Nature Conservancy of Canada secures 50 more hectares of Essex County forest and wetlands

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is expanding its protected land in Essex County.

The conservation group has scooped up 50 hectares, or about 123 acres, of "ecologically significant lands" atUpper Cedar Creek in Harrow andHillman Sand Hills near Hillman Marsh outsideLeamington, the organization announced Wednesday.

Both nature reserves are in the Essex forests and wetlands area, "which is home to more than 75 species at risk," according to the NCC.

The area also includes provincially significant wetlands, areas of natural and scientific interest and important bird areas.

The Harrow property was provided by the family ofOrfeo Lucchese, who transformed a farm and woodlot over the yearsby planting native species.

Funding for the land purchases was a partnership between NCC, senior levels of government, private donors and foundations. The federal government contributed$982,000 to the project, while the Ontario government provided$555,741.

Other funds came from individuals, businesses and foundations, and the U.S. government. It contributed $292,000 through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act.

The newly protected areas mean more than 430 hectares (1,062 acres) are now under conservation in the Essex County area, according to the NCC.

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