Oxford Stewardship Award nominee - Middle Grand Chapter of Freshwater Conservation Canada

Freshwater Conservation Canada – Middle Grand Chapter: Volunteers making an impact in our community  

The Middle Grand Chapter of Freshwater Conservation Canada aims to enhance the health, functioning, and species richness of the network of cold-water tributaries along the Middle Grand River. They have done several projects to help cold-water tributaries in Oxford County, including Horner’s Creek, Washington Creek, Hillier Creek, Alder Creek, and the Nith River within Blandford-Blenheim and Norwich Townships.

The group of passionate volunteers has completed several projects, including tree planting, stream cleanups, bank deflectors, fish habitat creation, and the removal of fish barriers.

Over the past three years, the Middle Grand chapter has planted over 2,000 trees along a stretch of Horner’s Creek in Oxford County, between 8th and 10th Concession, just outside of Bright. Project Director Scott Puillandre explains why they have planted these trees.

“The goal is simple: healthier water. Cool, flowing water is healthy water, and that is what we are trying to achieve. Trees provide a buffer from the stream that reduces runoff and sediment, and once they mature, they provide shade to help keep water temperature down.”

The chapter collaborates closely with conservation authorities, community partners, and local landowners to implement its projects. Scott says sometimes money’s not the hardest thing to come by.

“Sometimes it’s just getting access to property to be able to do the work. Being willing to allow this good work to happen is a big step, and we really appreciate the landowners and Enbridge for giving us that access to complete this project.”

With support from the Oxford Clean Water Program, the group organized a community planting event at a farm property along Horner’s Creek, planting 250 potted and bareroot trees last spring. This effort builds on previous plantings by the Grand River Conservation Authority and other plantings supported by Enbridge. The group has been working with landowners to create a continuous buffer of trees along Horner’s Creek to increase shade, stabilize banks, and create a wildlife habitat.

Middle Grand Chapter President Hajnal Kovacs says this project couldn’t have happened without the amazing work of the volunteers and the support from the landowners and Enbridge.

“I have been doing stewardship projects for over a decade now, and I am continuously surprised by the number of caring people who come out of the woodwork to support these kinds of projects. Enbridge and the local landowners have been so supportive of our efforts and have made it easy for us to complete this project.”

Hajnal adds that the results are already visible.

“We have already provided significant stabilizing benefits with the roots of the trees that have been growing there. I’ve seen bird nests in trees that we planted two years ago. These projects create little forests that get bigger year to year.”

Through collaboration, volunteerism, and hands-on restoration, the Middle Grand Chapter continues to strengthen Horner Creek, one tree at a time.