Pelee Island
Restored wetland, Pelee Island, ON (Photo by NCC)
Restoring Ontario’s deep south
Be a part of the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s largest restoration project in Lake Erie
The islands of western Lake Erie have a rich and vibrant natural and human history. From being outposts for rum runners, supporting a strong agricultural tradition, to providing habitat for species such as the elusive gray fox and a multitude of birds, Ontario’s southernmost islands are some of the province’s most important.
Grey-headed coneflower, Pelee Island, ON (photo by NCC)
This is why for almost 20 years the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has been working to conserve this special place. To date, NCC has conserved over 390 hectares (1,000 acres) of globally rare shoreline, alvar and forest habitat, representing more than 10 per cent of the island.
Currently, we have an extraordinary opportunity to restore an important natural legacy on Pelee Island. Over the next three years, NCC will create a massive 25-hectare (62-acre) wetland, restore eight hectares (20 acres) of upland habitat, tackle invasive phragmites, and create new trails and signage to welcome island visitors and the local community to this special place.
DONATE TODAY
The total cost of the Florian Diamante Nature Reserve wetland and visitor infrastructure project is $460,000 and we urgently need to raise $75,000 to complete this project. By investing in the Pelee Island wetland restoration and visitor infrastructure project, you can help ensure that Pelee Island continues to support an abundance of rare and at-risk species, and help to create a healthier future for Lake Erie and the Great Lakes region.
The most southerly inhabited part of Canada, Pelee Island is the largest of the Canadian Western Lake Erie Islands, an archipelago of 22 islands spanning the border of Ohio and Ontario. The nine Canadian islands are among the most biologically diverse areas in Canada and support a high density of rare species. The islands also form two globally significant Important Bird Areas. Pelee Island is home to many rare and at-risk species, including monarch, gray fox, yellow-breasted chat, blue ash, Lake Erie watersnake and blue racer snake. Some of these species are at the northern edge of their range, meaning that in Canada they are only found on Pelee Island.
Before wetland restoration, Pelee Island, ON (photo by NCC)
After wetland restoration, Pelee Island, ON (photo by NCC)
Almost 10 years ago, NCC began to transform former agricultural fields into thriving native meadows and small wetlands. In many places these marginal agricultural lands were already quite wet — and it was clear to our conservation staff that they were once wetlands. These restored habitats are now teeming with wildlife, including species at risk, such as monarch and snapping turtle.
Creating our biggest wetland yet
NCC and Ducks Unlimited Canada are partnering to create an extensive 25-hectare (62-acre) wetland on Pelee Island. Drained in the late 1800s, this former marsh once sheltered migratory songbirds and waterfowl. When complete, the wetland will support migratory birds, turtles, salamanders and a multitude of other species. The wetland will also provide critically important water retention, filtration and flood mitigation to the local community.
Quick facts
Gray fox pup (Photo by Ken Canning)
Location: Island in Lake Erie, 32 kilometres south of the Ontario mainland
Habitat type: Alvars, forests, restored wetlands, dunes and beaches
Size: 4,121 hectares (10,183 acres)
Species: Gray fox, yellow-breasted chat, blue ash, Lake Erie watersnake, blue racer, wood duck, great blue heron, eastern kingbird, purple martin, blue-headed vireo
