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Nature Link

With Blake Mann

The significance of woodlots, wetlands and other natural areas

Tuesday, September 17, 2002

View of Clear Creek forest in winter.

In recent years, there has been increased awareness towards the significance of woodlots, wetlands and other natural areas to the health of the ecosystem. As a result, many pieces of land have been set aside, preserved or recognized for their importance. This evidence can be seen through the various purchases by public and private agencies, and through programs such as the Ontario Lands For Life. In the last three years alone, organizations like the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) have acquired many key natural areas with the overwhelmning support of the public.
Locally, many of you may know about a large tract of land SE of Highgate in Chatham-Kent that was recently set aside as a nature reserve. A few years ago, a major campaign was initiated to purchase the original 576 acres (more has been added since, and additional land is being sought). The bulk of the property is forest, some it "old-growth", with large trees of several hundred years in age. It is very unique in this day and age to have the experience of walking through an almost virgin forest like Clear Creek Woods. Other areas of the property that were previously farmed, are being converted back into natural states.
The diversity of wildlife is incredible in these woodlots, and it is important to maintain this diversity for a healthy ecosystem. By protecting places like Clear Creek, this can be accomplished. The Clear Creek Forest, named for the small creek that runs through it towards Lake Erie, is accessible by a trail on the south side of Cochrane Line, just west of Duart Road.
Another significant woodlot purchased by the NCC in the last year, is Bickford Oak Woods in Lambton County (along Hwy. 40 at Bickford Line). At 300 hectares, Bickford is the largest inland clay forest in the Carolinian Zone. It hosts many plants, birds, and animals, some of which are quite rare. It has been extensively logged in the past, but contains good quality maple-beech forest, oak-hickory slough forest, and silver maple swamps.
Significant birds sighted include Cerulean Warbler (vulnerable), Prothonotary Warbler, Yellow-throated Vireo, Wood Thrush, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wren, and many others. It also contains a Great Blue Heron rookery.
Reptiles and amphibians find a good home there, as well as mammals such as the beaver. Regarding the oaks, an incredible diversity has been recorded including, Bur, Pin, Red, White, Chinquapin, Swamp White, and Shumard. Many other tree species have been identified as well. As of this date, more flora and fauna are waiting to be discovered in Bickford.
The public support through financial donations was overwhelming in these two cases. It shows that there are many people out there who still do care about the natural environment.
In July of 1999, the NCC made a successful bid to purchase Middle Island in Lake Erie. The island was previously under American ownership, but the southern-most island in Canada was returned to Canadian ownership at that time. It is significant because of its plant (Carolinian-type trees) and animal life (reptiles, amphibians, birds). It is now managed by Parks Canada for nature preservation.
Other significant woodlots in southwestern Ontario are now being considered for purchase by various agencies. It is the belief, of some, that woodlots need to be properly managed, but it is nice in some cases to let nature "take its course". In these times of global warming, urban expansion, and demand for land, the few remaining "islands of green" should be preserved in order to maintain biodiversity and a reasonably healthy ecosystem .