Demonstration Sites

Nayoro Park (Lindsay)

Located at the end of Durham Street in Lindsay, adjacent to Riverview Lion's Park (demonstration site in 2004), this section of the shoreline was experiencing erosion difficulties. In addition to erosion, there is an on-stream pond here that is filling in with excessive aquatic plants and sedimentation from the surrounding landscape. A run-down walking trail leads to a point of land that area residents frequent when fishing and enjoying the park. A busy boat launch is also located on site, where a large amount of gravel and sand is washed into the pond. With the assistance of three SSFC Credit for Product students, a restoration plan was developed with a proposed three-year time line. In the fall of 2004, phase I of the project was implemented.

In the spring of 2005, Phase II of Nayoro Park began. Since that time, over 2,000 wildflowers and 200 shrubs have been planted. This native plant stock will provide soil stability and habitat along the shoreline. In addition, a 150m walking trail was constructed through the buffer strip. This access encourages visitors to access the planted area without fear of trampling plant stock. The path also connects to the nearby rail-trail. In order to complete the work, partnerships with St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School, Lindsay Collegiate Vocational Institute, and Sir Sandford Fleming College were formed. Students provided on site work while gaining valuable work experience. Community involvement was achieved through a community-planting day, and through participation in the Great Canadian Shoreline Clean-up. All of these events allowed us to promote sustainable shoreline development and the importance of alternative landscaping techniques.

Silt fencing was installed to prevent erosion along the riverbank. This curtain will help to ensure that during restoration, exposed soils do not erode into the river. Coir cloth erosion control fabric was also installed to reduce surface erosion as well as to reduce broad leaf plants from establishing before the bulk of the planting is done. The site was tilled and prepared, and 120 shrubs were installed in early October, 2004.

Phase II of the project is slated for 2005, when additional planting will be done in the spring. A gravel trail is proposed for the fall, with other planting areas identified. Phase III of the project is slated to begin in 2006 with the proposed bridge improvement and a potential floating boardwalk that will connect the current point of land with the main land.

Austin Sawmill Park (Kinmount)

The Austin Sawmill Park was originally created in 1995 along the Burnt River in Kinmount, Ontario. Since this property is subject to high water levels during the spring, an armour stone treatment was placed along the shoreline approximately 10 years ago. This stone is currently in good condition, however some erosion is starting to take place behind the wall. This erosion is likely to lead to the failure of this wall and the exposure of soils to heavy erosion. In addition, the project site contains a drastically sloping portion of the shoreline. The current condition of this area is one of exposed soils and severely undercut banks. The undermined soils along this bank pose a risk to human life, as well as the potential loss of biodiversity.

To attempt to reduce the risks stated above, the Kinmount Economic Development Committee contacted Kawartha Conservation to provide advice on mitigation techniques. Working closely with the Conservation Authority, the Committee proposed to implement shoreline naturalization techniques in these two areas of concern.

Shrub and wildflower beds were established behind the armour stone. These plants will help to absorb excess moisture in the soil that is causing the minor erosion currently taking place. Native shrubs, and wildflowers have been chosen based on the following criteria:

• Ability to withstand the periodic high water levels
• Native to the area (increase biodiversity levels)
• Provide habitat value in the way of food or shelter.
• Low maintenance

The area surrounding the untreated slope was treated in two ways. First, a “no-mow” policy was implemented. This allowed natural vegetation to regenerate. The natural regeneration was augmented with the planting of shrubs. While the root systems will support the upper soils of this bank, they will do little in the way of supporting the exposed sandy soils on the side of the bank. To do this, fascines are recommended, but have not been implemented as part of this project. By establishing a buffer strip at the top of the slope we hope to deter people from venturing to the edge of the bank, where undermined soils pose potential risks.

Initial survival rates appear to be low, however the dry hot summer may have caused some of the plants to go dormant early. Plant survival will be reassessed in the spring of 2006, when additional work can be proposed based on funding. Volunteers for this project include the Fenelon Falls Secondary School and Lindsay Collegiate Vocational Institute.

Baagwating Park (Port Perry)

The Scugog Shores Millennium Project initiated this restoration site. In June of 2004 the Shoreline Naturalization Coordinator assisted this group with supplemental planting in Joe Fowler Park. The additional plantings at this site will improve its biodiversity and function.

During these planting days, the program coordinator led students from S.A. Cawker Public School on an interpretive tour where they learned about soil types, erosion control, habitat improvements, and the basics of water quality. Program staff also guided students as they participated in planting a variety of wildflowers, shrubs and a few trees, providing them with a unique learning experience and a chance to better their environment.

William's Creek (Port Perry)

William's Creek is the site of an earlier restoration project that has experienced a setback and now needs additional work. Sir Sandford Fleming College students worked on the initial project, preparing a site plan and installing LUNKERS and live stakes. Unfortunately, area youth unaware of the purpose of live stakes, removed them.

The implementation of the updated project site plan began with the installation of silt fencing and landscaping fabric in the spring of 2005. On Earth Day 2005, students from Prince Albert Public School began planting bare root shrubs. The students from R.H. Cornish public school also planted wildflowers in the early summer on several occasions. Woodchips were placed to hold in moisture and to provide a more manicured look to the buffer strip. Early survival estimates have been very positive and is likely due to the excellent soils and moisture levels. Overall the total number of shrubs planted was 85 and approximately 1800 wildflowers were also planted.

This project included the planting of native shrubs and wildflowers along the bank to support soils, create habitat, and provide and aesthetically pleasing area. William's Creek project has had wonderful a success rate from the beginning. School group participation has been extremely high, and public perception of the site is very positive. Over 65 volunteers contributed 335 hours of their time to improve the health of this section of creek.

The west side of William's Creek is slated for planting in 2006, once the township has removed the dead trees from the area. Similar plant stock and techniques are proposed for this area to provide balance to the overall setting.