Perth, ON, April 12, 2022 – A two-year project to benefit the Pugnose Shiner in the Quinte watershed is winding down, but the impacts of the project will continue for years to come.

This community-led effort included many different components to benefit the Pugnose Shiner, other wildlife, and overall freshwater quality in the Quinte watershed. One focus area of the project was West Lake. Participating local residents received education and stewardship materials, shoreline restorations using native plants through the Natural Edge program, and property-specific stewardship reports through the Love Your Lake Program.

The Pugnose Shiner is a small fish in the minnow family that is found in Southern Ontario including near the Quinte watershed. It is assessed as “threatened” by COSEWIC (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada) and listed as such under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) Schedule 1. It is very vulnerable to declining habitat quality which is often caused by human activities on land. This project thus focused on landowner engagement and action to help enhance and restore local Pugnose Shiner populations and habitat quality.

“Seeing the momentum build over the two years for this small fish and the importance of enhancing and restoring its habitat has been wonderful”, says Melissa Dakers, Habitat and Stewardship Program Manager at Watersheds Canada. “We are especially thankful to the West Lake Community Association for helping execute the many aspects of this project by finding volunteers, interested property owners, and raising awareness about the project in their lake community.”

The West Lake Community Association (WLCA) was formed by a few West Lake Village residents in the spring of 2020 who wanted to encourage interest and engage residents living in the small communities around the shorelines of West Lake to help preserve the uniqueness, health and natural habitats of a variety of wildlife (including a few endangered species) living and migrating through West Lake and the West Lake wetlands area.

The mandate of the WLCA is to promote the protection of the environment and ecosystem through educational workshops by cultivating connections with like-minded environmental and nature organizations such as Watersheds Canada.

“Everyone in our community enjoyed their interaction with all staff who were involved with a wide variety of activities over the course of the program. Everyone was so friendly and knowledgeable that it made for a wonderful experience for everyone in our community. We are looking forward to participating in future projects and programs”, says Cathie Coultis, Chairperson of the West Lake Community Association.

The Pugnose Shiner Landowner Engagement and Shoreline Habitat Restoration Project was a two-year project working to enhance the habitats of the Pugnose Shiner in the Quinte watershed. This project was generously funded by the Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Habitat Stewardship Program for Aquatic Species at Risk and was delivered in partnership with Quinte Conservation, Friends of Wellers Bay, West Lake Community Association, volunteers on East Lake, the County Sustainability Group, and Watersheds Canada.

“County Sustainability Group is proud to have helped support the Pugnose Shiner project here in Prince Edward County in 2021. Our sincere hope is that this has increased awareness about the importance of shoreline protection in sustaining the health of fish, wildlife and water quality in our local waterbodies. Awareness followed by action creates positive change for the future”, says Don Ross, Board Member of County Sustainability Group.

“This project has been a fantastic opportunity to connect with waterfront landowners and encourage them to consider options that will help protect the critical habitat for this at-risk species, while helping to maintain healthy and rich populations of so many others”, says Maya Navrot, Outreach and Stewardship Coordinator at Quinte Conservation. “With so much shoreline in private ownership, landowner stewardship is critical to ensuring strong and resilient ecosystems. Our staff at Quinte Conservation are here to provide advice and expertise to help landowners restore their properties for both them, wildlife, and lake and ecosystem health”.

After completing an aquatic plant survey in summer 2021, staff at Quinte Conservation are currently finalizing a report that will list recommended best management practices for invasive species that were noted on West Lake. The report will provide recommendations on slowing and stopping the spread of new species that may end up in lake, how to watch for them, and how to report them. This report, in conjunction with the lake-wide summary report produced through the Love Your Lake Program, will give WLCA and local residents concrete steps they can take to lead local action for the Pugnose Shiner and other species for many years to come.

