South Nation

With fall upon us, it’s time for residents in the South Nation Conservation (SNC) jurisdiction to plan tree planting for next year.

Through SNC, property owners can purchase a selection of seedlings and more mature trees to beautify their properties and at the same time enhance wildlife habitat, provide shade, and help reduce erosion.

The popular SNC planting program isn’t restricted to private owners. Municipalities and other organizations can and do participate.

South Nation Conservation’s (SNC) daily hours of operation are now 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, at their office in Finch.

For the second year in a row, SNC offered extended service hours, opening until 7 p.m. on Thursday evenings between Victoria Day weekend and Thanksgiving weekend.

The late evening shift provided an opportunity for residents to visit the office for information on programs and accommodates the greater demand for permits and approvals handled by staff. The extended service hours will return again next Victoria Day.

It’s harvest time, and not just for Eastern Ontario farmers.

Re: Spill into the Castor River, near Russell Ontario

South Nation Conservation (SNC) is aware that a number of dead fish, known as a fish kill has been reported in the Castor River near Russell, Ontario.

The Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) is the responding agency and is investigating the source.

Public inquiries should be directed to the MOECC Ottawa District Field Office at 613-521-3450.

South Nation Conservation (SNC) will be undertaking grassland restoration work this fall intended to promote the recovery of the Bobolink and Eastern Meadowlark in Eastern Ontario, two birds that are Species at Risk.

“The benefit is two-fold,” said SNC Biologist Michelle Cavanagh. “Not only do the two at-risk birds acquire another 86 acres of nesting habitat, but the work also increases the amount of rare grassland in the area for the benefit of other species.”

South Nation Conservation (SNC) is pleased to work with partners and member Municipalities to plant trees on municipal land.

With the support of Ontario Power Generation (OPG), 15 caliper size trees and 12 shrubs will be planted in the Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal. Volunteers from Ingredion Canada Incorporated will be joining staff to help with the planting.

As proud Friends of the Match, South Nation Conservation (SNC) is pleased to participate in the 2015 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM) taking place September 22-26 on Concession 3-4 Road in Finch.

“We are thrilled to be part of such a large agricultural event that will bring thousands of visitors to Eastern Ontario, showcasing the best that this area has to offer,” said Natasha Machado, Communications Specialist.

Installed last year, the floating wetland is now well established and continues to show signs of progress in controlling algae growth in a La Nation’s storm water treatment pond at Limoges.

Floating wetlands have been installed in the pond that mimic nature in delivering similar water quality improvements, explained Jason Symington, SNC Environmental Technologist.

“Floating wetlands provide a highly efficient, natural way to improve water quality and buffer habitats against surges in nutrients and pollution, but these changes take time” Symington said.

South Nation Conservation (SNC) extended its knowledge transfer role recently by welcoming a group of Quebec farmers interested in cover crops, controlled tile drainage and SNC’s flagship Clean Water Program (CWP).

The visit Aug. 21 was a follow-up to one made last March to Lachute, Que., by SNC vice-chair Francois St. Amour,  Josee Brizard, Team Lead Forest Resources, and CWP representative Andre Pommainville to provide information on South Nation programs and approaches.

One of South Nation Conservation’s most consistent and enthusiastic partners has been recognized for a decade of caring about the natural environment.

The acknowledgement of Lafleche Environmental Inc. of Moose Creek as a “Friend of South Nation Conservation” came Aug. 20 during a regular meeting of the SNC Board of Directors.