Only 30% of Ontario’s original wetlands remain intact, but many farmers and ranchers are working hard to restore wetland ecosystems on their lands. These farmers recognize that wetlands are good for agriculture. Wetlands reduce soil loss, enhance biodiversity, reduce flood and reduce drought risk and clean the water, which benefits both farms and communities. Here are two inspiring stories about ALUS farmers and ranchers in Ontario putting wetlands to work on the farm.
The Crumps, Ilderton, Ontario
When Chris and Vivian Crump purchased their 600-acre farm, water pooling and soil erosion were a serious concern. Rainwater would stream through and around the barns. It would pick up topsoil and manure before flowing downhill into the Sydenham River. Standing water on the fields would make it difficult to farm and graze cattle. The Crump’s needed a permanent solution, otherwise farm operations and the river were at risk. By connecting with their local ALUS community, the Crump’s were able to leverage local partnerships with the Ontario Soil and Crop Association and the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority to fund a $54,000 water management project.
Chris and Vivian Crump on their farm © Huff Media
The project involved seeding a grassed waterway, planting a windbreak, installing clean water diversion structures and reconstructing the main water control pond. The project helps conserve fertile topsoil, protect the river, and support farm operations, while also creating habitat for wildlife. “Listen to the birds man; they’re back,” says Chris. The project has been so inspiring for Chris and Vivian, they want to share it with the community.
“I want people to come and see what farming is really about,” says Vivian. “I want them to see the cows, the pasture and how it’s in harmony with the river land, to hike through our land and see what grows here.”
Chris Crump
The final of three control ponds sends clear water into the headwaters of the Sydenham River. Behind the pond is the completed grassed waterway that keeps a river of muck from forming on the Crumps’ grazing land and overwhelming the waters downstream © Huff Media
Glenn Coon, Port Rowan, Ontario
When Glenn Coon purchased 95 acres of farmland in 1990, most of it was out of production or marginal. But Glenn knew the land could be productive for wildlife and the environment if areas of the land were restored. With support from several community partners, like ALUS Norfolk, Forests Ontario and the Long Point Region Conservation Authority, Glenn undertook nine agri-environmental projects to reduce soil loss, manage flooding and protect the nearby creek. Two of these projects included creating new wetlands in the creek’s floodplains, which were prone to flooding and caused late crop planting or re-planting. The areas surrounding the wetlands were reforested with native tree species, like tamarack, white birch, trembling aspen and bur oak. Two grassed waterways were also created to move excess rainwater off the fields without soil loss. The projects have created new habitats for breeding and migrating wildlife and will provide a vibrant and thriving landscape for Glenn’s daughter to build her future horse farm.
Newly created wetland and floodplain tree planting © ALUS
Shifting Collective Knowledge
These two stories reflect the realities of hundreds of farmers across Ontario working with organizations like ALUS and local conservation organizations to steward and restore wetlands on marginal lands. Their effort marks a shift in collective knowledge that now recognizes the important role wetlands play on the farm and in our communities. Funding is available through partnerships with local organizations and the federal and provincial government to put these critical ecosystems back on the landscape. If you’re a farmer and want to learn more about the benefits of restoring wetlands on your farm, find an ALUS community near you and connect with your local ALUS coordinator.
Resources
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