January 23, 2023

Monarch butterflies feed on nectar from an American aster on a South Glengarry property.

(Updated December 2023)

Do you live in RRCA's watershed jurisdiction? Do you want to become a Backyard Conservation Champion? Here are some tips and resources to get you started:

Get Inspired: View the virtual tour video series to see what some of your neighbour's naturalization projects look like or visit the Gray's Creek Arboretum and edible forest to check out some native tree and shrub species.

Research and Development: Download Ontario's "Naturalizing your Local Park or Backyard" guide and start drafting your personal nature spot.

Due Dilligence: Don't forget to be a responsible citizen and to check your municipality's property standards bylaw if you are unsure about certain parts of your naturalization project. Do you plan on making alterations to your shoreline? Check with the RRCA to see if a permit is required. 

Subsidized Seedlings: Browse select native tree and shrub species offered by the RRCA at low cost (now accepting orders).

Potted Trees: Subscribe to RRCA's monthly newsletter for early access to the fall potted stock edition of RRCA's Over-the-Counter Tree Program.

Tree Giveaways: Keep an eye on RRCA's newlsetter and social media (@raisinregion) to claim some completely free seedlings offered each spring through RRCA's annual Tree Giveaway events.

Media Release: January 2023

With the help of native trees, shrubs, wildflowers, habitat structures, and expert guidance, the Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) is launching a new initiative to help turn your backyard, no matter how small, into an ecologically friendly oasis.

“Collectively, smaller naturalization and habitat enhancement projects in urban and suburban settings can have a significant positive impact on biodiversity, water quality, and the overall health of the local environment,” says RRCA Project Coordinator, Caroline Doroshenko. “By providing over fifty property owners with the materials, resources, knowledge, and monitoring methods they need to naturalize and restore the grounds and shorelines on their properties, we hope to inspire even more property owners to become backyard conservation champions.” 

To participate in the RRCA’s Backyard Conservation Project and access the significant volume of free native trees, shrubs, seeds, and habitat structure kits available through the initiative, residents’ naturalization projects must be located within the RRCA’s watershed jurisdiction in Cornwall and surrounding area of SDG, and participants must attend a Backyard Conservation Workshop being offered on Thursday, February 23, 2023, from 10 am to 2 pm at the Cooper Marsh Visitors Centre. As space is limited, pre-registration is required on the RRCA website at rrca.on.ca. A map of the RRCA’s jurisdiction can also be found on the website. 

“Property owners attending the workshop will be guided by expert staff and volunteers in designing individualized restoration plans for their properties,” says Doroshenko. “From bat houses and native trees to water testing and edible shrubs, the workshop will prime participants for a successful foray into the exciting field of sustainable yard design.”

The RRCA will also create a virtual Backyard Conservation Tour video series to further foster sustainable yard and shoreline design and help connect additional interested property owners with the appropriate resources from the RRCA and other partners.

The Backyard Conservation Project has received funding support from the Government of Ontario. Views expressed are those of the RRCA and do not necessarily reflect those of the Province.

 For more information visit rrca.on.ca or contact (613) 938-3611 or info@rrca.on.ca.