GRIMESTHORPE CREEK—Manitoulin Streams Improvement Association (MSIA) is proud to announce the successful restoration of site S19 on Grimesthorpe Creek, along with an Island-wide garbage cleanup event. This critical habitat restoration project involved a series of environmental improvements made possible in part through funding from the Ontario Community Environment Fund (OCEF).
As part of the restoration efforts, the shoreline of site S19 was carefully restored by planting a variety of native trees and vegetation to help prevent erosion and improve the local ecosystem. Community volunteers and Manitoulin Streams staff worked together to contribute to a cleaner, healthier waterway, a release notes.
Additionally, the project saw the installation of 455 metres of fencing along the creek to prevent livestock from entering the stream and causing further degradation of the shoreline protecting a total of 6,175 square metres of riparian habitat.
“Restoring Grimesthorpe Creek’s ecosystem is essential for the long-term health of our watersheds and wildlife,” said Seija Deschenes, MSIA project coordinator. “The collaboration between community members and environmental groups like ours demonstrates the power of grassroots efforts in conserving our natural spaces.”
The restoration project was made possible in part through the support of OCEF, an initiative of the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks (MECP). This program redirects funds from environmental penalties into community-based projects that improve the environment in the region(s) where the violation(s) occurred such as shoreline cleanups, habitat restoration, and tree planting efforts, all aimed at improving local ecosystems.
“The funding from OCEF has allowed us to restore a key section of Grimesthorpe Creek, ensuring a healthier watercourse for wildlife, plants, and the local community,” said Ms. Deschenes. “We have now successfully restored and protected over four kilometres of unbroken stream on the Grimesthorpe Creek.”
MSIA would like to thank the volunteers and local landowners who participated in the restoration, as well as the MECP for their crucial financial support. The successful completion of this project marks a significant step toward enhancing local water quality, improving fish habitats, and supporting the biodiversity of Manitoulin Island.
For more information on future projects or how to get involved with MSIA, please visit www.manitoulinstreams.com or contact getinvolved.manitoulinstreams@gmail.com.
