Why ecological connectivity matters
From grasslands to forests to wetlands to rivers, natural areas on public and private land in the Credit River Watershed form the Natural Heritage System.
Roads, homes, parks and farm fields interact with this system and can form human-made barriers. These barriers isolate natural areas from each other, disrupting the ecological connectivity necessary for animals to roam, plants to grow and biodiversity to flourish.
We manage land across the watershed in an integrated way, but with most of the land privately owned, the actions of each landowner contribute to the overall health of the watershed.
Realigning Management Approaches
Challenges arise when one natural area is managed differently from another. These challenges can be functional or structural.
Functional Challenges
Invasive plant species are an example of a functional challenge. If neighbouring properties have different approaches to managing invasive plant species, these species could spread across properties and out-compete native species. Managing and removing invasive species creates space for native species to grow and addresses this functional challenge.
Structural Challenges
Structural challenges include anything that is built. Human-made ponds are an example because they can lead to higher water temperatures than the rest of the creek, which impacts fish and wildlife adapted to the cooler water. In addition, these ponds can create a physical, impassable barrier for fish.
Modifying or removing human-made ponds to restore a creek reduces this structural challenge and reunites fish populations.
There are many opportunities to reconnect fragmented landscapes and improve ecological connectivity. Each success ensures a healthy watershed for all who call it home.
Building Connections and Taking Action in Your Community
It’s almost Earth Day and this year’s theme is Our Power, Our Planet, emphasizing how when we act together, communities are powerful force for change. Be a part of that change by restoring ecological connectivity on your property. We have resources available to help you get started:
- Free site visits: we’ll visit your property and help you identify which conservation projects are best suited for your goals. Connect with us to book yours.
- Landowner Action Fund: receive funding for projects such as invasive species management, dam or weir removal, tree and shrub planting and more.
- Rural Water Quality Programs: find funding for agri-environmental projects that enhance soil health, improve water and air quality and create wildlife habitat.
- ALUS Peel: get funding to transform marginal lands with natural infrastructure projects, such as tree planting, wetland, stream or grassland restoration and more.