Family heritage leads to natural heritage protection in Norfolk

Simcoe, ON – The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) today announced the protection of a remarkable property near Simcoe, Ontario.  The Monroe Landon Woods has benefited from more than 70 years of family care. That family heritage is now part of our national heritage.

The 132-acre (53-hectare) woodlot contains one of the finest stands of Tuliptrees in Norfolk County, as well as dunes, forest and seasonal wetlands. The project received financial support from the Government of Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and Alex and Doris Landon.

Monroe Landon Woods, part of the Southern Norfolk Sand Plain natural area, is one of the top-ranked sites for birds in Norfolk. At-risk birds including Acadian Flycatcher, Cerulean Warbler,Hooded Warbler and Louisiana Waterthrush can find suitable habitat here. Southern Flying Squirrel, a provincially rare species, is also now protected on this property.

The Southern Norfolk Sand Plain natural area is part of the Carolinian Life Zone – one of the most biologically diverse regions in Canada and one of two areas containing the highest densities of species at risk in the country. Norfolk County supports 60 species considered at risk nationally under the Species at Risk Act and 221 provincially rare species.

Quotes
“The Landons have owned and managed this property for 72 years,” remarked Chris Maher, NCC Ontario’s Regional Vice President. “By entrusting it to NCC they are ensuring the long-term protection of it. We’re more than happy to oblige, and the Landons’ donation will help us do that.”

"We have had a growing sense of stewardship for this special property in recent decades.  Selling to the Nature Conservancy of Canada provides an opportunity to  assure continued protection and care for Monroe Landon Woods, " said Alex Landon.

“The Government of Canada is very proud of its partnership with organizations like the Nature Conservancy of Canada because of our shared commitment to conserving biological diversity,” said Minister Jim Prentice.

“With our investment of $225 million in Environment Canada’s Natural Areas Conservation Program, we are taking real action to ensure a healthy future for species at risk and for sensitive ecosystems like those found at Monroe Landon Woods,” said Minister Diane Finley.

"Protecting the Monroe Landon Woods will conserve precious habitat for vulnerable species," said Donna Cansfield, Ontario Minister of Natural Resources. "By contributing to the purchase and stewardship of this property, we are helping to ensure the province’s rich diversity of plants, birds, animals and ecosystems remains healthy and abundant."

Facts

• The Tuliptree population on site is estimated to be the best representative stand in Norfolk County.
• The property is 132 acres (53 hectares).
• Species at risk benefiting from this conservation project include American Chestnut, Butternut, Flowering Dogwood, Broad Beech Fern, Acadian Flycatcher, Cerulean Warbler, Hooded Warbler and Louisiana Waterthrush.

Learn More

• 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.
• 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 significant natural heritage lands by non-government partners. The Nature Conservancy of Canada has committed to raise matching funds for each provincial dollar received. This purchase was also supported by the ministry’s Species at Risk Stewardship Fund, which promotes voluntary conservation efforts to protect and recover species at risk and their habitats in Ontario.

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Further interviews and photographs available on request.

Contacts:      
Wendy Cridland
Southwestern Ontario Program Manager, Nature Conservancy of Canada
Tel: 1-800-249-9598, ext.202
Email: wendy.cridland@natureconservancy.ca

Shreve LaFramenta
Southwestern Ontario Development Officer, Nature Conservancy of Canada
Tel: 1-800-465-0029, ext.218
Email: shreve.laframenta@natureconservancy.ca