Makinak Woods 2
Ostrich fern (Photo by Alain Maire, CC BY-NC 4.0)
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has the chance to work with the current landowners to secure a 32-hectare property in the Riding Mountain Natural Area. The Makinak Woods II project is located just over one kilometre east of Riding Mountain National Park and eight kilometres directly west of the village of Laurier. The property is composed of aspen/balsam poplar forest, tamarack/ black spruce bog, wetlands and associated riparian areas as well as a small tame grassland. The property is relatively flat with slight gravel ridges and swales running from the northwest to southeast. The percentage cover is approximated at 35 per cent forest, 52 per cent wetland (marsh and shrub) and 13 per cent tame grassland. This property is one of the few in the area without human influenced drainage on it. Forests are intact with all stages of growth. Wetlands on the property slowly drain to the south/southeast to a larger wetland complex.
Quick facts
Location: Laurier, MB
Habitat type: aspen/balsam poplar forest, tamarack/black spruce bog, wetlands and associated riparian areas
Size: 32 hectares
Total fundraising goal: $110,000
Species: golden-winged warbler, eastern wood-pewee, red-headed woodpecker, Canada warbler, black spruce, bur oak, trembling aspen, tamarack, ostrich fern and yellow lady slipper
A closer look
Manitoba Conservation Data Centre records show the rare golden-winged warbler, eastern wood-pewee, red-headed woodpecker and Canada warbler have been documented near or on the property. The property is also known to have black spruce, bur oak, trembling aspen, tamarack, ostrich fern and yellow lady's-slipper on it. In an area that has experienced a large of amount of drainage and forest clearing, the Makinak Woods II property is a conservation priority due to its ability to hold and slow the flow of water flowing down the Manitoba escarpment. This provides immediate benefits to biodiversity and the surrounding community. Current owners would like to see it conserved and managed for biodiversity for future generations.
When nature thrives, we thrive
Not only do these natural areas provide ecological benefits, but they also provide an essential tool for health promotion and well-being. Evidence shows that spending time in nature grows environmental stewards. Adults who care for nature most often attribute this to time spent in nature as a child. In a time when habitat loss, climate change and species extinction threaten our landscapes, connecting to nature is now, more than ever, important. By protecting nature, you’re also protecting the benefits that it provides to people.
To discuss how you can support this project, please contact the Manitoba team:
manitoba@natureconservancy.ca
1-877-231-3552 ext 317
