Resources
On this page you will find links to our membership forms, and educational material involving educational best management practices on:
- Stream bank stabilization
- Cliff erosion
- Invasive species management
Bob Butler, 2024
On this page you will find links to our membership forms, and educational material involving educational best management practices on:
- Stream bank stabilization
- Cliff erosion
- Invasive species management
We would love to have you join us as a member of SSWA! We provide an online google form as well as a pdf form to register. Please send completed pdf forms to sswa@sswa.ca, or mail to
PO Box 123, Crapaud PE C0A 1J0.
Streams are very dynamic ecosystems. They change as a result of flooding, seasons, erosion, and other natural processes. Streams meander through their floodplains over time, so it is integral for the floodplain to be clear of human interference (e.g. fences, structures, etc.). Stream bank stabilization is a way to mitigate the impacts of human interference in the riparian zones and floodplains by kick starting restoration.
Some ways to do this as a landowner include maintaining the 15 m buffer zone as measured from the floodplain. Leaving this unmown to grow up over time can be great, but if you want to speed things up, you can plant native species that are water tolerant. Contact us if you have questions or concerns about this or are curious if we would be able to help you with providing trees and planting them.
In agricultural areas, the 15 m buffer zone still applies, but there are other programs to help enhance stream bank stabilization. More information on those can be found here.
- Leaving at least a 15 buffer zone of unmown grass/shrubs between the lawn and the cliff
- Planting native salt-tolerant shrubs (i.e. wild rose, bayberry) in that buffer zone can help stabilize the soil and mitigate slumping and erosion through deep roots holding soil together
- Avoid rock armouring as it increases nearby erosion levels and is often a short-lived solution to erosion
- Watch out for at-risk Bank Swallow colonies and allow the bank and overbank areas there to remain undisturbed
- Contact us with any questions or concerns
Management of invasive species has become a part of our effort to protect native species and ecosystems. Invasive species can block culvert flow systems, outcompete native vegetation and lower biodiversity. Here are some tips to help!
Step 1: Inspect & Identification
Review sources, such as PEI Invasive Species Council, to learn about invasive species located in your area and use this information to be able to inspect and easily spot invasive species on your land. It is also useful to consistently monitor the area.
Step 2: Create a Plan
Depending on the amount and what type of invasive species you are interacting with, dividing the area into multiple sections can make the problem more manageable. Deciding on the best course of action can be removing target plants, like seed dispersal/ berry plants, ensuring to remove the full roots system and dispose of them properly.
Step 3: Proper Disposal
Do not compost as certain areas of the invasive plant can regenerate (ex. roots and stem cuttings). Solarization is an option where you bag the organic material in a durable garbage bag and let it sit in the sun for 1-2 weeks before disposing of it in household waste. Make sure to label the clear plastic bag with the type of invasive species and leave it with your waste.
Step 4: Prevention & Restoration
Once invasive species are removed, the soil becomes open and susceptible. To prevent the regrowth of more invasive species it is suggested to plant aggressive, local native vegetation, such as plants and trees to outcompete any remaining seed/roots from the invasives. Cleaning gardening tools, boots, motor vehicle tires between fields or outdoor equipment can help prevent spreading of invasive species. Report any suspicious or confirmed sightings. Sources like the iNaturalist app can be used as a helpful tool. Here are some common invasive species in P.E.I. to keep an eye out for!
- Bittersweet Nightshade
- Japanese Knotweed
- Wild Cucumber
- Tufted Vetch
- Periwinkle
- Variegated Goutweed
- Purple Loosestrife
- Giant Hogweed
