On Saturday, May 30^th, the Thames Talbot Land Trust (TTLT) and St. Clair Region Conservation Foundation (SCRCF) welcomed local officials and partners to the Bradshaw Conservation Lands in the Township of St. Clair, for a recognition event celebrating the recent acquisition of the ecologically significant property.

Spanning more than 40 hectares (99 acres), the Bradshaw Conservation Lands provide a variety of habitats, including mature forest, wetland, and hawthorn thicket. The site plays a critical role in supporting local biodiversity, including several species at risk. Of note, species identified on-site include the provincially rare Big Shellbark Hickory, along with the Northern Oak Hairstreak butterfly and Red-headed Woodpecker. The Bradshaw Conservation Lands join a larger complex of natural areas protected and managed by the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority, further strengthening biodiversity protection within Ontario’s Carolinian Zone. Inventories will be conducted by Lambton Wildlife Inc. to further catalogue the many species of plants, insects, and animals that inhabit the property.

The site was protected through support from several funding programs. TTLT’s Executive Director, Daria Koscinski, highlighted the role of the Ontario government’s Greenlands Conservation Partnership Program, administered by the Ontario Land Trust Alliance. As well, the significance of having the support of the Natural Heritage Conservation Program – Land Trust Conservation Program, delivered by Wildlife Habitat Canada, in advancing the project. In addition, a portion of the land was generously donated by the landowner through the federal Ecological Gifts Program. Additional support was provided by the Echo Foundation.

“Protecting the Bradshaw Conservation Lands helps safeguard a vital part of Ontario’s natural heritage for generations to come,” Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks stated “Through the Greenlands Partnership Program, our government is proud to work alongside local partners and conservation leaders to protect sensitive habitats, strengthen biodiversity, and ensure these natural spaces remain accessible for people to experience and enjoy well into the future.”

“The Greenlands Conservation Partnership program and the Ontario Land Trust Alliance have done a wonderful job of identifying opportunities to protect sensitive natural areas in our region,” said Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey. “I’m extremely pleased that the Ontario government has continued its commitment to this initiative with a $20 million investment through 2028, and that those funds will help to secure new natural areas to be protected, preserving Ontario’s natural diversity for future generations.”

“Bradshaw Conservation Lands is a beautiful site full of Carolinian specialties that will now be protected forever,” said Daria Koscinski, Executive Director, Thames Talbot Land Trust. “This project is possible because of the collaboration of two conservation groups, investment from funders and the dedication of a land holder with a vision to create a greener future. We are thrilled to work in partnership to benefit conservation.”

“The acquisition of the Bradshaw Conservation Lands represents an important step forward in protecting ecologically significant habitats within the St. Clair Region,” said Duncan Skinner, President of the St. Clair Region Conservation Foundation. “The Foundation is grateful for the partnership with the Thames Talbot Land Trust, and the funders and donors that helped secure this natural area that will sustain local biodiversity and contribute to long-term environmental health.”

This project was made possible by the Government of Canada through the Natural Heritage Conservation Program, part of Canada’s Nature Fund.

A portion of this project was donated to the St. Clair Region Conservation Foundation under the Ecological Gifts Program. This program provides enhanced tax incentives for individuals or corporations who donate ecologically significant land.