RVCA booking site visits ahead of 2027 planting season
RIDEAU VALLEY, July 29, 2026 – Most property owners just want to relax at their waterfront property – not constantly mow the lawn, chase away nuisance geese or spend time and money fighting erosion.
That’s where a natural shoreline comes in handy. Whether you’re on a lake or have a river, creek or wetland on your property, native trees, shrubs and plants can stabilize shorelines with their deep, strong roots and protect local water quality by filtering contaminants out of stormwater.
A natural buffer can also reduce your lawn maintenance and discourage geese from taking up residence.
Even better, naturalizing your shoreline is deeply affordable thanks to the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority’s grants for up to 90% of the project cost.
These grants cover site visits, custom planting plans, materials and supplies, the planting itself and five years of survival assessments and refills.
Staff are currently booking site visits for this summer and fall to plan for Spring 2027.
When you book a site visit, RVCA staff will meet you on site to discuss your vision and needs – including maintaining water access and views - which they’ll incorporate into a custom site plan. Once you’re happy with the plan, staff will order the materials on your behalf and show up to plant the following spring.
“This program is such a win-win for everyone,” said RVCA Shoreline Stewardship Co-ordinator Meaghan McDonald. “Your property is more functional, beautiful and efficient, and your neighbours benefit from a more resilient watershed.”
Eligible properties are located within the Rideau Valley watershed with shoreline frontage on a lake, river, stream or wetland. Landowners on Bobs or Crow Lake are eligible to have 100% of their project costs covered, thanks to funding support from the Bobs & Crow Lake Foundation.
The RVCA’s Shoreline Naturalization Program has completed more than 1,000 projects and planted more than 175,000 native trees, shrubs and plants since 2009.
To learn more about the program and check your eligibility, visit www.rvca.ca/shoreline. To book a site visit contact
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