Ontario Nature seeks to permanently protect treasured local habitat
360-acre property on the Frontenac Arch is critical habitat for more than 25 species at risk
Gananoque Lake © Caroline Schultz
TORONTO, November 26, 2019 – A conservation organization is seeking to permanently protect 360 acres of fragile habitat located in the heart of one of Canada’s most biodiverse regions. This is a rare opportunity protect critical habitat in the Frontenac Arch, which is home to more than 25 threatened and endangered species – including the Blanding’s turtle, gray ratsnake and cerulean warbler.
The property, located on the shores of Gananoque Lake, is a prime candidate for protection as it represents some of the province’s best remaining intact forest, shoreline and wetland habitat. While the area is relatively untouched, that could quickly change.
Only a five-hour drive from 53 percent of the population of Canada, the Frontenac Arch is vulnerable to urban development, agriculture, logging, cottage development and aggregate extraction. In addition to serving as a refuge for endangered and threatened species, the property is a key piece of a much larger natural wildlife corridor.
The Frontenac Arch is one of the last intact wildlife corridors in southern Ontario that hasn’t been fragmented by roads and development. These 360 acres are a part of this critical corridor for migrating wildlife and allows species to travel north safely to cope with a rapidly changing climate.
Ontario Nature’s executive director, Caroline Schultz, recently visited the property. “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.”
Residents of the Frontenac Arch area can help protect this special piece of nature and establish a new nature reserve by donating to Ontario Nature’s campaign (ontarionature.org/giving-tuesday) to purchase the property.
For more information or to arrange an interview:
John Hassell | Director of Communications and Engagement
johnh@ontarionature.org | 416-786-2171
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Ontario Nature protects wild species and wild spaces through conservation, education and public engagement. Ontario Nature is a charitable organization representing more than 30,000 members and supporters, and 150 member groups across Ontario. Learn more at ontarionature.org.