Quinte Conservation helped get 2,000 seedlings into the ground this spring with its Shrubs for Shorelines program. It’s the second year for the program. Education Coordinator for Quinte Conservation, Maya Navrot, says, “We offer shoreline tree and shrub seedlings free to all of our local lake associations. We reached waterfront property owners right across our watershed thanks to the information being shared among waterfront property owners.”
Navrot adds, “We use this program to educate waterfront property owners on the benefits of a natural shoreline. A naturalized shoreline is generally considered the best approach to protecting a lake’s edge. Maintaining or planting a buffer zone of native plants along shorelines will slow erosion, provide food and shelter for fish and wildlife species, and protect the property. Best of all, natural shorelines mean less work and more time to enjoy the lake.”
This year Quinte Conservation worked with Skootamatta and District Rate Payer’s Association, Kennebec Lake Association, Friends of Salmon River, Friends of Stoco Lake, Friends of East Lake, Friends of Fourteen Island lake, residents on Big Clear Lake and many property owners on the Bay of Quinte and Lake Ontario. Navrot says, “This is a great educational program for our shoreline property owners. We give each person a package of information along with their seedlings and have a chance to talk to people about local concerns and environmental successes.”
Quinte Conservation offers more information for property owners on the Landowner Resources page on its website.
Quinte Conservation is a community-based environmental protection agency. It serves 18 municipalities in the watersheds of the Moira, Napanee and Salmon Rivers and Prince Edward County. It provides cost-effective environmental expertise and leadership. Quinte Conservation’s main goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem where people and nature live in harmony.