Wetlands on Farm Fields

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Rod, ALUS Wheatland

Wetland Restoration and Creation

Wetland restoration projects and the creation of new wetlands are among the most effective nature-based solutions on farms. They improve water quality, support biodiversity and habitats, reduce flood risk, provide erosion control, and strengthen climate resilience for farms and communities alike.

Across Canada, ALUS farmers are restoring wetlands and creating new acres of nature on farmland.

Jerremie & Rita, ALUS Mountain View County

Trent’s wetland, ALUS Vermillion River

What is a Wetland?

Wetlands are areas where water is present seasonally or year-round, creating ecosystems that support plants, wildlife and wetland organisms. These landscapes are among the most biologically productive ecosystems on Earth and provide critical habitat for hundreds of wetland animals and wetland organisms across Canada.

Healthy wetlands also deliver important environmental benefits that support resilient farms and communities.

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Benefits of Wetlands on Farms

Keith & Joni, ALUS Grey-Bruce

Improve Water Quality

Naturally filter sediment, nutrients and pollutants before they enter rivers, lakes and groundwater systems.

Reduce Flood and Drought Risk

Slow and store water during heavy rainfall and help retain moisture during dry periods.

Reduce Erosion

Slow water movement and reduce erosion across agricultural landscapes.

Support Biodiversity

Provide habitat for birds, pollinators, fish, amphibians and other wetland organisms.

Store Carbon

Capture and store carbon while supporting climate resilience across landscapes.

Strengthen Agricultural Resilience

Improve long-term environmental conditions on working farmland.

Why Wetland Restoration Matters

Historically, many wetlands were drained or altered to expand workable farmland and support development. As a result, a significant portion of wetlands across southern Canada have been lost.

The removal of wetlands has contributed to declining water quality, increased downstream flooding and the loss of important wildlife habitat.

Today, wetland creation and wetland restoration projects are increasingly recognized as practical, nature-based solutions that support biodiversity, climate resilience and healthier agricultural landscapes.

Wetland project, ALUS Norfolk

Wetland Restoration Projects

John’s wetland, ALUS Elgin

ALUS works with farmers and communities across Canada to create, restore and enhance wetlands on agricultural landscapes.

Projects can include:

  • Creating wetlands
  • Restoring drained wetlands
  • Planting native wetland vegetation
  • Creating buffer areas around wetlands
  • Installing alternative livestock watering systems
  • Managing invasive species

These wetland restoration projects help create healthier ecosystems while delivering measurable environmental benefits for communities and watersheds.

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Create new acres of nature

Wetland restoration projects improve water quality, strengthen biodiversity and support resilient landscapes across Canada.

Together, ALUS communities are creating new acres of nature on farmland — for the benefit of all Canadians.

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Bringing Back Wetlands on Farms

Restoring a wetland often starts with removing drainage features and replanting the area with native wetland species.

Creating a wetland is done by excavating an area of the farm that naturally collects exposed groundwater or surface run-off.

Wetland enhancement and maintenance requires ongoing monitoring for invasive species and bank erosion. Detecting invasive species early is the fastest and most cost-effective way to ensure wetland health. ALUS communities provide ongoing support and access to technical expertise to help with wetland management.

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Wetland, ALUS Lac Ste Anne
Cover of ALUS Wetlands Guidebook

Wetlands Guidebook 

ALUS has created informative guidebooks for its Eastern and Western communities

Download the Western Guidebook (PDF)
Download the Eastern Guidebook (PDF)

Learn more about wetlands in Canada

Learn more about wetlands in the USA

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FAQ

What is a wetland?
A wetland is an area where water is present seasonally or year-round, supporting water-loving plants, wildlife and wetland organisms.
What is a riparian area?
A riparian area is the vegetated land alongside rivers, streams, lakes and wetlands that helps improve water quality, reduce erosion and support wildlife habitat.
Why are wetlands important?
Wetlands improve water quality, reduce flood risk, store carbon and provide important wildlife habitat.
What types of animals live in wetlands?
Wetlands provide habitat for birds, fish, amphibians, pollinators, mammals and many other wildlife species.
How do wetlands improve water quality?
Wetlands naturally filter sediment, nutrients and pollutants before water enters rivers, lakes and groundwater systems.
How are wetlands restored?
Wetland restoration may include removing drainage features, planting native vegetation and improving surrounding land management practices.
What are the benefits of wetlands on farms?
Wetlands support biodiversity, improve erosion control and strengthen climate resilience across agricultural landscapes.

Explore More ALUS Projects

Discover some of the nature-based solutions helping communities thrive

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Establishing Grasslands

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