Land Stewardship

Stewardship is the act of assuming responsibility for caretaking ecological stewardship embodies the nurturing, conservation and/or restoration of our natural world.
 

Metchosin residents have shown stewardship of their municipality for many years as evidenced by the relative health of our lands and waters and richness of local biodiversity.
 

Stewardship can be accomplished in many ways, from simple, inexpensive choices to legally binding and more costly options. Any resident can incorporate the following low cost and environmentally friendly practices.
 

When choosing plants for gardening, decisions can be made to supply benefits beyond the obvious ones of beauty and scent. Incorporate plants that provide nectar for hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinators; select plants that have reduced maintenance requirements: plants that are drought tolerant, have low fertilizer requirements, or that don’t need pesticides; choose to incorporate native plants that will provide food and habitat for many creatures as well as reducing watering and chemical inputs. Hedgerows of mixed native shrubs are attractive and provide nesting sites and food for birds and small mammals.
 

Food crops can be grown organically, using appropriate mulches which conserve water and reduce weeding and pesticide use. By providing habitat, you can help our native birds and animals continue to thrive in Metchosin. Supply nest boxes for birds, rock piles for snakes and lizards, ponds for amphibians and mason bee condos for those industrious pollinators of our fruit trees.
 
Removing invasive species is another tool that can restore the natural environment and allow native species to thrive. It is a rewarding experience that can be undertaken by almost anyone, but one that those interested should understand involves a long- term commitment.
 

Stewardship is a choice we all have the opportunity to make, from the simple to the grand gesture. It all makes an important contribution.
 
— Moralea Milne