RURAL LANDOWNER STEWARDSHIP GUIDE

for the Ontario Landscape

Self-assessment for your environmental performance as a property owner

AgendaAgenda

IntroductionIntroduction Purpose of the GuidePurpose of the Guide Goals of the workshopGoals of the workshop WhatWhat’’s in the Guides in the Guide How to work with the GuideHow to work with the Guide Worksheet and Action Plan (small groups)Worksheet and Action Plan (small groups) Discussion (large group)Discussion (large group) Evaluation and Commitment FormsEvaluation and Commitment Forms

Purpose of the GuidePurpose of the Guide Help us understand how our actions affect the Help us understand how our actions affect the

larger landscape.larger landscape. Protect and enhance the quality of our natural Protect and enhance the quality of our natural

environment.environment. By doing so, you will:By doing so, you will:

Help to conserve our natural & cultural heritageHelp to conserve our natural & cultural heritage Protect your investment as a property ownerProtect your investment as a property owner Save time, money and frustration Save time, money and frustration

To help YOU make a difference.To help YOU make a difference.

Goals of the WorkshopGoals of the Workshop

Begin to develop or expand environmental Begin to develop or expand environmental awareness.awareness.

Learn how we can improve our practices to Learn how we can improve our practices to mitigate negative impacts.mitigate negative impacts.

Work together to accomplish this.Work together to accomplish this. Have fun!Have fun!

WhatWhat’’s in the Guide?s in the Guide?

1.1. Introduction to Local EcologyIntroduction to Local Ecology What is a watershed?What is a watershed? Why should we be concerned?Why should we be concerned? Local scale featuresLocal scale features

2.2. The Workbook:The Workbook: 14 different worksheets14 different worksheets

Each worksheet asks you to rate your activities Each worksheet asks you to rate your activities on your property.on your property.

Worksheet ThemesWorksheet Themes1.1. Getting to know your propertyGetting to know your property

• buying a rural property, constructionbuying a rural property, construction

2.2. WaterWater• wells, septic systems, runoff managementwells, septic systems, runoff management

3.3. Gardening & LandscapingGardening & Landscaping• water efficiency, buffers, trees, plant selection and usewater efficiency, buffers, trees, plant selection and use

4.4. Ecosystems & WildlifeEcosystems & Wildlife• forest, stream/drain, wetland and meadow managementforest, stream/drain, wetland and meadow management

5.5. MiscellaneousMiscellaneous• waste management, storage of fuels/chemicals, lowering waste management, storage of fuels/chemicals, lowering

your energy billyour energy bill

How Does it Work?How Does it Work?

Pick the worksheets that apply to your Pick the worksheets that apply to your property.property.

Read the introductory page, then use the Read the introductory page, then use the worksheet to rate the topics that apply to you.worksheet to rate the topics that apply to you.

For each topic, there are four conditions each For each topic, there are four conditions each having a rating (4 Best to 1 Poor).having a rating (4 Best to 1 Poor).

Circle the condition that best describes your Circle the condition that best describes your property and mark your rating in the box on property and mark your rating in the box on the right hand side.the right hand side.

?

2

4

5-5 67 Septic ? Find out where discharge goes

5-6 67 Septic 2 Wipe utensils

Your Turn!Your Turn!

Work through worksheet(s).Work through worksheet(s). This is an individual assessment, but feel free This is an individual assessment, but feel free

to discuss potential action plan items with your to discuss potential action plan items with your group.group.

We will come back together to discuss action We will come back together to discuss action items.items.

Thanks for coming!Thanks for coming!Ashfield-Colborne Lakefront

Association

Ontario Farm Environmental Coalition