From Shoreline to Backyard: Practical Ways to Restore Local Ecosystems

September 17, 2025

When we picture environmental restoration, we often imagine large-scale conservation projects. But some of the most powerful ecological transformations can begin right at home. Restoration doesn’t always require grand gestures—it often starts with a simple shift in perspective and a willingness to understand the land right outside our door.

 

At Parklane Landscapes, we’ve spent decades partnering with homeowners, municipalities, and community groups to bring life back to the natural spaces that surround us. Whether we’re restoring the edge of a lake or reimagining a suburban yard, the principles remain the same: work with nature, not against it.

 

One of the most vital and rewarding aspects of our work is shoreline restoration. Healthy shorelines play a critical role in protecting water quality, preventing erosion, and supporting the biodiversity of our lakes and rivers. Yet too often, they’re disrupted by retaining walls, compacted soils, or manicured lawns that block the natural processes these ecosystems depend on. By working alongside local conservation authorities, we help restore sensitive shorelines across the region—removing artificial barriers, regrading slopes, and planting deep-rooted native species. These efforts support resilient, biodiverse ecosystems and create essential habitat for frogs, turtles, pollinators, and migratory birds. In the face of increasing storm events and shifting weather patterns, naturalized shorelines also enhance climate resilience and improve stormwater management.

 

But you don’t need a lakefront property to make a difference.

 

The same ecological principles that guide our shoreline projects apply in urban and suburban settings. Thoughtful design solutions like rain gardens, bioswales, native plantings, and permeable paving can significantly reduce runoff, filter pollutants, and create habitat—even on a standard residential lot. Strategic grading and plant selection help water soak into the soil where it belongs, rather than flooding driveways or flowing untreated into nearby water bodies.

 

We work with homeowners to reimagine their outdoor spaces as part of a larger ecosystem. Swapping out turf grass for native wildflowers and grasses, introducing logs and rocks for habitat, or simply letting a slope return to a more naturalized state can restore ecological function and bring unexpected beauty to your yard.

 

Nature has an incredible capacity to heal—but it often needs our support. From stabilizing shorelines to transforming backyards, restoration starts with the land right outside your door.

 

Ready to reimagine your landscape? Contact Parklane Landscapes and take the first step toward a more sustainable, resilient future.

 



By Joanne Mohan August 18, 2025
Unplug, Disconnect, Bloom!
By Joanne Mohan August 18, 2025
During the winter months, it's completely natural and acceptable to adopt a more laid-back attitude toward your garden. As temperatures drop and snow begins to cover the ground, most plants enter a state of dormancy, making winter a time when many gardeners can take a well-deserved break. This is an opportunity to appreciate the unique beauty that winter brings to your outdoor space. The skeletal branches of trees can create striking silhouettes against the crisp, clear sky, while winter-blooming plants, like hellebores and winter jasmine, add unexpected pops of color. Consider how the landscape transforms, with the quiet stillness allowing for reflection and rest. Instead of worrying about weeding or pruning, embrace this season of inactivity. You can enjoy cozy moments indoors, perhaps with a warm beverage, while dreaming of the vibrant blooms and lush greenery that will return with spring. Allow yourself to recharge and relish the tranquil beauty of your garden during this quieter time, knowing that it will soon awaken to life again. Winter gardening offers a unique opportunity to engage in a variety of activities that can enhance both your garden and your gardening skills. One enjoyable task is to create a winter garden plan, where you can research and select plants that thrive in colder months, such as evergreens and winter-blooming flowers. You can also take this time to prepare for spring by organizing your gardening tools, cleaning pots, and starting seeds indoors for future planting. It’s a great time for winter pruning of certain trees and shrubs, which promotes healthier growth in the spring. The winter months provide a valuable opportunity to prepare and organize for the upcoming spring and summer seasons in your garden. This is the ideal time to assess your needs, set clear goals, and create a comprehensive plan. Consider reaching out to professionals for ideas and designs. Many companies are still working and scheduling work for early Spring. If you hope to have landscaping completed for Summer, start planning now and call Parklane Landscapes at 705-327-0064 or visit our website parklanelandscapes.ca