Landowners, Wetland restoration

A season of restoration

How Ontario farmers are growing resilience

By Claire Foran October 09, 2025

Completed wetland restoration at Greener Pastures Eco Farm.

In Ontario, farmers are more than producers; they are stewards of the land. As the climate changes and ecosystems face increasing pressure, many farmers are stepping up not just to sustain their operations, but to restore the natural systems that support them. For over 87 years, Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) has partnered with rural landowners to put water back on the land—not just for the ducks (though they’re always grateful), but to restore wetlands that support healthy ecosystems and build climate resilience.

This summer, we had the chance to visit two farms that partnered with us on wetland restoration projects. While their operations are distinct, both have embraced the opportunity to integrate conservation into their working lands, demonstrating that agriculture and wetlands don’t just co-exist; they can thrive together.

Natural Themes Native Plant Nursery

Rooted in the principle “Nature knows best,” this farm business in Frankford, Ont., grows a wide diversity of native plants and offers services that restore ecosystems, support wildlife and strengthen our connection to the natural world.

When owner Maya Navrot moved permanently to the farm 10 years ago, she quickly noticed a low-lying area in one field that stayed persistently wet. Her instincts told her: this wants to be water again.

Outdoor storefront at Natural Themes Native Plant Nursery. © Maya Navrot

That decade-long vision became a reality in the fall of 2024, when she partnered with Ducks Unlimited Canada to design and restore a 0.65-acre (0.26-hectare) wetland. As the wetland establishes itself, so will its many uses. Maya plans to use it to propagate aquatic native plants and knows it will become a thriving habitat that supports biodiversity across her property.

Completed wetland restoration at Natural Themes Native Plant Nursery. © Maya Navrot

“It’s always about the people,” says project lead Jenn Lavigne. “Maya is a great steward of her land, and it was a joy to co-create a project that works for her farm and for wetland conservation.”

Watch this video to learn more about the project:

Greener Pastures Eco Farm

Farmers Andrea and Carl are committed to putting the “green” in farming. Through ecological practices, they work with nature, allow their animals to express natural behaviours and pay attention to the limits of the ecosystem they call home.

Knowing the many benefits wetlands bring to working lands, like increased biodiversity, improved water filtration and natural water retention, they began to imagine what it might look like to restore one on their own property. It turned out, they weren’t starting from scratch. Conversations with long-time neighbours revealed that the 75-acre (30 hectare) farm had, in fact, once been home to a wetland. That discovery only deepened their resolve to bring it back.

In February 2025, they teamed up with DUC and dug ground to build a one-acre (0.40-hectare) wetland. This summer they’ve been excited to see aquatic vegetation peeking through, swallows enjoying a drink and ducks wading. Next up? Livestock fencing and tree planting to protect and enhance the space.

Watch this video to learn more about the project:

Both Maya, and Andrea and Carl, share a simple but powerful belief: that good farming includes giving back to the land.

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“It’s not just about what we can take from the land as farmers. It’s about what we can put back to make it stronger and more productive in the long run.”

Andrea

At Ducks Unlimited Canada, we believe conservation and agriculture can work hand in hand, and these farmers are showing us how.

Looking to work with nature on your land?

Discover your options from a member of our dedicated conservation team.

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