A significant project years in the making that will improve local water quality and habitat conditions for fish and other aquatic species is finished. After 7 years of planning, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is announcing the completion of a major pond restoration at the Lathrop Nature Preserve in Fonthill. The trails on Lathrop Nature Preserve have officially been re-opened for use and enjoyment of the public, and interpretive signs will be installed later this year. This project marks a milestone in NCC’s ongoing efforts to protect and enhance vital habitats across the country.
The 24.5-hectare site is a favoured nature retreat in the community, and features thriving Carolinian forest that is home to species like hooded warbler, butternut and American chestnut. The property also has two artificial ponds that were created when a railway embankment was constructed over 100 years ago. Over time, standing warm water and sediment in the ponds have slowly been released into the nearby Twelve Mile Creek, gradually increasing the temperature of the creek and negatively impacting the local population of brook trout and other freshwater species downstream.
The primary goals were to reduce water temperature impacts to downstream cold-water fish habitat in the Twelve Mile Creek watershed, ensuring a thriving environment for local wildlife. Visitor safety was also improved by stabilizing the railway embankment.
This sensitive area required thoughtful and careful steps, including ‘disconnecting’ both ponds and re-routing the flow of the watercourse channel to prevent drainage of warm water and sediment into Twelve Mile Creek. In addition, over 500 native trees and shrubs were planted to increase biodiversity and improve water quality through natural filtration systems. A wooden pedestrian bridge was constructed over the realigned channel, improving visitor safety and reducing the height of the embankments while decreasing water levels in the ponds to reduce pressure on the embankments.
This major restoration project had the support and collaboration of many partners, volunteers, and supporters. NCC worked closely with Freshwater Conservation Canada (formerly known as Trout Unlimited Canada) and Niagara College as well as local researchers and restoration professionals to plan and complete the project. This project was made possible by the Government of Ontario through the Wetlands Conservation Partner Program, the Niagara Community Foundation, TD Bank Group, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Sustain our Great Lakes grant program, individual donors and foundations.
Quotes
“We are thrilled to see the positive impact this project has already had on the Lathrop Nature Preserve. The construction of the bridge and stabilization of the embankment near the ponds was important to ensure a safe visitor experience in one of Pelham’s treasured community places, and the project will lead to improved habitat for brook trout and other species in the Niagara region.” – Kristyn Richardson, Program Director – Southwestern Ontario, Nature Conservancy of Canada
“The completion of this major pond restoration by the Nature Conservancy of Canada and its partners is fantastic news for local wildlife and visitors to this wonderful and unique nature preserve. Our government has been proud to support this project which brought together experts and volunteers from a variety of organizations and fields – all pulling together to restore a vital wetland. Thanks to this collective effort, this special wetland retreat will thrive for generations to come.” – Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
“The headwaters of Twelve Mile Creek are a critical cold-water habitat for brook trout and other Carolinian species at risk. This restoration project at the Lathrop Nature Preserve in the Town of Pelham, supported by the province’s Wetlands Conservation Partner Program, will ensure these sensitive wetlands are preserved and protected for future generations.” – Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West
“One of Niagara’s greatest assets is our natural resources. The Lathrop Nature Preserve is an example of the power of collaboration to tackle urgent and complex environmental challenges. As a funder, it is our privilege to empower charities like the Nature Conservancy of Canada, so that together we can protect and preserve Niagara’s natural habitats.” – Bryan Rose, Executive Director, Niagara Community Foundation
Facts
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Twelve Mile Creek is the last remaining cold-water habitat in the Niagara region.
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Mayflies are one of many species impacted by warming water temperatures. At normal water temperatures, a female mayfly can lay 1,200 eggs, but at 10 degrees Celsius warmer she can only produce 400. When temperatures rise beyond that, she quickly becomes unable to lay any eggs at all.
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Twelve Mile Creek is home to the only self-sustaining population of brook trout in the Niagara region. The species is sensitive to increases in water temperature and has been in decline as the creek has warmed.
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Lathrop Nature Preserve was donated to NCC in 1998 by D. Whiting and Margaret Lathrop to ensure the ecological values of the property and the many rare species that call the property home were protected in perpetuity.
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Lathrop Nature Preserve supports just over 1.5 km of hiking trails.
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The completion of this project not only enhances local water quality and habitat for native species but also provides valuable educational opportunities for visitors to learn about the importance of nature conservation.
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To learn more about the project, visit https://www.natureconservancy.ca/en/where-we-work/ontario/featured-projects/lathrop-nature-preserve-pond.html
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
The Wetlands Conservation Partner Program represents one of the largest investments in wetland enhancement and restoration in Ontario’s history. The province invested over $31 million over the past five years in the program to support a wide range of projects that enhanced and restored critical wetland infrastructure in the Great Lakes watersheds and in urban areas as part of municipal stormwater management. These enhanced and restored wetlands benefit communities and the environment in many ways by helping to prevent flooding, keep water clean, provide habitat for wildlife and offer recreational opportunities.
The Nature Conservancy of Canada gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Niagara Community Foundation, which is a public foundation serving the people of Niagara. The Foundation builds permanently endowed charitable funds for the changing need and opportunities of the community and provides grants to eligible charitable organizations in culture, health, education, environment, recreation and social service sectors.