enjoy a hike, and enjoy the sites and sounds of nature!

Watch for other ideas on our social media platforms (just click on the icons at the top of the home page).

New Year's Resolution Ideas for You

Consider these conservation New Year's Resolutions:

• Plant trees to improve forest conditions and to build habitat and resiliency against extreme weather. Order trees through our spring tree order form here: Spring Tree Orders 
• Create, restore or enhance a wetland area to create wildlife habitat and to protect water quality. Learn about wetlands and other stormwater management improvements today: Make stormwater management improvements on your property  
• Donate to the community programs of Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation: Donate to your community 
• Store your chemicals and waste oil safely and properly dispose of household hazardous waste at appropriate sites: Find a collection site  
• Contact our local stewardship staff in the New Year to find out about technical expertise and grants that can help you realize your own conservation projects. Find out more: Talk to us about stewardship grants 
• Help to build natural green infrastructure to add resiliency and reduce risk. Find out more: Find out more about green infrastructure   
• Visit our flood messages page: Flood messages  
• Watch a shoreline video to learn best practices for shoreline living: Shoreline living videos  Find out about shoreline processes; living with erosion; and what you need to know if you want to build or buy property near the shoreline. 
• Subscribe to our Ausable Bayfield Conservation e-newsletter: Sign up now for our newsletter 
• Subscribe to our YouTube channel to find out more about tree planting, cover crops, wetlands, and more: Ausable Bayfield Conservation TV channel 
• Calculate your carbon footprint and convert those points to trees with your donation: Donate to Footprints to Forests   
• Upstream actions affect others downstream. Try the My Community Plan education activity. Where would you put the buildings? You can find the activity here: My Community Plan Educational Activity  Share your work with the hashtag #MyCommunityPlan and explain why you put the land uses where you did. 
• Visit one of our conservation areas and learn more about the plants and wildlife that live in your area. Winter is a great time to visit! Many of our conservation areas can be accessed in the winter. Learn more: Conservation Areas Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature! 

Happy New Year!