Water and Natural Resources

Protecting our water and natural resources is an important aspect in improving the overall health of our farms. From the waterways to species at risk, it is important to ensure that our farms have a thriving ecosystem.

We can protect our water and natural resources by:

  • Fencing off waterways

  • Maintaining Riparian Zones

  • Managing wetlands

  • Managing livestock

  • Protecting ground water/well

  • Invasive species prevention

  • Protecting species at risk

  • Planting pollinator crops

  • Reducing soil erosion

Tools and Resources

This article examines the wildlife habitat available on agricultural land, the benefits that agriculture receives from wildlife, and mutually-beneficial farming practices.
Agriculture and Wildlife: A two-way relationship
This practical and easy-to-use guide informs gardeners about the invasive tendencies of common garden plants and suggests appropriate non-invasive alternatives.
Southern Grow Me Instead
This resource outlines the Environmental Farm Plan- how you can get involved, the workbook and infosheets.
Environmental Farm Plan
This Resource highlights a variety of native and non-native plant alternatives found to be non-invasive in Ontario.
Northern Grow Me Instead
A user-friendly tool for farmers to understand alignment between their agricultural practices and the principles of regenerative agriculture.
General Mills Regenerative Agriculture Self-Assessment
Working through this Check-Up will help you explore both the successes and the challenges of soil and pollinator health on your farm.
GLASI Farmland Health Check-Up
The Farmland Health Check-Up is an opportunity to assess risks to on-farm soil health and water quality.
Farmland Health Check-up
This site provides information on workshop availability in various regions.
Canada- Ontario Environmental Farm Plan
This booklet is a guide for individual household wells on constructing a new well, caring for an existing well, and plugging and sealing an unused well, all using a multi-barrier approach.
Well Aware
Information about the benefits of wetlands.
Wetlands at Work
This Water Quality Matters publication provides information about the role of riparian areas in maintaining good water quality and how the careful management of riparian areas can provide sustainable forage for producers and improved water quality for all.
Riparian Area Management
Key finding overview (this page), Change in extent of wetlands, Status of peatlands, Peace–Athabasca Delta, Health of Great Lakes wetlands.
Wetlands Biodivcanada
This guide has been created for farmers in Ontario who want to act to preserve, or create, pollinator habitat on their land.
Preserving and Creating Habitat for Pollinators
This Factsheet outlines several strategies farmers can use to protect these watercourses.
Livestock Access to Watercourses
Information on protecting your groundwater supply.
Groundwater Contamination
Outlines how groundwater can become contaminated and the effects of treatment.
Protecting Groundwater to Protect Health
The OFAH/OMNR Invading Species Awareness Program delivers a number of initiatives that promote public engagement in invasive species awareness and prevention across the province.
Ontario's Invading Species Awareness Program
This resource outlines program information, who is eligible, amount of funding, when and were to submit an application, key guidelines, forms needed.
Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program
It’s our goal here at Ontario Invasive Plant Council to provide expert information on how to manage invasive plants.
Ontario Invasive Plan Council Resources