cktimes.ca Archives: Thames Talbot Land Trust seeks to protect new Nature Preserve.
Originally posted on: Tuesday, September 7, 2010
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The Thames Talbot Land Trust is in the midst of a public campaign to purchase the Tanager Tract near West Lorne. The Trust will be hosting naturalist-guided tours of the property on Saturday September 11th, Sundays October 3rd and 24th. All tours begin at 1:00PM. Meet on Kerr Rd, 600m south of Queens Line. (South of 401 and west of West Lorne).
Across the Carolinian region nature is in retreat, species are going extinct and the safety of our air and water are in doubt. We need to protect our natural areas and wildlife habitat for future generations. Unless we act to protect areas like the Tanager Tract now, many of these beautiful areas will disappear before our children and grandchildren have a chance to enjoy them. Outdoor recreation is a part of our life and protecting natural areas ensures that we continue to have places to hike and enjoy the wonders of nature.
The Tanager Tract is part of a 1000 acre (380-ha) forest known as the West Lorne Woods, a Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW) and an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI). This woodland, widely regarded as one of the best examples of Carolinian forest in Elgin County and one its top botanical sites, is a precious remnant of the region’s original extensively forested landscape. It is home to many animal species-at-risk including the Cerulean Warbler and Spotted Turtle. Its deep forest is rare habitat for many uncommon breeding birds, such as the spectacular Scarlet Tanager, for which the property will be named.
This rich forest nurtures the growth of many hardwood trees unique to the Carolinian Zone. Large specimens of Eastern Flowering Dogwood, Black Gum, Sassafras and Swamp White Oak are abundant. The forest’s upland and swampy sections have a rich understorey of Spicebush, Witch Hazel and many varieties of ferns.
As a TTLT-protected area, commercial logging will cease and the Tanager Tract will be become available to the community for passive recreational use and quiet contemplation. An old logging path meandering along a well-drained sandy ridge provides an opportunity to develop a hiking trail through the property.
The campaign goal of $285,000 includes the purchase and transfer costs, natural heritage inventory and management planning, immediate stewardship expenses and a dedicated endowment fund for future expenses. Thanks to the generosity of Richard and Beryl Ivey the TTLT is able to match every dollar you contribute to the campaign.
