Ontario's Young-Findlay project a model of partnership

Fate stepped in to help

That’s when a chance meeting with Derek Matheson from RVCA at a local farmers’ market set the wheels in motion. Through their conversation, Jenny learned about the Rural Clean Water Program (RCWP) and other organizations that could be called upon to bring her vision for the property to life. Within a few weeks, a plan was put in place to build wetlands, plant aquatic vegetation and trees and create a pollinator habitat on site with the assistance of Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC), the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, (RVCA) and Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS).

“When Jenny and I first talked it was clear that the possibilities for enhancing the property were limitless,” says Matheson. “We knew there was funding for tree planting and wetlands, so we brought in the expertise of DUC and ALUS to make it happen.”

Mikayla Stinson, a conservation program specialist with DUC, toured the property and devised a plan to construct two wetlands, in a stepped-down design that contains the water as levels naturally rise and fall. The wetlands are expected to provide suitable duck pairing habitats and attract other wildlife.

“The Young-Findlay project provided DUC with an opportunity to work collaboratively with both RVCA and ALUS,” says Stinson. “It’s gratifying that three organizations came together to transform portions of former farmland into productive wetlands, forested areas and pollinator habitats. Together, we will make the landscape function better than before. For years to come it will provide wildlife habitat for all kinds of species.”

DUC, ALUS and RVCA worked together to realize a dream

ALUS was brought in to assist both in the planning and funding of the project, as its unique community-driven program is designed to support farmers and ranchers in delivering nature-based solutions across Canada.

“For a grassroots organization, collaborators like DUC are incredibly important,” says Todd Westcott, Communications Specialist & Community Liaison with ALUS. “The ALUS team values the partnership with DUC and were glad to work together on this project.”

At first, Jenny was daunted by the scale of the project and the logistical challenges facing her. But as she watched ALUS, RVCA and DUC staffers working co-operatively together, her concerns vanished.

“We saw the dedication in the people we were working with and that we wanted the same things,” she says. “We were a team of like-minded people moving the project ahead and it solidified our belief that we were doing the right thing, giving back to the environment.”

Earlier this fall, the wetlands were excavated by a contractor Jenny hired. Once winter is over, they will be filled naturally by the melting snow. Aquatic vegetation will be planted to fill the space around them in the second phase of the project. At another location on the property, trees have already been planted, and a pollinator habitat will be established in the third and final phase.

A world of nature, just outside their door

Since they’ve settled into their new home, the family has seen a lot of wildlife all around them. From the chorus of birds that sing each morning, to the frogs, snakes, fishers, deer, coyotes and even black bears, their little piece of nature is a gift for everyone to enjoy. The family is excited to see how the two new wetlands will attract even more wildlife to their property.

“We’re so glad to have embarked on this adventure,” says Jenny. “It’s been my dream and passion project and now it’s come to life. We couldn’t be happier.”

Wetlands are heavy hitters improving the environment

Because wetlands are a natural solution to some of the big environmental problems, including low water quality, extreme weather events and the loss of wildlife populations, creating two on the Young-Findlay property was the right course of action to take. Wetlands are natural infrastructure power players. They capture phosphorus and other nutrients and slow water movement across the land. All this, while providing essential habitat for waterfowl, other birds and wildlife of all kinds.