Habitat Restoration

Habitat Restoration

Healthy habitats are essential for clean water, resilient ecosystems, and thriving wildlife across our watershed. At South Nation Conservation (SNC), habitat restoration work helps repair and protect the natural areas that fish, birds, turtles, and other species depend on to survive.

While wildlife habitat can be incredibly productive, it is also vulnerable to human and environmental pressures. Changes to shorelines, forest cover, and land use can degrade habitat over time. Common threats include:

  • Clearing trees and vegetation along rivers and wetlands

  • Soil erosion and sediment washing into waterways

  • Habitat fragmentation from development and land conversion

  • Nutrient runoff from grass clippings and other sources

Restoring Habitat Where It Matters Most

SNC leads hands-on fish and wildlife habitat restoration projects that strengthen biodiversity and improve ecosystem health. Our work includes:

  • Installing in-stream structures that provide shelter for juvenile fish

  • Planting native trees and vegetation to shade streams and improve oxygen levels

  • Creating safe nesting habitat for waterfowl, turtles, and other wildlife

  • Stabilizing streambanks to reduce erosion and protect water quality

  • Restoring wetlands and natural shorelines to support species at risk

Powered by Partnerships

Habitat restoration is a shared effort. SNC’s projects are made possible through strong partnerships with municipalities, conservation organizations, Indigenous partners, community groups, and funding agencies.

Because restoration funding is typically secured on an annual basis, the scope and location of projects can vary from year to year depending on available support and partner priorities.

Real Results Across the Watershed

SNC has delivered successful restoration projects throughout our jurisdiction, including:

  • Walleye spawning habitat enhancement initiatives

  • Wetland restoration and creation projects

  • Native tree, shrub, and perennial plantings that improve habitat connectivity

  • Shoreline and riparian improvements that benefit both wildlife and landowners

These projects not only support fish and wildlife populations — they also contribute to healthier rivers, stronger climate resilience, and more vibrant natural spaces for communities to enjoy.

Learn More

Want to explore our habitat restoration work in more detail?
Check out one of our factsheets to learn how SNC is helping restore wildlife habitat and increase biodiversity across Eastern Ontario.

Wood Duck Box

(Indian Creek Fish Habitat Restoration Project, 2016)