Environment

• Provides filtering of runoff waters into the lake
• Prevents soil erosion by having a natural shoreline; the roots of plants will hold the soil together
• Leaves, stems, stalks and other organic materials provide forage for fish and other wildlife
• Vegetation on the shoreline provides spawning and nursery habitat in the spring
• A well vegetated shoreline provides shade and looks great!

Shoreline habitat is of critical importance to spawning fish species. Protect the shoreline by keeping a natural shoreline, and ensure healthy fish populations for future generations!

• Replant and protect native shrubs and grasses in the shoreline zone
• Reduce foot and vehicle traffic through the shoreline zone
• Reduce wake from watercraft when approaching the shore
• Refrain from, or reduce, the building of structures within the first 30 metres from shore
• Avoid any construction projects that harden or increase the slope of the shoreline, as this leads to increased erosion
• Avoid the use of lawn fertilizers

• Northern Pike
• Common Carp
• Smallmouth Bass
• Lake Herring (Cisco)
• Lake Trout
• Lake Whitefish

• Virginia Creeper
• Highbush Cranberry
• Red-osier Dogwood
• Wild Grape
• Shrubby Willow
• Sweet gale
• Sumac
• Alder

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• Lake Simcoe Subwatershed Plans
• The Shore Primer [PDF/1.3MB]
• The Dock Primer [PDF/1MB]
• The Drain Primer [PDF/1.4MB]

Coyotes are not harmful to humans, if proper precautions are taken. 

• Keep small animals, such as dogs, cats, or chickens, on leash, caged, or indoors.
• Leave them alone – do not feed or approach them.
• Put food away when finished outdoor activities. Put garbage in appropriate bins.
• Restrict access to your entire property using a fence.

If you encounter a coyote, stay calm, give the coyote space, and slowly back away. Keep your dog close, and don’t let your dog near it. If it does not leave, make loud noises and put your arms out wide, or call 911 in an emergency.

Tips on Living with Coyotes [PDF/53KB]

Coyote Human Interaction Best Practices [PDF/6.3MB]

Coyote Encounters Guide [PDF/258KB]

Coyote Wildproofing Your Property [PDF/95KB]

Feeding bread to ducks harms them and their environment. Here's why:

• Bread has little nutritional value and can lead to malnutrition.
• Uneaten soggy bread can cause a build-up of bad nutrients in the lake, leading to more algae growth, diseases, and pests.
• Moldy bread can cause a deadly lung infection in ducks.

As temperatures rise in spring and summer, snakes become more active and often bask in sunny areas to regulate their body temperature. You might see them on hiking trails, park paths, near water sources, or on warm rocks or pavement.

Common local species (non-venomous):

• Garter snake
• Milk snake
• Northern water snake

Remember: Some species may look intimidating but are completely harmless!

If you see a snake, do not approach or touch it, and please do not run them over. Stick to marked trails, educate children about local wildlife, and respect nature’s role – snakes help control pests!

A Quick Guide to Helping Reptiles and Amphibians – SCALES Nature Park

For more information, call 705-437-1337 ext. 2233 or email alyssa.warren@georginaisland.com.

Watch out for turtles! If you see one on the road, bring it across in the same direction it is facing. Do not lift them by their tail — this can injure them. 

To move a snapping turtle, use a shovel to lift or push it across the road. If lifting with hands, place a hand under from behind while placing the other hand on the back third of the shell. To move a regular turtle, use both hands and grip from underneath on either side.

If you see an injured turtle on the road, please call the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre at 705-741-5000.

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Feeding or attempting to feed wildlife has harmful effects for both animals and people.

• Animals can become dependent on artificial food sources 
• Artificial feed is not healthy for wildlife 
• Animals can lose their natural fear of humans and pets, becoming more prone to conflict 
• Wild animals may gather in large numbers when they are being fed — this concentration of animals in one area can spread parasites and disease and cause destruction of natural habitat 
• Feeding animals near roads increases their risk of being hit by vehicles 
• Feeding wildlife may attract "unwanted" animals to your property 
• Animals will learn to associate humans with food, and can become a problem to neighbours
• Habituated animals can become aggressive 
• Feeding animals near roads increases the risk of motor vehicle accidents, resulting in property damage, injury or death

Do:

1. Appreciate wildlife from a distance 
2. Keep household waste, compost and pet food out of reach of wild animals 
3. Attract wildlife to your property by improving natural habitats
4. Work together with your neighbours to help keep wild animals wild

Don't:

1. Put out food to attract wildlife 
2. Try to approach or touch wild animals 
3. Feed pets outdoors or allow pets to roam free 
4. Put garbage out until the morning of collection