6 ways you can improve your cottage’s ecosystem

Let’s be honest. Do you really want to spend your precious time at the cottage mowing, weeding, seeding, and fertilizing a lawn? Pristine urban lawns do not belong at the lake, particularly close to the shoreline. For one, the unnatural monoculture doesn’t provide the habit for the animals that you love spotting at the cottage. Plus, Canada geese love lawns and can become frequent visitors—and defecators—on your property.

The lake is your playground at the cottage, so you want to keep it clean. Obviously, you shouldn’t let garbage blow into the water. If you’re doing any painting or staining, make sure you’re well back from the shoreline. Maintain your boat engine so that oil and fuel don’t leak into the lake. Finally, have your septic system regularly inspected to ensure sewage isn’t seeping into the water.

As tempting as it is to lure the local wildlife to your doorstep with treats, it can be harmful to the animals. Birds, for example, will fill up on the breadcrumbs people spread out for them, but won’t be getting the nutrition they need. And if wildlife become accustomed to humans feeding them, they may not store up enough reserves to survive when you shut down for the winter. Best to let nature take its course.

Some people have an irrational fear of bats, but they’re an essential part of a healthy ecosystem. Plus, they eat a lot of mosquitoes and other insects that really bug us. But several Canadian species are at risk of extinction, due to habitat loss and white-nose syndrome. One way cottagers and homeowners can help is by installing bat boxes on their property to provide extra shelter. If you do install a bat box, consider signing up for the Canadian Bat Box Project so you can help share valuable “citizen scientist” data with researchers trying to help these flying mammals.

Speaking of citizen science projects, there are several opportunities for home and cottage owners to assist real scientists with field research. These include the Toronto Zoo’s Adopt-A-Pond, eButterfly, Frog Watch, and Birds Canada’s annual Christmas Bird Count.

Join a cottage association or environmental group Naturalist groups and cottage associations bring together likeminded people who share a common interest in protecting their local environment. Many organize regular cleanup activities, invasive species removals, and native species plantings. Visit FOCA and Ontario Nature’s websites for lists of organizations you can join in your area.