The Northumberland Land Trust and Ducks Unlimited Canada have officially secured the 304-acre Biddy Creek Wetland property in Brighton.
As previously reported, the Northumberland Land Trust (NLT) earlier in January confirmed it had surpassed its $190,000 fundraising goal to fund half of the purchase for the property.
The purchase was set to close at the end of January – and the acquisition has now been confirmed by the two organizations just ahead of World Wetlands Day on Sunday, Feb. 2.
“This acquisition is a major milestone in the growth of (the) Northumberland Land Trust,” said NLT President Rob Kennedy. “We are so grateful to our many supporters who raised almost $200,000 in less than three months.
“With our partner, Ducks Unlimited Canada, we are able to purchase this natural habitat and protect it forever.”
As previously reported, the land trust earlier launched a fundraising campaign and announced its plans to co-purchase the 300 acres that contain rare wetlands with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) with the goal of preserving the property and creating the largest nature reserve in NLT’s history.
The newly-established “Biddy Creek Wetland Nature Reserve” is described as an ecologically rich area, with 65 per cent of its landscape covered by wetlands, including a regionally significant fen wetland. The reserve also features diverse mixed woodlands in its eastern portion, noted the new owners.
“Peatlands” – including fens – are types of wetlands considered rare in Southern Ontario, added officials.
“Peatlands are globally important ecosystems known for their ability to store more carbon in their soil than other types of ecosystems,” explained officials.
Bordering the south side of Hwy. 401, north of Little Lake Road, the property also provides a critical habitat for waterfowl and many species at-risk, including bats, monarch butterflies and three turtle species.
The two organizations plan to ensure this ecosystem “remains healthy and productive long into the future.”
“This acquisition will protect vital habitats for species at-risk and create a lasting natural area that will provide flood protection and water filtration for the community,” said Marie-Paule Godin, DUC’s manager of provincial operations for Ontario. “We are grateful to partner with the Northumberland Land Trust to conserve this important ecological asset.”
In addition to support through private donors, the purchase was also reportedly made possible through financial support from the Ontario Conservation Accelerator, Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund, North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grants administered by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ducks Unlimited Inc., and state agencies through the Fall Flights Partnership, reads a recent release.
In the latest update, officials reiterated how the land trust will take the lead in stewarding/managing the property, while Ducks Unlimited will help with future wetland restoration efforts. Officials have also noted that given the ecological significance and proximity to major infrastructure, the reserve area will not be open for recreational activities.
According to Ducks Unlimited Canada, in Southern Ontario, up to 70 per cent of wetlands have been destroyed or degraded, with as much as 95 per cent lost in densely populated areas. And yet, wetlands play a crucial role in protecting against flooding, drought and climate change.
Wetlands also support hundreds of species with safe places to feed, shelter and raise their young, while cleaning water in lakes, rivers and beaches – as they disappear, so do these benefits, stressed officials.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
