The Nature Conservancy of Canada has increased its protected wetlands in the Brighton area, acquiring an additional 74 acres in the eastern Lake Ontario coast area.
Northumberland Peterborough South MPP David Piccini who is also Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks was among a group that toured the Brighton Wetland Wednesday.
The NCC’s Mark Stabb says there are now 378 acres of protected Lake Ontario coastal wetlands and surrounding forest and grassland around Presqu’ile Bay.
“That includes flooded swamp, cattail marsh that people would be familiar with. Other wet habitats that are tremendously significant for species at risk like turtles, snapping turtle and rare birds like rails which are like a marsh bird.”
Their next step is to develop a property management plan which will include ways to rid the area of invasive species and more.
“We are looking at some restoration of wetland habitat on former farm fields there. So we’ve lost so many wetlands in southern Ontario, if there’s an opportunity to recreate some through excavation, and so on…”
Stabb says there may be opportunities to create trails for public use through the area.
Tens of thousands of birds stop, rest, nest and feed in sheltered areas of Presqu’ile Bay during their spring migration. Least bittern, wood thrush, pied-billed grebe and eastern wood-pewee are just some of the many bird species that have been observed in the area. The wetlands also function as an important fish nursery.
Three parcels of land make up the 74 acres of Brighton Wetland.
NCC acquired two parcels over the last year through purchases, with the third donated by Stephen and Heather Tobey.
Brighton Wetlands. (Photo: David Coulson)
