The Muskrat Watershed Council is looking for volunteers to help plant a healthy buffer of native trees and shrubs on several properties in the Muskrat Lake watershed. Planting will take place on Saturday, October 27, Sunday, October 28, Tuesday, October 30, Saturday, November 3 and Tuesday, November 6.
“It’s not too late to volunteer,” says Karen Coulas, chair of the council. “Simply pick your day and call or email the Muskrat Watershed Council to register. They will tell you where to meet.”
Volunteers are asked to be at their assigned site for 9 a.m.
Email [email protected] or contact Ms. Coulas, 613-646-2746 or email [email protected]
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, she said. A three-year Ontario Trillium Foundation grant 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, Ms. Coulas said. 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, she said. 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,” Ms. Coulas said. “High School students wishing to earn volunteer hours are also welcome.”
