WC146 JanFeb 2026 - Magazine - Page 30
CONSERVATION
possible because of financial support from Wildlife Habitat Canada’s Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp Program,
the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP) – Marginal Lands Initiative, the Great Lakes Local Action Fund, and
the Canada Water Agency through the Government of Canada’s
EcoAction Community Funding Program.
The native plantings that now surround the edges of the wet-
Wetlands are power players on the working landscape.
Small wetlands, in particular, punch far above their
weight by capturing nutrients and slowing water
movement across the land.
lands form protective buffers that waterfowl rely on for safe nesting during the spring. These quiet, vegetated margins offer cover
from predators, space to feed and rest, and corridors connecting
duck pairs to the larger wetlands they move to as the season
progresses. Later in the year, as summer passes and the leaves start
to change, waterfowl will once again flock to small wetlands like
these to prepare for their journey south, continuing a migration
cycle that has shaped this landscape for generations.
Wetlands are power players on the working landscape.
Small wetlands, in particular, punch far above their weight by
capturing nutrients and slowing water movement across the
land. These restored sites will also provide essential services for
local communities, including improved water quality that flows
through watersheds into the Great Lakes, reduced flood risk, and
greater climate resiliency. What is good for the ducks is good
for all of us.
Despite these benefits, wetland loss in Ontario continues to
threaten biodiversity and the many benefits wetlands provide.
According to a federal report, up to 98 per cent of wetlands in
densely populated areas across Canada have been lost, showing
the value of solutions-oriented projects like those being led by
Watersheds Canada, DUC, and landowners.
These projects demonstrate the importance
of locally-led action, community partnership,
and cross-sector collaboration. Each involved
stakeholder brings their own experience,
knowledge, passion, and motivation to make a
positive impact for communities and wildlife
for years to come.
This World Wetlands Day, Feb. 2, take inspiration from these dedicated landowners and
think about how you can take positive action
in your community. To get started, brave the cold and head outside! Learn about and visit your local wetlands and the waterfowl
who have made Canada their home, too. If you have a shoreline
or agricultural property that could benefit from planting native
species or could be eligible for a wetland restoration, contact
Watersheds Canada or Ducks Unlimited Canada to learn about
their landowner programs. We can all work together to create,
enhance, and protect Canada’s wetlands.
Watersheds Canada and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) are two leading national
conservation action charities. For more than 87 years, DUC has partnered with rural
landowners and farmers across Ontario to bring water back to the land. From project
design to working directly with local contractors, DUC’s conservation specialists help
guide each step of a wetland restoration. Watersheds Canada is committed to providing
restoration and education programs across the country to enhance and protect the health
of lakes, rivers, wetlands, and shorelines. Locally supported projects bring together
landowners, Indigenous communities, municipalities, children, youth, and community
groups for lasting freshwater conservation.
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WATER C AN ADA • JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2026
WAT E R C A N A D A . N E T
