THUNDER BAY — The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority has a deal for Thunder Bay-area residents interested in rehabilitating shorelines on their properties.
It's promoting a program that offers professional restoration consultation and free native plants to landowners whose lots include a lake or river.
Eligible properties must be within a 100 metre buffer along Lake Superior from Wild Goose Beach in Shuniah to Margaret Street in the Municipality of Neebing, or along any of five watercourses entering the lake.
The LRCA says the program is aimed at improving aquatic and terrestrial habitat by rehabilitating and protecting sensitive shoreline and riverbank environments.
Vegetation species available through the program include white cedar, American mountain ash, saskatoon, common ninebark, white meadowsweet, sweet gale, red osier dogwood, milkweed, pearly everlasting, joe-pye weed, blue flag iris and others.
Each landowner may receive up to 100 plants along with a personalized planting plan.
The LRCA also offers resources for all area residents on gardening with native plants, reducing harmful runoff and managing invasive species.
"Our goal is to encourage landowners to contribute positively to the overall health of the Lakehead watershed, starting at home," said Tammy Cook, the conservation authority's CAO. "Whether planting trees or shrubs, implementing low-income development on your property, or educating yourself about the best way to maintain your property, it is all of our responsibility to be stewards."
The shoreline protection program is funded by the Ministry of Natural Resources.
The deadline for applying is Sept. 5.
Throughout September, site visits will be arranged with eligible applicants to draft planting plans.
Successful applicants must pick up their plants from the LRCA office on Conservation Road off Oliver Road on Oct. 3, 2025.
