Local farmers will soon get the chance to cash in on land that they don't typically use.
The Alternative Land Use Service (ALUS) project -- an initiative spreading across the country by a national organization -- is coming to Chatham-Kent.
Environmental Project Coordinator Greg Van Every with the Lower Thames Conservation Authority, says they'll be working along side those with ALUS in a land stewardship initiative.
"They're looking for areas to do cleaner water benefit projects -- like wetlands," says Van Every. "They also do wildlife habitat projects... pollinator enhancements so more flowers for our bees, and reforestation."
"Every farm has these fringe areas that are either too low or they don't yield good crops and so those areas are the target," he says.
Since farmers are being asked to offer up a piece of their land for the project, an incentive is involved. Van Every says depending on how much land is put towards the project, farmers will receive annual payments.
"ALUS has offered to pay a fee for doing something environmental with that piece of land," he says. "[Farmers] benefit from getting that annual payment, and everyone in society gets fresh, clean air and water."
Van Every adds there aren't any hoops to jump through before bringing the project to Chatham-Kent but they would like to get an idea on how many people would be interested in participating.
The conservation authority will be holding a public information session at the Country View Golf Course on November 23, from 7pm-9pm. They are asking that people looking to attend RSVP.