Roots are claws that hold the earth in place

March 22nd, 2019October 17th, 2022
2 min read

Waterside tree planting is important both to the local waterways and the people who live adjacent to them. Tree roots hold onto soil, preventing unnatural amounts of sand and dirt from entering the water systems, which can have a negative impact downstream and damage aquatic ecosystems. Trees provide organic material and habitats for animals, and their shade acts as a temperature monitor for aquatic wildlife.

Trees and other natural vegetation create a buffer between land use and natural habitats. They also benefit us by reducing the impact of flooding, a trend which is becoming more commonplace due to the pressures of climate change.

Riparian buffer zones — A cross-section of a stream and the adjacent riparian area. The sketch shows four zones and the vegetation associated with each. Moving from the water to the upland, the first zone is the aquatic zone and is populated with aquatic plants such as sedges and reeds. The next zone, Zone 1, is an undisturbed forest. Zone 2 is a managed forest of shrubs and trees and Zone 3 is a mix of grasses that help control runoff from neighbouring fields. (Image courtesy Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)

Strong communities. Safe, clean water.

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Water First has been rated 5 Stars by Charity Intelligence (Ci), an organization that conducts assessments of charitable organizations to promote transparency, accountability and a focus on results in the charitable sector. Ci’s rating is based on financial transparency, results reporting, demonstrated impact, need for funding, and cents to the cause.

Water First acknowledges that our main office lies within the traditional territory of the Petun and the Anishnaabeg, which consist of the Odawa, Ojibwe, and the Pottawatomi nations. The region in which we live and work has been a site of human activity for approximately 15,000 years, with Indigenous peoples being the sole inhabitants until as recently as 500 years ago. Water First is located on the territory covered by Lake Simcoe-Nottawasaga Treaty No. 18, of 1818. Today, this area is still the home to many Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work with the community in this territory.

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