Those on West Lake who are still interested in having their shoreline renaturalized by participating in the Natural Edge Program should contact Maya Navrot at Quinte Conservation: MNavrot@quinteconservation.ca

About Watersheds Canada
Watersheds Canada is a national non-profit charitable organization that works with landowners, communities, and organizations to enhance and protect lakes and rivers through developing effective and transferable long-term solutions. Watersheds Canada envisions people caring for their waters, resulting in clean, healthy lakes and rivers to support humans and wildlife for years to come. Learn more at Watersheds.ca

About Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) helps to ensure healthy and sustainable aquatic ecosystems through habitat protection and sound science. DFO allocates a significant amount of time and resources to protecting and recovering aquatic species at risk. The Species at Risk Program (SARP) is responsible for delivering on DFO’s Species at Risk Act (SARA) requirements. Protecting species at risk requires a holistic and collaborative approach with internal and external partners of the department to achieve results.

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Media Contact

Melissa Dakers
Habitat and Stewardship Program Manager
Watersheds Canada
dakers@watersheds.ca

Ticks are a member of the arachnid family, like scorpions and spiders. They move through crawling movements only, and survive through feeding on whatever blood-flowing creatures are available, humans included.

Ticks in Canada

There are around 40 species of ticks in Canada which range in size from a pinhead to a dime. Ticks are present across Canada, living in wooded areas, tall grasses, and under leaf litter. Ticks can be present in urbanized green spaces as well as rural ones and everything in between. They become active at 4⁰C and above, year-round, and their full life-cycle can last up to three years.

Some tick species pose health risks. The main species that can transmit Lyme disease are the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis), also called the deer tick, which is found across Canada, and the western black-legged tick (Ixodes pacificus) which is specific to British Columbia. However, there are other tick species that can also transmit diseases.  

Lyme Disease

To transmit Lyme disease to humans, the tick usually is attached for a minimum of 24 hours.

Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by B. burgdorferi bacteria transmitted from infected ticks to humans or animals. Symptoms typically appear 3 – 30+ days after the initial bite has occurred. For Lyme disease risks, symptoms, treatments, and more, check out the Government of Canada’s website. If you have been in an area known for Lyme disease and were bit or have started experiencing symptoms, go see a healthcare provider right away. Tell them where you were when you got exposed, and if applicable how long the tick was attached to you. The earlier Lyme disease is treated, the better as antibiotics given in early stages have proved more successful.

How to Remove and Dispose of the Tick

If you catch a tick attached to you do not panic! Not every tick carries a disease. Do not rip the tick off or burn it or smother it with Vaseline, as these actions will not help. Instead, use clean fine tipped-tweezers as available, or a tick pick (like this one) and firmly grasp the tick as close to the skin as you can get. Gently, pull away from the skin. The goal is to get the entirety of the tick out in one attempt. If this does not happen, attempt to get the remaining tick-bits out of the skin with tweezers. 

Once the tick has been removed DO NOT crush the tick between your fingers, as this is incredibly unsanitary and could be unsafe if it is an infected tick. Instead try the “contain and kill” method. For example, put the tick in a container with alcohol and encase it in tape. Before disposing of the tick, take clear, detailed photos showing it from different angles. This will help in identifying it through public databases, or through various online sources like Tick Awareness Canada, CanLyme, or Biological Survey of Canada.

Ticks and Natural Shorelines

The best method to deal with ticks is prevention. With climate change, tick habitat is expanding and changing. Since ticks can tolerate and thrive in such a wide variety of environments, it is unlikely that naturalized shorelines encourage tick habitat any more than a grassy lawn does. This sounds counter-intuitive, but some studies have shown the ability of composition and biodiversity of habitat areas to limit and regulate tick abundance. So in addition to the other benefits of natural shorelines like water filtration, erosion prevention, and providing important aquatic and terrestrial habitat, they also might be able to keep the ticks at bay (or at least not get worse)! 

Tick Prevention

Ticks are inevitable when being outdoors. Here are some tips you can follow to help keep the ticks away:

• Wear closed toed shoes and tall socks. Even better, tuck your pants into the socks and your (long-sleeved) shirt into the pants.
• Use Deet or Icaridin-based bug sprays when spending time in tick habitat.
• Many people treat their outdoor shoes, camping gear, etc. to repel ticks.
• Wear light coloured clothing and gear, which helps keep you cool, attracts fewer mosquitos, and makes it easier to spot any ticks.

