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
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!
Save the date – December 3, 2019
This Giving Tuesday, your donation will help Ontario Nature protect this property forever, and also provide for the long-term management of the wetlands, shoreline, and interior forests.
But you don’t have to wait until December 3rd. When you donate today, your gift will be matched with a donation from Ontario Nature’s Board of Directors, Quest Nature Tours and an anonymous donor (up to $20,000). This means that even small gifts will have a big impact.
We can protect this piece of nature one acre at a time.
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.