HEDGEROWS
A "living fence," hedgerows provide forage and shelter for livestock and function as important corridors
for birds, mammals, reptiles, plants and insects. They can also alter wind and heat flows. Hedgerows can be particularly
valuable in joining fragmented forest patches. They can protect the farm from soil, nutrient and water loss if they are planted
parallel to the contours of sloping land. Hedgerows are generally best for wildlife when they consist of shrubs interspersed with large trees.
(Burel 1996, van Mansvelt & van der Lubbe 1999).
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![](windbreak.jpg)
A hedgerow on a P.E.I farm. Source: David Patriquin.
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STREAMS/RIPARIAN VEGETATION
Streams can serve as an important corridor, connecting patches of riparian vegetation such as trees, shrubs and grasses
located near the stream bank. Riparian vegetation may serve as a habitat patch or movement corridor for a species. Riparian vegetation
protects the stream from sediment loading which may result from the soil erosion of unprotected riverbanks. This
vegetation may also serve as a source of important nutrients which enter the stream, providing a nutrient source for species.
(Agriculture Canada 2000, Foreman & Gordon 1986). |
Acadian dykeland in Nova Scotia, established in the 1600's support native perennial grasses which protect the watercourse and provide hay. Source: David Patriquin.
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ROADS/ROADSIDE VEGETATION
Larger mammals such as coyotes may use the road itself for travel whereas smaller mammals, insects and plants may use the roadside vegetation or
"verge". Verges often have a high level of plant diversity which supports a colourful array of attractive wild flowers and grasses which provide habitat for
species not able to survive in open fields. Verges can be threated by mowing, burning and chemical run-off from the
road. Roads may acts as a barrier to some species by reducing the rate at which they cross roads. Roads can also affect the surrounding
landscape matrix by acting as a source of dust, dirt and roadside chemicals (Foreman & Gordon 1986,Gulinck & Pauwels 2000). |
![](vetchonwheat.jpg) A form of vetch (4 seed vetch,vicia tetrasperma). Found in crops, such as winter wheat, but can
also be found along roadsides. Source: David Patriquin. |