Home Solutions
Healthy riparian areas start with everyday choices. Whether you live near a waterbody or further away, your actions can help protect water quality, reduce erosion, and support local ecosystems. Explore the resources below and take simple steps to make a difference today.
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Manage runoff where it falls: Reduce the impact of stormwater by installing rain barrels, building a rain garden, or using permeable surfaces. Slowing and soaking up runoff helps keep pollutants out of nearby waterways.
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Plant with purpose: Replace portions of turf grass with native plants, grasses, or shrubs. Native vegetation has deep roots that stabilize soil, filter water, and create habitat for wildlife.
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Reduce chemicals and protect soil: Minimize or eliminate the use of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, and avoid disturbing soil. Healthy soil and fewer chemicals mean cleaner water flowing into riparian areas.
Pigeon Lake Watershed Assocation
A practical guide for acreage owners that explains rural living and land stewardship, including how to manage water, soil, wildlife, and property responsibly. Basic tips and introductory principles to land stewardship.
Use this guide to help you design and install a rain garden that captures runoff, improves drainage, and protects nearby waterways on your property.
North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance (NSWA)
This tool helps landowners adopt lake‑friendly yard and shoreline practices, like using native vegetation, reducing runoff, and minimizing fertilizer use, to improve water quality and prevent erosion.
Edmonton and Area Land Trust
Free, downloadable guides provide practical instructions for building, installing, and maintaining bat boxes and nest boxes for ducks and songbirds to support wildlife conservation for species that heavily rely on riparian areas.
Nature Alberta
A practical guide helping homeowners create biodiverse, wildlife-friendly yard (like planting native species and adding habitat features) which also supports riparian health by reducing runoff and improving habitat connections. $9.95/book.
Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF)
A program that encourages people to certify their gardens as wildlife-friendly habitats; by providing food, water, shelter, and sustainable practices. This helps riparian health by expanding connected habitat and supporting biodiversity across urban landscapes.