The commitment to protect an ecologically significant property south of Brigden forever, has been officially recognized.
Local dignitaries gathered recently at the Bradshaw Conservation Lands, along McCallum Line in St. Clair Township, to acknowledge the work that went into adding it to the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority's (SCRCA) protected property list.
Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey highlighted a provincial funding program which will help ensure the lands remain protected.
"The Greenlands Conservation Partnership program and the Ontario Land Trust Alliance have done a wonderful job of identifying opportunities to protect sensitive natural areas in our region," said Bailey. "I'm extremely pleased that the Ontario government has continued its commitment to this initiative with a $20 million investment through 2028, and that those funds will help to secure new natural areas to be protected, preserving Ontario's natural diversity for future generations."
The lands, spanning over 40 hectares (99 acres), provide a variety of habitats, including mature forest, wetland, and hawthorn thicket.
The site plays a critical role in supporting local biodiversity, including several species at risk.
St. Clair Region Conservation Foundation President Duncan Skinner called the acquisition an important step forward in protecting ecologically significant habitats within the St. Clair Region.
"The foundation is grateful for the partnership with the Thames Talbot Land Trust, and the funders and donors that helped secure this natural area that will sustain local biodiversity and contribute to long-term environmental health," Skinner said.
The project also received support from the Natural Heritage Conservation Program, delivered by Wildlife Habitat Canada, and a portion of the land was donated by a landowner through the federal Ecological Gifts Program.
