{"id":4907,"date":"2021-06-20T16:52:59","date_gmt":"2021-06-20T20:52:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lsrca.on.ca\/?p=4907"},"modified":"2024-01-23T17:53:42","modified_gmt":"2024-01-23T22:53:42","slug":"top-10-restoration-projects-of-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lsrca.on.ca\/index.php\/2021\/06\/20\/top-10-restoration-projects-of-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 Restoration Projects of 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In 2021, our restoration team completed over 100 projects across the Lake Simcoe watershed. From stormwater retrofits, Low Impact Development, to meadow enhancements and online pond removals, we continue to make critical on the ground improvements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some of our favourite projects from 2021 or if you’re interested you can check out our 2021 Year in Review video<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u200b\u200b1. Green Lane Low Impact Development<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\"a <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In partnership with the Town of East Gwillimbury, we completed a low impact development retrofit at the Green Lane Parking lot of the Rogers Reservoir Conservation Area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The previous parking lot, made of an impervious, hard-packed gravel layer, made it difficult for water to soak into the ground. During major storm events, the runoff from the large surrounding area would flow across the parking lot, picking up pollutants along the way. So, we resurfaced this parking lot and added a bioretention swale which filters up to 454 cubic metres of stormwater during each major storm event, while reducing the amount of phosphorus and sediment reaching the river\u200b.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Restoration Designs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\"a <\/p>\n\n\n\n

An importa\u200bnt aspect of each of our restoration projects is developing designs for construction. In partnership with private landowners, we are designing conceptual plans to retrofit the 404 Town Centre in the Town of Newmarket and Bayfield Mall property in the City of Barrie. Both designs offer options for the implementation of low impact development (LID) features to help infiltrate water into the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These properties were selected because during significant precipitation events, the runoff from the surrounding areas would flow across the parking lot negatively impacting nearby creeks. Once these improvements are implemented, they will allow stormwater to reduce runoff volume and erosion to Kidd’s Creek and tributary of the East Holland River and Eastern Creek. These construction projects can now move forward in 2022 or 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Restoring Kettleby Creek<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\"a<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Together with various partners, we funded the removal of a dam and restoration of a portion of Kettleby Creek that runs through Kettleby Valley Camp. The removal of the dam allows coldwater fish such as brook trout to migrate through the creek unhindered. It also reconnects endangered redside dace to their spawning habitat, enhances the genetic stock of fish populations and reduces thermal impacts. Natural watercourses, with their vegetated flood plains and meandering channels, also help to slow the rate of water flow and provide ideal habitat for all life stages of fish populations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This project resulted in the restoration of 60 metres of stream and 120 metres of riparian buffer, along with 130 potted shrubs planted, 500 live stakes installed and a total area 1,500 m2<\/sup> being seeded with native grasses and wildflowers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Community Action<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\"a<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After a year long pause, due to the pandemic, we were excited to get back to work with our community volunteers and partners in 2021! Together, we completed 27 Community Action projects with over 275 dedicated volunteers planting a total of 6,716 native trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants. We also worked with four schools to plant native trees and shrubs that will help enhance their schoolyards and create outdoor learning spaces. It also provided the opportunity for students to connect with nature and explore the natural environment.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u200b\u200b\u200bThe 27 Community Action projects not only improved wildlife and pollinator habitat, but they also increased biodiversity, helped store carbon, protected our streambanks and created shade in urban environments. If you are interested in volunteering at a tree planting event  in 2022 or organizing your own event, please email restoration@lsrca.on.ca<\/a> or visit our Community Action\u200b<\/a>\u200b page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Retrofitting a Stormwater Pond in Barrie<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\"a<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have partnered with the City of Barrie to help improve localized stormwater by retrofitting a dry stormwater pond to increase infiltration and improve water quality. This will be achieved through the implementation of a treatment train which includes the installation of an underground vault chamber storage\/infiltration facility as well as a twin unit oil\/grit separator running in parallel. The site location is ideal for this type of retrofit as the native soils are sandy and pervious with a water table that is over 7 metres deep. The environmental benefits of this project will include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n