Be Aware!
Be aware of what you may be potentially introducing to the ecosystem when using common household chemicals, fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides. Be aware that the habitat of the estuary is intrinsically linked to municipal activities and that the products that you use at home and at work may eventually end up in your municipal water system and in the estuary waters. Examine the possibility of safe, inexpensive organic or "make at home" products. Did you know that "Sunlight" dish soap kills earwigs and that vinegar and baking soda makes a wonderful bathroom cleaner? Alternatives DO exist.
Restrict Yourself!
Become familiar with the unique ecosystem that you are lucky to be a part of. Consider the implications to sensitive marine species surviving on the barrier beach when ATV's, cars and trucks drive over them. Consider the likelihood of important shorebird and seabird nesting and resting areas being disturbed and destroyed along sensitive coastal habitat by indiscriminate motorized vehicle use and restrict your own activities accordingly. Kelp harvesting is a popular activity around the estuary and can be accomplished with a bit of extra effort and a wheelbarrow or bucket.
Plant Native Trees and Shrubs!
An edge of herbaceous plants, native trees and shrubs are critical to maintaining the integrity of the estuary ecosystem. Shore-line vegetation provides wildlife with food and shelter, "uptakes" pollutants from the water of the estuary and the soil around the estuary, and prevents soil from running into the water system during , heavy rain. If you own shoreline property, plant trees and shrubs along the edge of the water. For the good of the environment, don't mow your grass within several meters of the shoreline or simply let it grow wild! Your backyard habitat can be an important natural area for local wildlife to take refuge and can offer you wonderful bird watching, butterfly gazing and bat studying opportunities! Excellent ,choices for native trees and shrubs include white spruce, mountain ash, aspen, tamarack larch, willow, alders, kalmia and rhodora. If your property does extend to the shoreline you can still plant trees and shrubs to provide wildlife habitat, improve air quality and beautify the community.
To Pick or Not to Pick?
Cattails have phenomenal ability to uptake excess nutrients and pollutants that may exist within the estuary. They are also known for providing critical cover and thermal protection for aquatic animals and bird species. Cattails have unusual seed-heads that are very tempting to add to natural flower arrangements. The plants reproduce in two ways - by distribution of seeds and by their root system. By picking the cattail heads, one method of reproduction is eliminated and the chances for successful establishment and reproduction of new plants are diminished. One wonderful adage to approach plants and natural areas with is "take only pictures and leave only footsteps!"
Look Around!
Few towns in this province have such a unique ecosystem as an estuary in their own communities! Take the time to look and learn about the incredible habitat that surrounds you. The Shearstown Estuary is alive with viewing and learning possibilities throughout the year. Make an effort to learn one new thing about your ecosystem every season! Make an effort to recognize the ecological "footprint" that you are leaving within this sensitive habitat.
Help Clean Up!
Clean up your property and take responsibility for any garbage that you may come across in your local area. Encourage your neighbours to do the same; you may be surprised how much change can occur when a few people set examples! Get involved with, or organize, community clean up projects while keeping in mind sensitive waterfowl brood-rearing and staging times. Return, reuse and recycle whenever possible.
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