Volunteers and staff from local conservation authorities helped plant 1,000 wetland-friendly plants at a local property near Holmesville last week.
Members of the Goderich Lions Club, local residents, and a retiree from Ducks Unlimited Canada were among the volunteers who took part. Staff from Ausable Bayfield Conservation (ABCA), Maitland Conservation, County of Huron, and Huron Stewardship Council also took part in the wetland restoration. All told, 18 people completed the planting.
According to a media release from the ABCA, the wetland project took place on land owned by the Oakes family.
"Wetland projects like this one can only happen thanks to the support of participating landowners like the Oakes family," Angela Van Niekerk, ABCA Wetlands Specialist said. "They have turned about 18 acres of their property into natural habitat through planting of trees and native species of shrubs and wetland plants."
The new flora that was planted included Joe-pye Weed, Tall Sunflower, Sweet Oxeye, Blue Flag, Dense Blazing Star, and Cardinal Flower.
"They’re native plants so they are used to our weather conditions; heavy rains and drought," said Van Niekerk.
The conservation authority says the enhancements provide benefits for water quality, quantity, and wildlife habitat.
