Helping restore local wetlands

Wetland program seeks new project sites

Ausable Bayfield Conservation’s Healthy Headwaters Wetlands Initiative invites local landowners to consider wetland projects on their property

Only about two per cent of Ausable and Bayfield river watersheds are wetlands. Staff members with the Healthy Headwaters Wetlands Initiative work with participating landowners to restore these habitats. The Healthy Headwaters program offers technical advice and financial incentives for people who want to create, enhance, or restore wetlands on their property in Huron, Middlesex, and Lambton counties. 

Healthy Headwaters is entering its tenth year in 2017. Since 2008, local landowners have completed more than 60 wetland projects through the program. “We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the landowners who have protected natural areas and completed stewardship projects in the past,” said Angela Van Niekerk, Wetland Specialist with Ausable Bayfield Conservation. “Landowners have restored almost 240 acres of local wetlands through their efforts since this program began in 2008.” 

In addition to the wetlands, local landowners have also planted more than 255,000 trees, shrubs and plants into wet areas and watercourse buffers. “We often find that landowners have an area of their property where water collects,” said Van Niekerk. “That could be an ideal place for a wetland.”

Wetlands are areas of land that are wet for all or a portion of the year. Wetlands tend to have soils that drain poorly. They also have water-loving plants such as Sedges, Rushes, Blue Flag Iris, White Turtlehead, and Red Cardinal flowers.

Wetlands provide water quality and water quantity benefits. They help to absorb, store, and filter water when there is too much water during a storm or flood event. They also help to release needed water when there are times of low water or drought. Wetlands also provide habitat for birds, frogs, deer, and waterfowl.

Healthy Headwaters also offers chances for local community members to learn about the benefits of wetlands and their role in nature’s ecosystem. Staff members thank all the landowners and funding partners who have supported Healthy Headwaters over the past nine years and invite other landowners to join this important work. “Autumn is a great time of year to start planning a project,” said Van Niekerk. “We are happy to help with any questions you may have.” 

To find out more about possible wetland projects on your property visit abca.on.ca or phone 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610.