The Race to Save Little Bluestem Alvar

Orillia, ON – The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) now has less than one month to get all funds in order for the Little Bluestem Alvar project on the Carden Alvar. Completion of this project will create a contiguous 1332-acre (539 hectare) nature reserve, providing critical habitat for declining grassland bird populations and at-risk species.

“We need to find $35,000 from community supporters before the waiver date of August 14th in order to leverage funds from federal and provincial government programs,” said Erica Thompson, NCC’s Georgian Bay Huronia Program Manager. “Acquiring Little Bluestem Alvar is a rare opportunity and time is running out to raise the required funds and ensure its protection.” The total project cost is $544,000.

Protected grassland bird habitat is vital. The 2009 State of the Birds Report by U.S. conservation groups including Audubon and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, reported dramatic declines in grassland birds due to alarming degradation of their habitat. This project is essential towards helping to reverse that trend.

Ontarians can help protect this priority habitat by making a gift towards the project. To help protect this globally rare landscape and leave a natural legacy for future generations, please contact NCC’s Ria Nicholson at 1-800-465-0029, extension 235, or via email at ria.nicholson@natureconservancy.ca.

Carden Alvar is an outstanding example of globally threatened alvar habitat. Alvars are naturally open habitats with either a thin covering of soil or no soil over a base of limestone or dolostone. Carden Alvar supports more than 238 bird, 450 plant, 75 butterfly and 67 dragonfly species. Under long-term care by NCC and partners, Carden Alvar is fast becoming a model for alvar management in North America.

• The Government of Canada’s Natural Areas Conservation Program is a $225 million investment to assist non-profit, non-government organizations to secure ecologically sensitive lands to ensure the conservation of our diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and habitat. The Nature Conservancy of Canada has been entrusted to lead the program and has committed to raising matching funds for each federal dollar received.
• The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources’ Greenlands Program includes direct securement of properties through the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC). The Nature Conservancy of Canada is committed to raising matching funds for each provincial dollar received.
• The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is Canada’s leading land conservation organization.  Since 1962, NCC has helped to protect more than 2 million acres (800,000 hectares) of ecologically significant   land nationwide.

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Photos available upon request.

Contacts:

Ria Nicholson
Major Gifts Officer – Georgian Bay – Huronia
Tel: 1-800-465-0029, ext. 235
Email: ria.nicholson@natureconservancy.ca

Erica Thompson
Program Manager – Georgian Bay – Huronia
Tel: 705-888-2316
Email: erica.thompson@natureconservancy.ca