Dear Friends of Muskrat Watershed,
The Muskrat Watershed Council needs your help!
We are looking for volunteers aged 14 or older to help plant a healthy buffer of native trees and shrubs on several properties in the Muskrat Lake watershed.
Planting will take place from late October to early November 2019 on the following dates:
- Saturday, October 26
- Wednesday, October 30
- Friday, November 1
- Tuesday, November 5
Watersheds Canada, the Muskrat Watershed Council, and Algonquin College’s Office of Applied Research and Innovation are partnering on this shoreline and streambank rehabilitation program. This is year two of a three-year Ontario Trillium Foundation grant that will support the program.
The Muskrat Lake Watershed experiences frequent blue-green algae blooms and an excess of nutrient inputs, all of which affect the local ecosystem and economy. This program will work towards addressing factors contributing to poor water quality and limited shoreline habitat within the Muskrat Lake Watershed.
Working with agricultural and residential property owners, three kilometres (25 hectares total) of degraded shoreline and streambank will be improved using 45 000 native plants. The property owners will get a full-service restoration program, which includes the creation of a shoreline restoration plan for their property.
Algonquin College students and
Watersheds Canada staff will implement the planting, with the help of volunteer planters. Training will be provided on the first day of planting.
This is a perfect volunteer opportunity for individuals as well as for community groups such as Civitan, Scouts and Guides. High School students wishing to earn volunteer hours would also be welcome. Volunteers must be 14 years old or older.
If you are interested in learning more about the project or connecting with project staff, please contact us at [email protected] or by phone at 613-646-2746.
I hope you’ll be able to help!
Sincerely,
Karen Coulas, Chair of the Muskrat Watershed Council
