The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has unveiled two new nature reserves in the Frontenac Arch region. Covering 111 hectares, these reserves near north of Kingston aim to provide additional space for wildlife to thrive, including songbirds, snakes, turtles, and waterfowl.
The Blue Lake reserve, adjacent to the Gould Lake Conservation Area in Sydenham, features intact forests, wetlands, and lakeshores, supporting at-risk species such as cerulean warbler. The Hawkridge Nature Reserve, near Elgin, has been expanded with an additional 76 hectares of forests and wetlands, providing habitats for various bird species, turtles, and amphibians.
The Frontenac Arch region, part of the Algonquin to Adirondacks wildlife corridor, plays a crucial role in supporting diverse plant and animal species. The reserves aim to combat habitat fragmentation, a significant threat in the area, and were made possible with funding from the Canadian and Ontario governments, as well as private donors. These efforts align with NCC’s commitment to conservation in the face of biodiversity loss and climate change.
Written by Emily Chatwood
