Freshwater is one of the most precious resources on the planet. On Lake Huron’s northern Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula, where only about eight kilometers of undeveloped and unprotected shoreline remain, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has announced the protection of almost one kilometer of Lake Huron shoreline and coastal habitats.
The 29-hectare conservation project is located west of Tobermory in an area known as China Cove and features thriving wetlands, forests and alvars that help to expand on an existing network of over 24,200 hectares of protected and public lands on the Peninsula. These habitats provide important services for people and communities such as protecting our drinking water and air quality and are a sanctuary for species like eastern Massasauga (threatened), Hill’s thistle (threatened), and midland painted turtle (special concern).
China Cove was originally named after the wreck of the China, a two-masted schooner that wrecked offshore in 1883. During a recent visit, Miptoon, an Elder from the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and NCC regional advisory board member, heard the water crying out to him telling stories of the wreck. Following the property’s protection, NCC will call the area Aah Mahwi Nibi (Crying Water) to remember the China.
The property was at immediate risk of development, but thanks to the collaboration of local landowners, partners and NCC supporters, these lands and waters are now protected forever. This special lakeshore property extends nearby existing conservation lands in an area popular for birdwatching, nature appreciation and viewing Lake Huron’s coastal sights. NCC looks forward to continuing to work with the local community on this project and stewarding these lands. We encourage people interested in exploring nature on the Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula to visit brucegreysimcoe.com.
This project was made possible by the support of many individuals, foundations and partners including the Government of Canada through the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund and the Government of Ontario through the Greenlands Conservation Partnership Program, and the Bruce Power’s Environment and Sustainability Fund.
Quotes
“The protection of Aah Mahwi Nibi (Crying Water) is a crucial step in ensuring that the species relying on its rare and sensitive habitats continue to thrive for generations. By safeguarding these ecosystems, we are not just preserving a place—we are actively protecting biodiversity and deepening the connection between people and nature, of which we are all a part. Conservation is a shared responsibility, and I feel incredibly grateful to work alongside a passionate community dedicated to protecting the species and landscapes we are privileged to share this Earth with.” – Esme Batten, Program Director, Midwestern Ontario, Nature Conservancy of Canada
“The Aah Mahwi Nibi (Crying Water) project will permanently protect 72 acres of land on the Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula, which is about the size of 180 NHL hockey rinks. With the help of the Greenlands Conservation Partnership program and local partners across Ontario, we are providing more opportunities for people to explore the many incredible outdoor spaces and hidden gems that our province has to offer.” – Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
“When I am meeting with colleagues at Queen’s Park and they realize where I am from, they always recall Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound for its stunning natural beauty and heritage. I am so pleased to see community and nature come together to see China Cove be protected for generations to come. I would specifically like to recognize the donors behind this project, for whom this is certainly not possible.” – Paul Vickers, Member of Provincial Parliament, Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound
“Through collaboration with the Nature Conservancy of Canada and the support of Canadians, we are helping protect critical habitats on the northern Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula, including nearly a kilometre of Lake Huron shoreline at Aah Mahwi Nibi. The Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund plays a key role in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss, supporting Canada’s efforts to conserve more of our beautiful country while reducing greenhouse gas emissions through nature-based climate solutions.” – The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Facts
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Protecting coastal habitats like the Aah Mahwi Nibi (Crying Water) project is critical for maintaining the ecological health of Lake Huron and surrounding areas. These habitats support a diversity of species, from American black bear who travel long distances, to wood ducks, a species of duck that nests in the hollows of trees.
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Large intact systems of protected lands provide essential habitat for species as their ranges are shifting northward due to climate change
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Coastal conserved lands like Aah Mahwi Nibi (Crying Water) support water systems that filter into Lake Huron and unique alvar communities that sustain rare plant species that are thought to have originated when glaciers had retreated, such as ram’s head lady’s-slipper.
About
As Canada’s largest environmental charity, the Nature Conservancy of Canada has worked with partners to conserve natural landscapes since 1962. Together, we deliver solutions to address the dual crises of biodiversity loss and climate change through large-scale and long-term conservation. We create lasting change for the planet and its people by partnering with Indigenous Nations and communities, governments and businesses around shared interests. Nature makes it possible. To learn more, visit natureconservancy.ca
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.