Nature Conservancy of Canada protects rare habitat on the Carden Alvar
Orillia, ON – Thanks to incredible private donor support, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has purchased the Little Bluestem Alvar doubling the size of NCC’s Prairie Smoke Nature Reserve, located just southeast of Orillia. The new addition creates a contiguous 1332-acre (539 hectare) nature reserve within the Carden Alvar and, along with other existing protected areas, provides critical habitat for declining grassland bird populations and at-risk species.
"When we heard about this opportunity to expand the Prairie Smoke reserve we knew we had to be part of the project," remarked Margaret Catto, referring to the joint contribution she and her husband John made. "Part of our hearts belongs to this incredible area and we’re very pleased to help ensure the successful protection of the Little Bluestem Alvar."
The 654-acre (264-hectare) Little Bluestem Alvar property abuts the Prairie Smoke reserve which was purchased by NCC in 2006. Carden Alvar is an outstanding example of globally threatened alvar habitat – 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.
“This project was made possible by the special contributions of conservation partners and both new and old supporters of the Nature Conservancy of Canada,” said Erica Thompson, NCC Program Manager for the Georgian Bay – Huronia area. “The Carden Alvar has many champions.”
- 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.
- To help conserve Ontario’s biodiversity, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources’ Land Securement Program provides funding to support the securement of sensitive natural heritage lands in Ontario by non-governmental partners like the Nature Conservancy of Canada. The Nature Conservancy of Canada is committed to raising matching funds for each provincial dollar received.
- The Couchiching Conservancy is a non-profit, non-government organization that protects important natural areas for future generation. The conservancy currently manages close to 8,000 acres of land in the Orillia region
- 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.thompsont@natureconservancy.ca
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