Wetland Restoration

Prior to European settlement, there were about two million hectares of wetlands in southern Ontario. Over 75% of these wetlands have been destroyed. In parts of southwestern Ontario, over 90% of the original wetlands are gone. These are among the highest recorded losses of wetlands anywhere on Earth.

Governments and non-governmental organizations work to protect the remaining wetland resources through restoration. Many successful wetland restoration projects are the result of stewardship activities undertaken by organizations that are part of the Stewardship Network of Ontario (SNO) or the Ontario Eastern Habitat Joint Venture (OEHJV).

The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) offers a one-week introductory training course in wetland restoration, the Temperate Wetland Restoration Training Course (TWRTC). Successful participants can follow-up the introductory course with a level two course to undertake actual wetland restoration projects. Visit the TWRTC website for more information.