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Holland Marsh Riparian Planting - Phase 2
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Lead Organization
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Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
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Project Type
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Non-Point Source
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The Lake Simcoe Protection Plan Priority this project supports
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Improving water quality, including reducing loadings of phosphorus to the lake
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Project Cost
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Cost of the project: $12181.44
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Lake Simcoe Clean Up Fund Contribution: $8039.19
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Project Background
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The Holland Marsh consists of 2,900 hectares of muck soil located in the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury and the Township of King. The Holland Marsh drains to the northeast by the Holland River and empties into Cook’s Bay. In 1925 drainage operations began and a canal system was constructed around the marsh. Pumps were installed to control the water table within the dykes. The marsh is currently a very large market garden producing carrots, onions, lettuce, potatoes, celery, parsnips, cabbage, cauliflower and beets.
The marsh farmers typically farm up to the banks of the Holland River and the canals. Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority would like to see riparian areas planted with native trees and shrubs to reduce soil erosion and prevent phosphorus from entering the watercourses.
Completing this project will reduce sedimentation and phosphorus inputs into the watercourse and therefore improve water quality. The native trees and shrubs will provide shade along the watercourse to decrease water temperature and provide aquatic habitat.
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Project Description
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Develop communications and demonstration materials outlining the benefits of Best Management Practices (BMP’s) within the Holland Marsh. Dedicated staff will focus their efforts on promoting the program through workshops, mailouts and media and will also obtain willing landowners to plant riparian buffers in the marsh.
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Holland Marsh Farmers Workshop - March 2008
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LSRCA display at the Muck Vegetable Growers Conference and Trade Show - March 2008
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Primary Contact
Christa Sharp
9058951281
c.sharp@lsrca.on.ca
120 Bayview Parkway, Box 282
Newmarket
L3Y4X1
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Other Participants
Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury
Township of King
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Location of Project (located by the Pushpin below in map)
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West Holland
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Project Activities & Results
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Phase 1
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Feb 01, 2008 to Mar 31, 2008
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Activity
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An implementation plan will be developed using the results from the pilot project and information gathered from the Holland Marsh community. This plan will be implemented to successfully plant buffers on the Holland Marsh in the upcoming years.
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Results
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We developed a workshop series to target the Holland Marsh landowners to learn more about the needs of a muck farmer.
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Phase 2
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Feb 01, 2008 to Mar 31, 2008
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Activity
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Landowners will be approached through four workshops, mailouts, advertising, and phone calls.
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Results
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We held two workshops and attended the Bradford Muck Fest. We also developed advertising around the workshops. The Holland Marsh Growers Association phoned all of their members to advertise our workshops. We hade 34 farmers attend our workshops.
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Phase 3
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Feb 01, 2008 to Mar 31, 2008
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Activity
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Follow up site visits will be completed to confirm properties for planting in the fall of 2009. This will include taking soil samples and completing a site analysis to develop the planting plan.
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Results
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We have had one site visit and approximately nine more landowners interested in a property site visit.
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Phase 4
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Mar 01, 2008 to Mar 31, 2008
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Activity
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Develop Planting plans based on site conditions.
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Results
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We are currently working with one landowner to complete a chemical and fuel storage upgrade. We are developing 3 streambank erosion projects which include fall shrub plantings. The other 6 landowner will be visited after the spring tree planting season to organize additional fall plantings.
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Project Benefits
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1. Environmental Farm Plans implemented/signed 1 # of plans
2. Public Participation, Two community workshops - over 34 participants
3. Education,
4.
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