Long-term and multi-site monitoring programs are essential for understanding coastal wetland condition, identifying ecological change, and informing restoration priorities across the Great Lakes. The Durham Region Coastal Wetland Monitoring Program (DRCWMP) has monitored coastal wetlands along the north shore of Lake Ontario for nearly two decades using standardized protocols aligned with regional and binational monitoring approaches. The program evaluates wetland condition through indicators including fish communities, vegetation, water quality, birds, macroinvertebrates, and water levels to support fisheries and habitat objectives. This presentation will highlight how DRCWMP data are used to identify ecological trends and establish reference conditions across a network of wetlands. Integration of datasets collected through the Bay of Quinte Remedial Action Plan has strengthened the ability to evaluate regional patterns and restoration outcomes across years with highly variable water levels and climatic conditions. The presentation will also discuss how monitoring results support conservation planning and restoration prioritization through a structured conservation standards approach. Examples from the Lynde Shores Restoration and Resilience Project will demonstrate how long-term datasets are being used to identify ecological stressors, guide restoration actions, support adaptive management, and evaluate restoration effectiveness over time.
