This year, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Peel Rural Water Quality Program at the Peel Farm Tour. We recognized the accomplishments and contributions of participating farmers of both the ALUS Peel Pilot Project and the Peel Rural Water Quality Program. These programs are helping farmers accomplish their goals while improving nature in the Credit River Watershed.
Celebrating Accomplishments, Sharing Knowledge
On October 2, 2024, we joined Toronto and Region Conservation, Peel Region and community members, farmers and landowners for a daylong celebration.
Attendees were guided on a walking tour that highlighted ALUS and the Peel Rural Water Quality Program projects completed on the properties of Nicole Judge and Tom Wilson of Spirit Tree Estate Cidery and neighbouring farmers, Gary and Debbie Mountain.
Spirit Tree has completed several successful projects on their property, including restoring swales that drain into a stormwater management pond and planting trees.
Gary and Debbie Mountain have participanted in both programs. They have started using cover crops, built an erosion control structure and planted trees on their farm.
Before Gary and Debbie Mountain began planting trees on their land, a lot of the stream lacked woody vegetation on the shoreline. Thanks to the help of proper maintenance and planting techniques, the young trees are now thriving.
After restoring the stream vegetation, the Mountain’s installed a bridge to prevent machinery from rutting and soil erosion in the stream. This will help improve water quality, increase connectivity of watercourses and keep water clear for downstream Atlantic salmon and other native fish species.
Cover Crop Demonstration
During the Peel Farm Tour, participants toured the 10-acres of plants grown to cover the soil, called a cover crop, on the Mountain’s farm. Attendees learned about the benefits of cover crops and different types of cover crop mixtures, including:
- Bee pollinator
- Nitro radish
- Green fall organic builder
- Fall rye
- Oats and winter peas
- Nitro ground breaker
- Nitro seasonal cocktail
- Nitro plus
A Call for Collaborative Action
The Honourable Senator Rob Black (Ontario) attended the Peel Farm Tour to present the Standing Committee’s report Critical Ground. In his keynote speech, he emphasized that soil is a crucial yet undervalued natural resource. He called for immediate, collaborative action for its sustainable management and protection against threats like climate change, urbanization and soil degradation to secure a healthy future for all.
Progress of the Peel Rural Water Quality Program
Dedicated farmers in the Peel Region, with support from the Peel Rural Water Quality Program and the ALUS Peel Pilot have transformed the agricultural landscape, where agricultural practices and natural features can harmoniously coexist.
Two hundred and thirty-six environmental improvement projects have been completed through the Peel Rural Water Quality Program over the past 20 years. Through the program, we provide funding and technical expertise to help farmers build more climate resilient landscapes. Among other environmental improvements, this has resulted in:
- Facilitating the installation of over 22 kilometres of fencing
- Safely storing 402,643 cubic metres of livestock manure
- Improving over 449 hectares of land
ALUS Peel Pilot
The ALUS Peel Pilot is an expansion of the Peel Rural Water Quality Program. The three-year pilot project with ALUS provides participating farmers in Peel Region with funding for the management and maintenance of stewardship projects like native tree and shrub planting, grassland, wetland and stream restoration, livestock fencing and erosion control. This additional support helps farmers make the most of their land while improving soil, water and air quality and enhance wildlife habitat, creating a ripple effect across the Credit River Watershed.
Take Climate Action by Caring for Your Land
Are you involved in agriculture and looking for financial support to upgrade your property? Connect with a stewardship coordinator to get started.
Learn how farmers and agricultural landowners can develop beneficial relationships at our upcoming Cultivating Collaboration on Rented Farmland workshop on November 13 in Caledon Village.
By Eva Thorpe, Technician, Environmental Outreach and Communications