Healthy Lakes and Wetlands For Tomorrow - Species at Risk

LAWN and GARDEN
Sometimes what we consider to be weeds and pests are what many wildlife species
consider to be food and shelter. The substances used to remove pests and weeds can
pollute the water sources we depend on and the habitats many wildlife species call home.
There are ways to care for your lawn and garden that minimize impacts to the wildlife
around us.
Monarch Butterfly
Plant native species and use local soils and fills.
Native vegetation is naturally adapted, does not require fertilizers
or pesticides, and is drought resistant. Planting native species
around your property helps to maintain the natural biodiversity
of the area, provides wildlife with food and shelter, and reduces
the chances of introducing invasive alien species. Native flowers attract local butterfly and bird species in
the summer and provide seeds and berries throughout the fall and winter. Ask for native plants at garden
centers and confirm that they are genetically native to your area.
Blanding’s Turtle Nest Cage
Reduce or eliminate your lawn. Keep it well away from lakes and wetlands.
Lake shoreline properties without lawns are your best bet. If you feel a lawn is necessary try to keep
it on the side of the house away from the lake. If your lawn currently ends at the lake shoreline, try to
encourage the growth of natural vegetation by leaving the grass uncut and allowing native vegetation to
return. This will save time and money. If this sounds like a big task, start slowly and leave a couple meters
each year to revert back to natural vegetation.
Practice lawn care techniques that reduce water use and discourage weed growth.
Grass that is cut to a height of 7-8 cm (3 inches) is less prone to pests, disease, and drought. Watering less
often allows the top of the soil to dry out and will help prevent the growth of “weedy” plants.
Limit or eliminate chemical fertilizer use.
Instead, try using compost made from your kitchen scraps (in an animal proof compost bin). Atlantic
Coastal Plain Flora species are found in low nutrient, high disturbance areas where other plant species
cannot grow. The addition of nutrients shifts this balance and encourages the growth of plants that push
out these species. Fertilizers increase the level of nitrogen and phosphorus in the environment and can
create large, smelly algal blooms. This reduces the amount of light and available oxygen in the water and
can choke out other aquatic plants and animals. It also makes activities such as swimming and boating
unpleasant due to water discolouration and clogged boat motors - things we all want to avoid!
23