St. Lawrence College (SLC) volunteers and Watersheds Canada's Natural Edge program joined forces on the SLC Cornwall campus for their annual shoreline planting event. The initiative, which took place Thursday, May 22, is focused on restoring and protecting the campus shoreline and is part of Natural Edge program, a Watersheds Canada program that is delivered nationally to enhance shoreline habitats, water quality, and control erosion.
SLC volunteers and Watersheds Canada team partner for annual shoreline planting. Photo submitted by Watersheds Canada.
Shoreline restoration is also an important component of SLC Sustainability's comprehensive tri-campus Sustainable Landscape Management Plan (SLMP)The Cornwall campus, situated on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, is home to numerous at-risk aquatic and land species. This strategic planting of native species aims to repair shoreline stability, reduce sediment and nutrient runoff into critical habitats, support biodiversity and increase the waterfront's long-term resiliency.
Erosion on the Cornwall campus' shoreline is of particular concern to the SLC community. The Watersheds team is reporting increased erosion along the southern shoreline threatening both shoreline stability and the species at risk living there. These planting projects are incredibly beneficial as these native plants are handpicked by the Watersheds team for their ability to root and stabilize the shoreline, according to Paulina Szlachta, Sustainability Manager at SLC.
"The Sustainable Landscape Management Plan demonstrates our commitment to environmental stewardship," Szlachta said. "By creating engaging outdoor spaces while enhancing biodiversity, we're protecting vulnerable species and removing invasive ones across all our campuses."
Watersheds Canada provided 230 new native plants and shrubs that will reinforce the shores while providing vital habitat and food sources for native species. These efforts will contribute significantly to the overall health and biodiversity of the area - a key target of the College's Sustainability Plan.
"Watersheds Canada is proud to continue partnering with St. Lawrence College to create meaningful opportunities that engage the college's land managers, inspire students, and enhance local ecosystems," said Chantal Lefevre, Natural Edge Regional Coordinator. "This collaboration not only supports hands-on environmental education and future career pathways for students but also delivers real ecological benefits to the land and the river. We look forward to continuing our work together to protect and beautify the riparian landscape around SLC."
St. Lawrence College extends its sincere gratitude to Watersheds Canada for their valuable contributions and ongoing partnership in this important initiative to strengthen biodiversity and ecosystems in Cornwall.
This project is delivered in partnership with the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, Raisin Region Conservation Authority, River Institute, Great River Network, and the City of Cornwall. This project is generously funded by the Government of Canada's Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative.
