I enjoyed reading the Summer 2021 issue of ON Nature. Two articles in particular caught my eye, primarily because solutions to the problems they presented could perhaps be explored in further issues. I would encourage you to let your readers know about the work done by Watersheds Canada (watersheds.ca).

The Rise and Fall of the Great Lakes” quoted Paul Keddy’s advice to waterfront landowners that they should resolve to live with the water level fluctuations which will probably be more frequent with increased climate change.

What could be added to this advice is that established plantings of carefully chosen native shrubs and wild flowers can help stabilize and preserve shorelines through high and low water. In this context, I would like to draw your attention to Watersheds Canada’s Natural Edge Program (watersheds.ca/our-work/the-natural-edge).

Another article in the same issue “Going Wild” describes efforts to let cultivated land go “back to nature”. Again, if the land in question were along the water’s edge, Watersheds Canada could assist with this kind of initiative, by giving landowners some informed advice on suitable plants to accomplish this “re-wilding”. A natural piece of land does not need to be “an unkempt mess” which would draw the ire of neighbours and a visit from a by-law officer.

With thanks for the excellent work that your magazine and your organization do.

– Blu Mackintosh, Lansdowne