Concerned about shoreline erosion on her property Diane reached out to the Muskoka Watershed Council and Natural Edge program for help. Through that program Diane had an indigenous-plants planting plan drawn up. Because of Covid-19 restrictions, when the plants were delivered, no one from the MWC nor the nursery were able to assist with the planting. Unphased, Diane went to work on planting them by herself.
The water level was quite a bit higher than when the planting plan was established making it impossible to plant along the shoreline according to the plan. Diane had to get creative and decide on alternate locations for those plants.
August 2021 was hot and dry. Diane ensured that the young plants were watered as needed and protected from grazing deer as much as possible.
Not all of the plants survived and there are areas on her property where there has been erosion that Diane has not yet addressed. She plans to source more indigenous plants to replace the ones that did not survive and to fill in other areas needing more plantings.
Diane is also interested in water quality and actively participated on the LOBA Water Quality Steering Committee which reviewed LOBA’s water testing protocols and helped to find our Water Quality Manager, Kieran Molony.
Diane’s concerns and positive actions demonstrate good watershed stewardship. Her actions are helping to protect not only her shoreline but our watershed and ultimately the quality of the water in Lake of Bays.
Congratulations Diane!
Thank you for all that you have done
and continue to do for Lake of Bays.
