Projects to deliver clean air and water, store pollution
Kingston, ON (November 14, 2025) – Another 350 hectares of critical forests, wetlands and freshwater shoreline are being conserved just north of Kingston, Ontario. This achievement marks another major milestone by the Nature Conservancy of Canada in the Frontenac Arch, within one of the most important forest corridors east of the Rocky Mountains.
The announcement marks over 20 years of NCC’s conservation achievements in the Arch. This includes three new projects near Christie Lake, Upper Awada Lake, and a trio of connected parcels in the Loughborough Wilderness area.
The Frontenac Arch connects Ontario’s Algonquin Highlands with the Adirondack Mountains in New York State, forming a vital corridor for hundreds of migratory and wide-ranging species through a network of connected conservation lands. Forests and wetlands conserved by NCC help strengthen the landscape’s resilience and the well-being of surrounding communities. These ecosystems act as powerful carbon sinks, filter water, store carbon and produce oxygen.
Working together
The twin crises of rapid biodiversity loss and climate change demand we do more to protect nature, faster. NCC is accelerating conservation at an unprecedented pace and scale and is pleased to announce that these projects were supported through collaboration with both federal and provincial governments, including funding from the Government of Canada’s Natural Heritage Conservation Program and the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund, as well as the Government of Ontario’s Greenlands Conservation Partnership Program.
In addition to partnering with governments, NCC gratefully acknowledges the support of businesses and foundations, such as Roots and Grapes for Humanity, along with many private donors whose contribution made these important conservation achievements possible.
Project at a glance
- The newly protected properties provide habitat for species at risk, such as Blanding’s turtle, gray ratsnake and eastern whip-poor-will.
- The Christie Lake project protects 1.2 kilometres of undeveloped shoreline and contributes to a 33-square-kilometre block of intact habitat that connects to Frontenac Provincial Park and other conservation lands.
- The Upper Awada Lake project anchors the western edge of the Loughborough Wilderness and bridges two major conservation areas, enhancing landscape connectivity.
- The Loughborough Wilderness project expands NCC’s conservation footprint in the region, protecting high-quality forest and wetland ecosystems and reinforcing a north-south forest core linkage in eastern North America.
Quotes
“This is a proud moment for conservation in eastern Ontario. Protecting close to 350 hectares in the Frontenac Arch is a major achievement. These lands are not only ecologically rich, they are essential to the long-term health of wildlife and ecosystems across the region. Conservation at this scale doesn’t happen alone. It’s the result of strategic planning, strong partnerships and a shared commitment to protecting nature for future generations.” – Rob McRae, Program Director – Eastern Ontario, Nature Conservancy of Canada
“Conserving over 300 hectares of forests, wetlands, and freshwater shoreline in Ontario is a significant achievement to protect Canada’s biodiversity. Protecting this landscape contributes to climate resiliency, while reinforcing the integrity of the region’s natural systems that provide essential ecosystem services, such as clean air and water.” – The Honourable Nathalie Provost, Secretary of State (Nature)
“We are working with the Nature Conservancy of Canada and other partners on safeguarding species at risk, like the Blanding’s turtle and the gray ratsnake, and preserving threatened ecosystems that support biodiversity, improve water quality, and mitigate climate change. This project, located within the Frontenac Arch—one of the most important forest corridors east of the Rockies—will strengthen landscape connectivity and ensure these natural spaces remain protected.” – The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
“Congratulations to the Nature Conservancy of Canada on this impressive conservation achievement. The Ontario government is proud to support projects like these through the Greenlands Conservation Partnership program, which helps protect ecologically significant lands across the province. This milestone reflects the transformative nature of collective action in advancing conservation and protecting nature for future generations — especially in regions as ecologically important as the Frontenac Arch.” – Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
“Our government is acutely aware of the challenges inherent in maintaining the critical balance of our shared planet. I want to commend the NCC for your important work as stewards of this unique geographical reserve. Thank you for showing us the way forward to providing a cherished natural preserve, while respecting the biodiversity and migratory patterns of the Frontenac Arch.” – John Jordan, Member of Provincial Parliament, Lanark – Frontenac – Kingston
Facts
- The Frontenac Arch is one of the most biologically diverse regions in Ontario: five forest regions converge here, creating habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species.
- NCC works with a range of partners in the Frontenac Arch, including Algonquin to Adirondacks Collaborative, Cataraqui Conservation, Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network, Ontario Parks, Parks Canada, Queen’s University and several local land trusts.
- Over 3,200 hectares have now been conserved by NCC and partners in this area.
- Forests conserved in the Frontenac Arch store carbon, regulate temperatures and support one of Canada’s richest forest-breeding bird communities, including species at risk, like wood thrush and golden-winged warbler.
- Forests help mitigate the impacts of climate change on communities by storing carbon and reducing flood risk through natural water filtration.
About
The Government of Canada’s Natural Heritage Conservation Program (NHCP) is a unique partnership that supports the creation and recognition of protected and conserved areas through the acquisition of private land and private interest in land. To date, the Government of Canada has invested $500 million in the Program, which has been matched with more than $1 billion in contributions raised by Nature Conservancy of Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada and the country’s land trust community leading to the protection and conservation of over 830,000 hectares (2 million acres) of ecologically sensitive lands.
Canada’s Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund (NSCSF) is a $1.4 billion, ten-year fund (2021–2031) administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada to help conserve, restore, and enhance the management of ecosystems such as wetlands, forests, and grasslands, in order to help tackle the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. The NSCSF will focus on three main objectives: (1) conserving carbon-rich ecosystems at high risk of conversion to other uses that would release their stored carbon; (2) improving land management practices to reduce their greenhouse gas emission-causing impacts on Canada’s ecosystems; and (3) restoring degraded ecosystems. Overall, these projects will contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and increased carbon sequestration, while also providing benefits for biodiversity and human well-being.
The Greenlands Conservation Partnership program is the single largest provincial fund to secure private land in Ontario. This unique program, administered by the Ontario Land Trust Alliance, leverages non-governmental dollars to acquire, restore and manage privately owned natural areas such as wetlands, grasslands and forests. For every dollar of provincial funding provided, grant recipients match it with a minimum of $2 from other conservation partners, including individual donors, foundations and other levels of government. Since 2020, the Ontario government has invested $58 million into the program, which has helped to protect over 430,000 acres (174,310 hectares) of private land across the province — more than 2.75 times the size of Toronto.
Contact
Brianne Curry
Communications Manager, Ontario Region
Nature Conservancy of Canada
C: 519-520-1340
brianne.curry@natureconservancy.ca