More important than what you wear, make sure you have a plan on what you do when you take clothing off. Tick checks are critical to safety after spending time outdoors, no matter the location. Ticks can attach to your skin, clothing, shoes, gear, and most materials. It is good practice to leave as much as you can outside the home in a garage or storage area until you can check it over for tick hitchhikers. Clothing can be placed in the dryer on the highest setting for a minimum of 10 minutes to kill any ticks present. While your clothes take a tumble, consider showering. Taking a shower within 2 hours of coming indoors has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of getting Lyme disease. It washes off any loose ticks and provides a great opportunity to check out other parts of your body where ticks prefer to hide (elbows, armpits, ears, etc.). Do not forget to check over your dog or pets that also spend time outside! Ticks and Lyme disease are not just a threat to humans.

For other tick-prevention actions, stick to paths or trails both on and off your property, including to the dock or shoreline. You can better protect yourself on these paths by laying down gravel or wood chips, providing a buffer between your path and surrounding vegetation. You can also help by trimming areas along frequented pathways to prevent the risk of you brushing up against branches and brush. Ticks can also hitchhike in firewood brought from outside, so do your best to only bring it inside the house when you are ready to burn it.

Conclusion

Keeping constant vigilance is key to keeping ticks off your skin and out of your house. Prevention is easier than treatment, and when you know better you can do better! Your concerns about ticks do not have to keep you from naturalizing your shoreline or keeping up your current one. Follow the available tick prevention tips, contact our Natural Edge Program for native species planting details, and stay safe while enjoying the outdoors!

Additional Resources

1. Provincial Lyme disease information and resources: canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/lyme-disease/provincial-territorial-resources.html
2. A Detailed Guide to Avoiding Ticks: halifaxtrails.ca/blog/a-detailed-guide-to-avoiding-ticks
3. You, Your Pets, and Ticks: ticktalkcanada.com

One of the best things about creating a pollinator garden is the diversity of beauty that can be included! However, not all pollinator gardens welcome the same diversity of species. Bees are the most important and common pollinator type, with over 800 species in Canada! Luckily everyone’s favourite gentle friend the bumblebee is not only cute, but a native species as well. Be sure to respectfully admire the females who can sting multiple times unlike the non-native honeybee.

Bees typically prefer open flowers with easily accessible pollen. A good choice of wildflower to support your local bee population is a native Vervain species, such as Blue vervain or Hoary vervain. These wildflowers have beautiful slender purple buds and purple flowers that are favoured by bees and butterflies alike throughout the summer months.

Similar to bees, butterflies and some moths are highly attracted to purple and cool-toned flowers. Unlike bees, butterflies have a tongue that allows them to access deeper flowers, and nectar. In addition to these needs, butterflies also require certain wildflower species to host their caterpillars. You hve probably heard about Monarch butterflies and Milkweed – Milkweed species, such as Common Milkweed and Butterfly Milkweed provide important habitat and food for many butterflies and moths. They are also low maintenance, flower into beautiful pink-toned bells throughout the summer, and keep unwanted bugs at bay! Make sure not to let anyone but the butterflies ingest it as it is both unpleasant to taste and toxic in large quantities.

Moving over to the largest pollinators in Canada, let us talk about hummingbirds! They are another example of fascinating tongue history as the length is so long it has to coil around their skull. Due to this long tongue, hummingbird species prefer flowers with depth, such as bell and trumpet shapes. A great wildflower family for this is Columbines, including Yellow Mountain Columbine, Western Columbine, and Wild Columbine. Other native species such as Harbell Campanula is a great option for bees and hummingbirds, as well as looking just lovely all summer and into early fall.

When planning your pollinator garden, try to make your flower choices as diverse as possible. Choosing differing heights, colours, shapes, size flowers, and bloom time will help ensure there is something for every pollinator who needs it! Regardless of diversity, all the native wildflower species you plant in your garden will help to support your local pollinator populations. Check with your local eco-region guide for information on native species and suggested plantings. You can also use our Native Plant Database to show you the wide diversity of native plant species well suited for your area, including wildflowers.

