By Sheila Laurin
On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, Kandyce Affleck who works for the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) as a conservation biologist gave us a presentation. It included an overview of the NCC owned properties in our area.
NCC, which began in 1962, is working to protect natural areas across Canada. It has helped protect habitat for many species at risk and provide permanent natural areas which can also benefit people who enjoy and appreciate nature. As a non-profit organization, they do fundraising for all their projects. If you wish to learn more about them, see their website. Nature Conservancy of Canada: NCC
The NCC Florian Diamante Nature Reserve on Pelee Island was a full ecological restoration project of an agricultural field to a natural area which included construction of a wetland. This 62 acre site is open to the public. Kandyce noted that there has been a significant increase in wildlife since 2022 in the area and seeds were planted to increase plant diversity.
The NCC Marianne Girling Nature Reserve is located near the community of Harrow, is approximately 102 acres. It contains a significant area with wetlands, Marshfield woods and meadows. (open to the public) It was named in Marianne’s honour because it was made possible by her generous donation. The late Marianne Girling (1927-2018) was born and raised in Windsor, Ontario. She loved being in nature, and believed strongly in protecting natural areas. She is a local conservation hero who is featured in the NCC Annual report of 2018/19.
The NCC Upper Cedar Creek Nature Reserve has 20 hectares of beautiful Carolinian forest and wetland areas. The property was purchased from the Orfeo Lucchese family.
The NCC Oxley Poison Sumac Swamp – approximately 321 acres have been restored to natural habitat, and is monitored. It is also designated as an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI).
The NCC Hillman Sand Hills Nature Reserve is a project which is in progress. It is approximately 30 hectares of natural area. The project involves the development of plans for restoration. It is a habitat for many species at risk and it is an important area for habitat conservation.
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