What is a Watershed?
A watershed is an area of land drained by a creek or stream into a river which then drains into a body of water such as a lake or pond. Our watersheds are a series of interconnected ecosystems including, wetlands, streams, forests and rivers. The links between these areas means that our actions upstream can affect conditions downstream and in Lake Huron.
Where are we?
Why Monitor?
Monitoring helps us better understand our watershed. Monitoring lets us know where our natural areas are, how much we have and their quality. We can then target our work where it is needed and track progress.
Groundwater
Groundwater is found underground in the spaces and cracks between soil particles, sand, gravel and rock formations. The indicators typically used to assess groundwater quality are Nitrite and Nitrate and Chloride. Elevated levels of these can be caused by the activities we do on the land and make water unsafe to drink. Concentrations of these two indicators were measured at eleven Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks monitoring wells. In 10 years of sampling only one well, located in a landfill, showed high levels of Nitrite and Nitrate and Chloride.
Surface Water
Surface water is the water that we can see around us in streams, rivers, ponds and lakes. Streams are important for wildlife and in some cases they are used as a water source for livestock. Total Phosphorus concentrations, benthic macroinvertebrates (the bugs that live on the bottom of a stream) and E. coli are typically used to measure the quality of our streams and rivers. In general, the small streams along the Lake Huron shoreline and the Middle Maitland River, which runs through Listowel, have the poorest water quality, but nutrients, sediments and bacteria are an issue in all of our streams, especially after heavy rains.
The strip of land next to a stream is called the riparian zone. Keeping this area natural helps improve the water quality of our streams and provides habitat for a variety of wildlife, from fish to birds. The lower Maitland River and Nine Mile Rivers have the best examples of natural riparian zones in the watershed, but more could be planted everywhere.
Find out more about Maitland Conservation’s water sampling initiatives:
Water Sampling Initiatives
Wetlands
Wetlands have many functions. They slow the flow of surface water, filter pollution, recharge groundwater supplies and provide habitat for wildlife. Many plants and animals listed as Species at Risk in Ontario depend on wetlands for their survival. The number of wetlands in the watershed varies greatly. Some areas, such as the South Maitland, has very few, while other areas, such as the North Maitland, has more than three times as many.
Forest Health
Forests provide a critical ecological foundation on which human prosperity and health sits. Maitland Conservation is currently wrapping up an assessment of the health of watershed forests. The results of this study will provide information which can be used to steward and protect local woodlots.
The number of hectares of forests continues to decline. Since the initial Forest Health Study undertaken in 2000, an additional 206.87 hectares of natural forest landscape has been lost. This is far more than what we are planting. While tree planting is helpful, it cannot recreate a natural forest system that takes hundreds of years to organically develop.
The health of our remaining forests is in crisis. The Forest Health Study (2021-2022) indicates that out of the 7,905 trees evaluated 23% were dead (1,835 trees). We expect this number to approach 30% as the invasive Emerald Ash Borer continues northward through our watershed. Of the remaining living trees, 23% (1,800 trees) were found to be stressed.
A summary of the recent Forest Health Assessment study is now available. Click the link below to view the document:
Forest Health Summary – document
If you have questions about the Forest Health Summary or if you’re interested in seeing the full Forest Health Assessment report please contact:
Erin Gouthro: [email protected]
or
Emily Shaw: [email protected]
In past years we have reported on Forest Interior. Forest Interior is important because these areas are similar to forests of the past. Recent assessment shows that while the geographic area of Forest Interior is stable at 3% of our land base, the quality of these areas is declining. Only 2% of our Interior Forests are now free from a high level of disturbance.
What are we doing?
Maitland Conservation is working to protect and enhance the watersheds’ rivers, forests
and soils.
- River Valley and Floodplain Restoration – Assisting landowners to restore river corridors by planting native trees, shrubs and herbaceous species. Maitland Conservation staff provide technical support to landowners and help with accessing grant funding for restoration projects.
- Rural Storm Water Management – Supporting landowners to develop rural storm water projects to reduce the potential for flooding and erosion on their land.
- Cover Crop Projects – Encouraging landowners to incorporate cover crops into their cropping systems to reduce soil erosion over the winter season. Staff provide technical support and assistance with funding applications.
- Creating pollinator wildflower meadows at Conservation Areas.
- Watershed Monitoring and Reporting – In 2023 the Forest Health Assessment will be completed and work will begin on developing an aquatic health assessment.
How can you help?
- Plant native trees and shrubs to increase forest cover. Plant the right trees in the right place. Reforest floodplain and steep river valley slopes to improve the health of rivers and streams.
- Manage your woodlot with silviculture practices to increase the value of the timber and improve the environmental health of the woodlot.
- Implement cropping and tillage techniques that keep soil and nutrients on the ground and
out of watercourses. Plant cover crops to increase residue cover and organic matter in fields. - Plant perennial wildflower beds and pollinator gardens.
- Maintain a natural shoreline. Trees, shrubs and ground cover help to protect the shoreline from erosion.
- Support science! Participate in citizen science by using apps, such as iNaturalist and ebird, and help professionals collect data.
If you’d like help planting trees, managing your woodlot or undertaking a stewardship project please contact:
Shannon Millar, Restoration Supervisor
[email protected] or call 519-335-3557 ext. 233
For further information on Maitland Conservation’s watershed monitoring please contact:
Mat Shetler, Watershed Monitor Specialist
[email protected] or call 519-335-3557 ext. 244
Erin Gouthro, Watershed Ecologist
[email protected] or call 519-335-3557 ext. 242