Another important way to support pollinators is through maintaining a healthy environment past the garden boundary. Pollinators are incredibly sensitive to the use of pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, and other outdoor chemicals. Beyond pollinators, these chemicals are often harmful for aquatic species and bird species. Methods like companion planting can help control unwanted insect species. Where more environmentally-friendly options are not possible, please ensure to use and store your lawn care products responsibly.  

Additional Resources

Pollinator Garden sketch infographic

Wildlife Garden Guide

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This blog post is part of an education and engagement series that is generously funded by the RBC Foundation through RBC Tech for Nature, a global, multi-year commitment to support new ideas, technologies, and partnerships to address our most complex environmental challenges. To learn more about Watersheds Canada’s project that is funded through RBC Tech for Nature, please read this media release.

While environmental organizations often differ in purpose and mission, one thing we all agree on is the importance of native plant species. Our Native Plant Database and Natural Edge program are based on equipping landowners with tools to best naturalize their shoreline using native plants. The Forest Gene Conservation Association is another organization educating the public about native plants and the importance of genetic diversity in vegetation. Their primary focus is Ontario forests, but their principals apply almost universally. Flora and fauna require a large enough gene pool to ensure offspring have the best chance of survival. One way that nurseries, greenhouses, and growers ensure they have the best seed possible to grow their plants is by working with seed collectors.

Now I am sure you are asking yourself: what on earth is a seed collector?? Well, it is exactly what it sounds like! A seed collector is someone who goes out to healthy forest stands to gather the good seed from targeted species. Collectors then pass this seed to the people who treat, plant, and sometimes store the seed for upcoming seasons. 

Recently I completed the final workshop in the Certified Seed Collector course offered by the FGCA in Southern Ontario. This course is a mix of classroom and hands-on learning about native species and their seeds. The certification is provided by Ontario’s Natural Selections and utilizes Seeds of Ontario Trees & Shrubs Field Manual for Crop Forecasting and Collecting. This book is great to better understand everything vegetative related in Ontario, but other provinces have similar manuals as well.

Plant health starts with its seed. It is especially important to promote the health of native species as we all experience the impacts of climate change. Plants that come from a good seed stock and that are native to the area have a better chance of surviving turmoil environmental conditions. Vegetation is often the base of the food pyramid for animals, so by supporting native species you are helping to buffer your area from the effects of climate variations. 

As a property owner you can help contribute to native species and their genetic diversity through your garden. By choosing plants that are native to your eco-zone, you are helping to support all of the other local species, both plants and animals. When choosing your plants for the season, go to local nurseries, greenhouses, and growers to support local business and local genetic diversity for your native species!

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This blog post is part of an education and engagement series that is generously funded by the RBC Foundation through RBC Tech for Nature, a global, multi-year commitment to support new ideas, technologies, and partnerships to address our most complex environmental challenges. To learn more about Watersheds Canada’s project that is funded through RBC Tech for Nature, please read this media release.

March 3, 2022 – A new collaborative between Watersheds Canada, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, Raisin Region Conservation Authority, River Institute, and Great River Network will restore shoreline health in the St. Lawrence River Area of Concern (AOC) from 2021 to 2024.

Generously funded by the Great Lakes Protection Initiative – Areas of Concern Program by Environment and Climate Change Canada, this three-year project will support important shoreline restoration in the St. Lawrence River AOC. Through collaboration with local partners and waterfront property owners, 12,500 native species of trees, shrubs, and wildflowers will be planted to restore 12,500-square metres of vital terrestrial and aquatic habitat along 3 kilometres of degraded shoreline.

“Our survey data and experience has shown that the largest barriers faced by shoreline property owners are a lack of knowledge regarding native plant species, and a scarcity of physical and financial resources”, says Chloe Lajoie, Program Manager, Watersheds Canada. “By eliminating these barriers with our Natural Edge Program, more landowners can participate in shoreline restoration activities on their land.”

