The South Nation Conservation Authority (SNC) celebrated World Wetlands Day on February 2, a day to remind everyone of the value wetlands have to global ecology and that they need protection. Wetlands, also known as swamps, bogs, fens, or marshes, contribute to quality of life and survival in several key ways, and not just as picturesque settings for hikes.
Wetlands absorb and store excess water in the environment, which reduces the chance of flooding and minimizes the impact of drought. They trap sediments and phosphorous, which cause harmful algae blooms, and they reinforce soil to help prevent erosion. They also provide a home to thousands of species of plants and animals, providing them with food, water, and shelter.
Wetlands are vital to the 4,500 square-kilometre watershed the SNC oversees, and it’s their job to look after them. To that end, the SNC is partnering with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC), Canada’s wetland conservation leader, to restore and create wetlands across Eastern Ontario.
“Wetlands contribute to our quality of life and survival by playing a number of important roles in the environment,” said Michelle Cavanagh, SNC Stewardship Lead. “With support from DUC, we are able to enhance and protect wetlands throughout our watershed that are so vital to our wellbeing – improved water quality and quantity and valuable wildlife habitat.”
“Ducks Unlimited Canada is inviting everyone to celebrate World Wetlands Day by putting on their boots and jacket and taking a stroll in nature. Wetlands are one of Ontario’s best kept winter secrets. These incredible ecosystems are the hardest-working habitats in every season, and we’re proud to partner with the Government of Canada and South Nation Conservation to restore more wetland habitat in Eastern Ontario,” said Lynette Mader, DUC’s manager of provincial operations for Ontario.
The new partnership is already planning to convert a failed spruce plantation into a 10-acre wetland, create headwater wetland features to re-wet the landscape, and help landowners create or restore wetlands on their properties. DUC is also helping the SNC acquire ecologically significant land, like wetlands. SNC owns 13,000 acres of land in Eastern Ontario through partial purchases and donations through SNC’s Land Securement Program.
