On a beautiful sunny day, the Environment Council of Clear, Stoney and White Lakes and Camp staff welcomed almost 20 interested neighbours for an educational program about shoreline naturalization.
Guest shoreline guide, Victoria Readings of Clearwing Ecological Gardening & Restoration, reviewed what had been done at both our woodland and sunny slope planting areas and highlighted the many values of a naturalized shoreline.
The two shoreline gardens have demonstrated their worth. The native plants with their strong, mature, spreading root systems, are stabilizing the shoreline slopes and reducing erosion. This helps protect lake water quality by trapping sediment and nutrients in storm water runoff — reducing sedimentation of fish habitat and slowing the growth of invasive aquatic plants and algae.
As well, Victoria pointed out that the plants for the two sections of shoreline were selected to provide shelter and natural food sources for land-based animals, birds, bees, and butterflies, and for their attractiveness and resilience to climate change.
Guests were so keen to learn all they could they stayed for two hours!
A huge thank you goes to Lois Wallace from the Council who organized the whole event.
As well, we thank Victoria for taking time out of her busy schedule to share her experience and knowledge with all present.
If you would like more information about the plants which were used and their benefits, visit https://campkawartha.ca/virtual-facility-tour/shoreline-garden/
