With the help of native trees, shrubs, wildflowers, habitat structures, and expert guidance, the Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) is launching a new initiative to help turn your backyard into an ecologically friendly oasis.
“Collectively, smaller naturalization and habitat enhancement projects in urban and suburban settings can have a significant positive impact on biodiversity, water quality, and the overall health of the local environment,” says RRCA Project Coordinator, Caroline Doroshenko. “By providing over fifty property owners with the materials, resources, knowledge, and monitoring methods they need to naturalize and restore the grounds and shorelines on their properties, we hope to inspire even more property owners to become backyard conservation champions.”
To participate in the RRCA’s Backyard Conservation Project and access the significant volume of free native trees, shrubs, seeds, and habitat structure kits available through the initiative, residents’ naturalization projects must be located within the RRCA’s watershed jurisdiction in Cornwall and surrounding area of SDG, and participants must attend a Backyard Conservation Workshop being offered on Thursday, February 23, 2023, from 10 am to 2 pm at the Cooper Marsh Visitors Centre. As space is limited, pre-registration is required on the RRCA website at rrca.on.ca. A map of the RRCA’s jurisdiction can also be found on the website.
“Property owners attending the workshop will be guided by expert staff and volunteers in designing individualized restoration plans for their properties,” says Doroshenko. “From bat houses and native trees to water testing and edible shrubs, the workshop will prime participants for a successful foray into the exciting field of sustainable yard design.”
The RRCA will also create a virtual Backyard Conservation Tour video series to further foster sustainable yard and shoreline design and help connect additional interested property owners with the appropriate resources from the RRCA and other partners.
The Backyard Conservation Project has received funding support from the Government of Ontario. Views expressed are those of the RRCA and do not necessarily reflect those of the Province.
For more information visit rrca.on.ca or contact (613) 938-3611 or info@rrca.on.ca.
