Protect a piece of nature #AcreByAcre

Right now, we have an incredible opportunity to protect a property totaling 360 acres of prime habitat, and to save endangered and at-risk species in the globally important Frontenac Arch area of eastern Ontario.

A rare landscape

Here, the Canadian Shield from the Algonquin Highlands meets the Adirondack Mountains from the south, forming part of the ancient backbone of eastern North America. This landscape supports a richness of species, making it one of the most biodiverse regions in Canada. And we need your help today to protect this vital habitat.

Securing this property is critical to protecting a connected core of habitat including forest shoreline, granite ridges, rich hardwood forest, and extensive wetlands. This is a vital pathway for many species of wildlife including moose and wolves. Relatively untouched by the development that characterizes much of southern Ontario, this area represents some of the best remaining intact forest, shoreline and wetland habitat we have left.

Getting to know the property

I recently paddled along the shoreline and through the wetlands on the property and it was absolutely wonderful.

Just as we put our canoes in the water, we glimpsed a barred owl in the woods. We paddled along this glorious shoreline, turned a corner, and suddenly the distinctive and majestic granite ridges dropped down—and we were right in the middle of the vast expanse of a provincially-significant wetland surrounded by water lilies and a multitude of migrating birds.

When you’re here, you can understand why species persist here better than in other areas further west in the province where natural habitat has all but disappeared thanks to land clearance and extensive development.

A refuge for species

This area has become a special area of refuge for species that are highly endangered everywhere else, like the cerulean warbler and gray ratsnake that are barely hanging on in southwestern Ontario.

Our initial wetland assessment shows this is a critical staging area for ducks and other waterfowl. And I could tell from an earlier visit in June that the lush forest is spectacular breeding habitat for forest interior birds. On just a short walk I spotted scarlet tanager, many wood warblers and a red-shouldered hawk. The hawk even swooped down and landed on a branch above my head!

Caroline has directed Ontario Nature’s programs and operations since 2005. Previously she served as conservation director for the Canadian Nature Federation for 10 years, leading the organization’s national advocacy, science and stewardship programs.