Gananoque Lake © Caroline Schultz
Eastern Ontario, March 24, 2020 – Ontario Nature grew its nature reserve system to 26 properties with the acquisition of the Gananoque Lake Nature Reserve. At the same time, Ontario Nature acquired two additional properties nearby to add to its Lost Bay Nature Reserve. The acquisitions permanently protect an additional 169 hectares (417 acres) within the Frontenac Arch area of eastern Ontario – one of the most biodiverse regions in Canada.
“As I paddled along the glorious shoreline, suddenly the distinctive and majestic granite ridges dropped down – and we were right in the middle of a vast wetland. Surrounded by migrating birds, I quickly understood why species persist here better than elsewhere in southern Ontario where natural habitat has all but disappeared”, said Caroline Schultz, Ontario Nature’s executive director.
More than 25 species at risk inhabit the area, and the region is an important wildlife corridor that connects the mountains of Adirondack State Park in New York with Algonquin Park in Ontario. This acquisition protects migrating birds, insects and animals with large home ranges, such as moose, wolves, fishers and black bears.
The nature reserve, located on the shores of Gananoque Lake, encompass some of the province’s best remaining intact forest, shoreline and wetland habitat.
The acquisition of this geological wonder will protect it from agriculture, logging, cottage development and aggregate extraction – some of the most common threats to nearby ecosystems. As part of its conservation strategy, Ontario Nature will begin conducting full species and habitat inventories in 2020.
The creation of the Gananoque Lake Nature Reserve was made possible thanks to generous contributions from Ontario Nature members, the Ottawa Field Naturalists Club, the Echo Foundation, Quest Nature Tours, Environment and Climate Change Canada and a donation of land from the Farber Family.
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For more information/ media inquiries contact:
John Hassell, Ontario Nature
Director of Communications and Engagement
johnh@ontarionature.org / 416-786-2171
Ontario Nature protects wild species and wild spaces through conservation, education and public engagement. A charitable organization, Ontario Nature represents more than 30,000 members and supporters, and 155 member groups across Ontario. For more information, visit ontarionature.org.