Restored wetland strengthens community resilience along the Lake Ontario shoreline

Eight years of ecosystem restoration near Presqu’ile Provincial Park has kickstarted a more resilient future for people and wildlife alike. What was once a degraded landscape is now a thriving wetland at the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s (NCC’s) Brighton Wetland Nature Reserve.

NCC and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) joined together in 2018 to protect 93 hectares of the nature reserve. In 2022, the property was expanded to 153 hectares. Since then, NCC has worked with DUC, local partners and volunteers to restore wetland habitat and enhance opportunities for people to connect with nature, including a new two-kilometre educational trail. The work strengthens important habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife while bolstering community resilience to climate change.

Yesterday, neighbours and partners toured the property to see the results of NCC’s restoration efforts firsthand and learn about how healthy wetlands support both people and nature. The community is invited to visit during this year’s fall migration season and view the new observation deck and educational signage.

Restoring wetlands for wildlife and communities

The ongoing restoration work at the Brighton Wetland Nature Reserve is a long-term investment in the future of the surrounding ecosystem and communities.

Visitors can now see the fruits of the restoration work up close. A new trail, observation deck and educational signs give nature lovers a front-row seat to this fall’s migration season, with further enhancements coming next year. The trail is designed to protect sensitive habitat and enable the wetland to continue to rebound.

Located along an important stopover route for migratory birds, Brighton Wetland is an important area for both land and waterfowl to feed and rest as they complete the most dangerous stage of their lifecycle. Birdwatchers from far and wide flock to the area each fall to watch it come to life.

Healthy wetlands are also critical natural infrastructure for local communities. They store and filter water, absorb the brunt of floods and provide places for recreation. NCC, DUC and partners have created new wetlands and restored degraded ones, tackled invasive species and enhanced former agricultural lands that were retired due to their untenable wet conditions.

These efforts have strengthened Brighton Wetland’s ability to support the wildlife and communities that depend on it. The work continues to build and maintain a thriving coastal ecosystem while welcoming responsible public access and education.

A commitment to habitat restoration for years to come

While recent improvements have expanded opportunities for people to experience the site, stewardship work will continue in the years ahead as habitats mature, restoration efforts progress and additional visitor amenities are introduced.

Planned enhancements, including wayfinding signage, parking improvements and ongoing trail management will help ensure the area remains accessible, welcoming and ecologically healthy for generations to come.

Possible through partnership

The initiative was brought to life with support from Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC). Guided by science and local knowledge, working with trusted partners in conservation helps map a model for effective stewardship and shared prosperity for generations to come.

NCC thanks the community for rising to the occasion to support this work – including support from Gordon Tobey developments, and other local partners.

Quotes

“The Brighton Wetland continues to be a great example of how we can work together to conserve Ontario’s critical coastal wetland habitats for wildlife and communities. In addition to being a crucial migratory stopover for waterfowl, the wetland plays an important role in filtering water and mitigating floods. We’re grateful to work with partners committed to improving public access to nature and investing in habitat restoration.” – Marie-Paule Godin, Manager of Provincial Operations for Ontario, Ducks Unlimited Canada

“Conservation doesn’t end when a property is protected. At Brighton Wetland, we’re showing how long-term stewardship can restore habitat, strengthen natural systems and create opportunities for people to connect with nature. The work completed so far is just the beginning; we’ll continue investing in this landscape so it can deliver benefits for wildlife and communities for generations to come.” – Mark Stabb, Program Director – Central Ontario East, Nature Conservancy of Canada

Facts

• Features coastal marsh, flooded swamp, restored wetland and riparian habitats.
• Part of the provincially significant Presqu’ile Bay wetland complex that shelters 25 species of waterfowl, with up to 20,000 birds arriving daily during spring and autumn migration.
• Supports species at risk, including Blanding’s turtle and king rail, as well as least bittern, wood thrush and eastern wood-pewee.
• Functions as an important fish nursery and habitat for turtles and other wetland-dependent wildlife.