Rideau Valley Conservation Authority strengthens shorelines with revitalization program

The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is now booking site visits for those who may want to transform their grassy shoreline into a more natural buffer that protects the integrity of the ecosystem.

The RVCA’s Shoreline Naturalization Program covers 90 per cent of the costs to add native trees and plants to lake and river shorelines. It also takes care of planning, ordering and delivering the plants.

The impact? Home and cottage owners can protect their luscious lakeside views while contributing environmental benefit, all at nearly no cost.

“It’s about finding a balance between protecting the reasons you love the lake, like good swimming and fishing, and making sure you can enjoy your property to the fullest,” Shoreline Naturalization co-ordinator Meaghan McDonald said in a media release. “We work closely with landowners to create a custom plan that works for them.”

The RVCA says switching from grass to natural shoreline has many benefits, including discouraging geese, cutting down on lawn maintenance, supporting wildlife and keeping contaminants out of the lake.

Those interested in taking part in the program can apply for a site visit this summer or fall. Staff will assess the shoreline’s condition and discuss the landowners vision for their property.

One the project is confirmed, RVCA staff develop the plan to order and deliver the plants for the following spring. Staff will also return for several year’s to monitor the project’s success.

Since 2009, the Shoreline Naturalization Program has planted more than 170,000 native plants on nearly 1,000 properties across the watershed.

For more details, email meaghan.mcdonald@rvca.ca or visit www.rvca.ca/shoreline.