SHORELINE HEALTH
Shoreline naturalization has many benefits including; erosion protection, habitat and water quality enhancement. Shoreline naturalization is a 'SMART' goal for our lake, as defined by the Blue Lakes Program.
Free Shoreline Planting Programs
Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority Shoreline Planting Program
Did you know the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority has a free shoreline naturalization program? This program includes planting advice that is beneficial to promoting a healthy shoreline. Shoreline naturalization has many benefits including; erosion protection, habitat and water quality enhancement. Shoreline naturalization is a 'SMART'; goal for our lake, as defined by the Blue Lakes Program and meets our Board mandate to promote and protect the health of the Lake.
MCVA TREE DAYS
MVCA Tree Days - Lake Tree Days are back at Mazinaw this summer, with 19 property owners ordering a total of 284 plants. Interested in acquiring shoreline plants but missed the deadline for Lake Tree Days? Or looking for advice on how to best naturalize your shoreline? Contact stewardship@mvc.on.ca to set up a free site visit!
To all Lake Tree Day 2025 participants:
The MVCA have scheduled pick up for June 14th 2025 at “Tappings Bay Boat Launch” on North Mazinaw Heights Road from 10:30am to 12:30pm. To avoid everyone coming at the same time, the MVCA are asking participants to sign up for their preferred time by emailing the program manager Kayla Cuddy If you are unable to collect your plants during the pickup time please arrange with a neighbor or friend to collect them. Or pick up at the MVCA Carleton Place office during the week. Please let Kayla know if you are planning to make alternate arrangements. For pick up day info sheet explaining what to expect and how you can prepare to help the pick up go smoothly, participants are asked to refer to Kayla’s email instructions.
Thanks to all for participating this year!
In addition to their planting programs the MVCA has created a handy list of Native Shoreline Plants.
Ribbon of Life
Ribbon of Life - Check out Watershed Canada's informative video here: Vegetated Shoreline Buffers to learn why is it essential to Lake Mazinaw's health and sustainable use of waterfront properties. “The shoreline of your waterfront property is called a ‘ribbon of life’ because it is where 90 percent of all lake and river life is born, raised and fed. Natural shorelines support cattail, pickerelweed and reeds that provide habitat for fish, nesting birds, mammals and insects. Plants at the water's edge help filter nutrients and prevent erosion.”
Did you know MPOA can access a free custom planting plan suited to your
shoreline and your aesthetics? Watersheds Canada visits your site and
works with you to create a custom plan suited to your shoreline and your
aesthetics. Plants go in the ground in the Spring or Fall. They work with
sponsors to subsidize the costs! Their shoreline plans are designed to need
minimal maintenance. Over the next few years, you’ll see your shoreline
transform! Link here to get started: Natural Shoreline.
Watersheds Canada Shoreline Planting Program
Love Your Lake
Love Your Lake is a non-profit organization governed by ‘Watersheds Canada’ and the ‘Canadian Wildlife Federation’ (CWF). The MPOA applied to be part of this project; the original shoreline project for Mazinaw and a very important one that bears being on this list. It was done in 2018 and involved many weeks of analysis, billeting of assessors, written reports. Each property owner was given a comprehensive customized report on ways to improve their shoreline. Humans can have a positive impact on maintaining and preserving this most sensitive zone of our lakes.