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Sydenham River WatershedSydenham River Watershed
Sydenham River WatershedSydenham River Watershed
  • Biodiversity
    • Why is Biodiversity Important?
    • Threats to Biodiversity
    • What are Species at Risk?
    • Recovery Planning
    • Environmental Monitoring
  • Species at Risk
    • Species at Risk
      • SAR in the Sydenham
      • Mussels
      • Fishes
      • Snakes
      • Turtles
    • Mussels
      • Eastern Pondmussel
      • Fawnsfoot
      • Kidneyshell
      • Lilliput
      • Mapleleaf
      • Northern Riffleshell
      • Purple Wartyback
      • Rainbow
      • Rayed Bean
      • Round Hickorynut
      • Round Pigtoe
      • Salamander Mussel
      • Snuffbox
      • Threehorn Wartyback
      • Wavy-rayed Lampmussel
    • Fishes
      • Blackstripe Topminnow
      • Eastern Sand Darter
      • Grass Pickerel
      • Northern Madtom
      • Northern Sunfish
      • Pugnose Minnow
      • Pugnose Shiner
      • River Darter
      • Silver Lamprey
      • Spotted Sucker
    • Snakes
      • Eastern Foxsnake
      • Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
      • Eastern Milksnake
    • Turtles
      • Blanding’s Turtle
      • Midland Painted Turtle
      • Northern Map Turtle
      • Snapping Turtle
      • Spiny Softshell
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Healthy Watersheds Program

Home StewardshipHealthy Watersheds Program

Healthy Watershed Program

The Healthy Watersheds Program is your gateway to making a lasting impact on the environment while enhancing your property and farm. Designed to support conservation-minded landowners, this program offers resources to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) and other stewardship projects.

The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority Stewardship Team works to secure funding that can help offset project costs, host hands-on workshops, and share expert advice at demo days and events featuring guest speakers. They also provide one-on-one guidance—meeting you on your property to answer questions, assist with project design, and explore solutions tailored to your goals.

By participating, you’ll join a community of landowners and partners dedicated to improving water quality, preserving natural habitats, and ensuring sustainable land use for future generations. Collaboration with neighbors, resource groups, and agencies is central to creating a healthier, more resilient watershed.

Learn more about our new and exciting funding opportunity for Sydenham River watershed producers!

Sydenham Phosphorus Reduction Initiative

What Are Best Management Practices (BMPs)?

BMPs are practical, cost-effective methods that help care for the environment while boosting your farm’s productivity. These practices reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, conserve wildlife habitats, and promote sustainable land use.

Some examples include:

  • Riparian buffers: Planting vegetation along waterways to filter runoff and protect aquatic ecosystems.
  • Conservation tillage: Reducing soil disturbance to minimize erosion and improve soil health.
  • Cover crops: Planting crops to improve soil structure, prevent erosion, and retain nutrients.

 

By adopting BMPs, you not only safeguard your farm’s future but also contribute to the health of our shared watershed. Plus, with financial and technical support from the SCRCA, implementing BMPs is easier and more affordable than ever. Together, we can create lasting benefits for both your farm and the environment.

BMP Resources

Funding: Support for Your Conservation Goals

In the St. Clair Watersheds, over 80% of the land is dedicated to agriculture—a cornerstone of our economy and a vital food source. The SCRCA recognizes farmers as key stewards of the land and has a long history of working alongside them to improve soil health and protect water quality.

Through the Healthy Watersheds Program, the Stewardship Team offers grants to help you implement projects such as:


  • Erosion Control Structures: Reduce erosion and nutrient loss.

  • Windbreaks and Buffer Strips: Shield your land while improving water quality.

  • Livestock Fencing: Protect waterways from contamination and slopes from erosion.

The team secures funding from a range of governmental and partner agencies to make these projects accessible, often covering up to 50% or more of the costs. 

Ready to take the next step? Explore the links below or contact us today to learn how the Healthy Watersheds Program can support your efforts.

Contact Jessica Van Zwol with any questions: 519-245-3710 ext. 241 or [email protected]

Sydenham Phosphorus Reduction Initiative

Click to learn more!

Healthy Lake Huron

Lambton Shores Landowner Programs

St. Clair River & Lake Programming

Stewardship

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