It has been thirty-five years since the St. Lawrence River at Cornwall was first designated as an AOC in 1987. Over the decades, immense pressure from industry, contamination, and population growth has strained the health of the river and the wildlife that live there. This new project will work towards addressing contributing factors of poor water quality and major shoreline habitat loss experienced within the St. Lawrence River AOC.

This project also contributes to the actions of the Remedial Action Plan to restore the St. Lawrence River (Cornwall) Area of Concern. According to the St. Lawrence River Remedial Action Plan website, the status of an AOC is determined by “assessing the state of local environmental conditions against fourteen different beneficial use impairments, as identified in the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement”. The delivery of the Natural Edge Program will directly address the legacy issues of ‘Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat’ and ‘Eutrophication or Undesirable Algae’ that have contributed to the AOC status for decades.

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne – Environment Program is a critical partner which will ensure that the Natural Edge Program is effective and locally appropriate.

“Erosion is a well-known issue in Akwesasne, and we are incredibly appreciative of the opportunity to work with such an experienced team of collaborators”, says Abraham Francis, Environment Services Manager, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne. “We all bring our own expertise to the table and will work to improve the shorelines in and around Akwesasne as we seek to fulfill our roles and responsibilities to creation. For us, the shoreline restoration is about more than restoring shorelines – it is about restoring the connection of families to creation and understanding their part in making a healthy relationship. It is through a collective and community grounded approach that we can create this healthy environment in Akwesasne for future generations of Akwesasro:non”.

Eligible waterfront property landowners will receive a free site visit which provides advice and recommendations to improve shoreline health. If planting is recommended, a Shoreline Re-Naturalization Starter Kit can be purchased which includes the creation of a shoreline restoration plan for the property, native plants and materials, as well as education guides on how to maintain shoreline health. Each customized plan will provide detailed descriptions of native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers suitable for planting based on site conditions and landowner preferences. To learn more about what is included in a kit and its cost, please visit naturaledge.watersheds.ca

Once the restoration plan is approved by the landowner, native plants and materials will be ordered and kits will be assembled for landowner pick-up. If landowners want assistance with planting, Natural Edge staff will do the planting for an extra fee.

“Shoreline restoration is an important factor in preserving the aquatic habitats that support the health of the ecosystem,” says Dr. Leigh McGaughey, Research Scientist, River Institute. “Through Watersheds Canada and their partners, this program provides friendly guidance for landowners who are interested in naturalizing their shorelines.”

Landowners with waterfront property in need of restoration along the St. Lawrence River on the Ontario portion of the Akwesasne Territory and along Lake St. Francis are eligible to participate in this project. If you are interested in learning more about the project or connecting with project staff for a confidential free site visit, please contact Tanice Jock at ne.stlawrenceriver.aoc@watersheds.ca

About Watersheds Canada
Watersheds Canada is a federally incorporated non-profit organization and registered Canadian charity committed to providing programs to communities across the country that work to engage and help shoreline owners enhance and protect the health of lakes and rivers.

About Mohawk Council of Akwesasne
Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) is the official governing agency of the northern portion of the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory. It is a community government, which is elected by the residents of the Mohawk Community of Akwesasne.

About Raisin Region Conservation Authority
Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) is one of Ontario’s Conservation Authorities. RRCA guides the community in the protection, enhancement and restoration of our natural environment through programs that balance human, environmental and economic needs for a sustainable future.

About River Institute
River Institute is a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to research, education and community outreach on the St. Lawrence River and its tributaries. It is a non‐government organization established in 1994 as a unique community partnership among governments, educators, business and industry, and the Mohawks of Akwesasne.

About Great River Network
The Great River Network is an environmental hub comprised of over 50 river-related organizations, agencies and volunteers who organize initiatives to improve the environment of the Upper St. Lawrence River.

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Media Contact

Chloe Lajoie
Natural Edge Program Manager
Watersheds Canada
lajoie@watersheds.ca