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PROTECTED AREAS NETWORK
Ontario's natural, national treasures
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The
expansive marshes of St. Clair National Wildlife Area
as seen from the observation tower. Click
to enlarge. |
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The
'blue loon' sign identifies the boundaries of protected
areas. |
Environment Canada's Protected Areas Network includes habitats
designated as National Wildlife Areas (NWAs) and Migratory
Bird Sanctuaries (MBSs). Ontario's NWAs encompass some 4900
hectares of property; MBSs encompass over 35 000
hectares of property.
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The
magnificent king rail - an endangered bird with just
25 to 50 known pairs remaining in Canada / USFWS. Click
to enlarge. |
Protected areas provide essential habitat for common and
rare species—some so rare in recent years that they
are considered to be "at risk" of extirpation or
extinction. Nearly 40 percent of the more than 450 wild species
considered at risk in Canada can be found in Ontario, with
many of those found in protected areas. The federal government
is mandated to protect species at risk through federal laws
and agreements. See the Species
at Risk in Ontario Web site for more information.
For birds in particular, many of these habitats are significant
'staging' areas. During spring and fall migration, birds require
prime venues for feeding, protection and peace before they
take flight to their next destination. Some species also remain
in these areas to breed and raise young in the spring and
summer months.
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Boating
is a popular activity around protected areas, but where
"Entry Prohibited" signs (inset) are posted
on protected area land, laws must be obeyed for the
protection of the wildlife. Click
to enlarge. |
Seasonal activities such as hunting, fishing, boating or
hiking can be disruptive to wildlife, affecting breeding or
staging routines. As a result, public access is prohibited
at some NWAs and MBSs. Issues of remoteness and limited (or
no) public facilities also determine access.
CWS works closely with other federal agencies, provincial
and territorial governments, private organizations and individuals
to ensure the ongoing protection and maintenance of these
sites. Management plans are tailored to meet the specific
needs of each site.
Three NWAs to visit right now
All this much-needed protection doesn't mean people can't
enjoy the natural beauty that some protected areas have to
offer! There are three NWAs in southern Ontario welcoming
visitors for birdwatching and learning opportunities right
now, including St. Clair, Wye
Marsh and Prince Edward Point.
Lake St. Clair is the most important staging region for waterfowl
in Ontario south of James Bay. The marshes of the St. Clair
NWA on the southeastern side of the lake host thousands of
birds every spring and autumn. Migrating species include puddle
ducks, geese and tundra swans. The area also provides important
habitat for both common and rare marsh birds, reptiles, amphibians,
mammals and rare prairie plants such as willowleaf aster and
Riddell's goldenrod.
Access and facilities
Much of the St. Clair property is open to the public for
hiking and wildlife viewing during daylight hours, however
the associated Bear Creek Unit—a property consisting
of a series of small, dyked impoundments—is not currently
open. St. Clair NWA has a walking trail and an observation
tower that is great for nature study or photography. Visitors
can hike a 5.5-kilometre loop by heading out on the trail
and returning on the roadway. There is a parking area with
brochures and bird checklists available.
Getting there
Take exit 63 off Highway 401, just west of Chatham, and follow
County Road 2 east to County Road 7. Go north on 7 to the
town of Prairie Siding, then east on County Road 36. In Prairie
Siding, follow County Road 35 north to Pain Court Line. Go
west on Pain Court Line, then north on Town Line Road to Balmoral
Line on the left and the entrance to St. Clair NWA. Watch
for the blue NWA signs.
More information
The Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre is located within the Wye Marsh
NWA and is operated by the non-profit Friends of Wye Marsh
through a long-term agreement with the federal government.
The Friends of Wye Marsh also have an agreement with the Province
of Ontario for managing the adjacent Provincial Wildlife Management
Area, which includes most of the existing trail system and
the wetlands of Wye Lake.
The wildlife centre includes an exhibit hall, video theatre,
snack bar, gift shop, washrooms and lunch room. Many references
are available at the centre, including manuals for teachers,
trail guides and reports.
The centre is well known for its wild trumpeter swan breeding
program. Ontario’s wild population today is about 400
swans.
Other birds at the Wye Marsh include least bitterns and black
terns. Mammals include beavers, porcupines, mink and river
otters. Reptiles include Blanding's turtles and hognose snakes.
Access and facilities
People can wander the valley on long and short hiking trails,
including a viewing boardwalk through the marsh. Naturalists
are available to take people on guided walks. The property
also has a cabin for overnight group excursions.
Getting there
See the Wye
Marsh Wildlife Centre *
Web site for directions.
More information
Prince Edward Point is perhaps best known as a stopover for
hawks, owls, songbirds, monarch butterflies and bats during
the spring or autumn migration.
Situated in Prince Edward County on the Long Point peninsula,
the mainly grassland and scrubland interior also features
wooded swamps, shrub-lined ponds, mixed forests and alvars
(rocky barrens with little soil or vegetation). The deep waters
and shoals off the tip of the peninsula are used extensively
by diving and sea ducks during migration and wintering. The
north shore is made up of spectacular limestone cliffs, while
the south side is low and has sandy shores and rocky beaches.
More than 300 species of birds have been recorded at the
NWA. Owls include northern saw-whet owls. Songbirds include
warblers, vireos, flycatchers and thrushes. Waterfowl include
greater scaups, long-tailed ducks, white-winged scoters, common
loons and grebes.
The Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory, a non-profit volunteer
based organization, operates a migration monitoring station
on the NWA in cooperation with Environment Canada. Volunteers
annually band thousands of songbirds passing through the NWA
during spring and fall migration. The banding program is active
through April and May and resumes in August until early November.
Through the banding efforts of the Kingston Field Naturalists
in the early 1970s, Environment Canada was convinced to purchase
the property and manage it as a NWA.
The point is also home to one of the largest concentrations
of eastern garter snakes in southeastern Ontario. Wildflowers
thrive throughout the grasslands.
Access and facilities
Prince Edward Point has become very popular for recreation.
Vehicles must stay on managed roadways. Some activities are
permitted such as swimming, picnics and boating. There is
a picnic area, boat launch and harbour facility. No hunting,
overnight camping or open fires are permitted.
Getting there
From points west of Belleville: Take Highway 62 south from
exit 543 on Highway 401 through Belleville. Continue south
on 62 to Bloomfield, then east on Highway 33 towards Picton.
Take County Road 10 south through Cherry Valley and Milford
to County Road 13. Take 13 east and follow to the NWA. Watch
for the blue NWA signs.
From points east of Belleville: Take Highway 49 south from
exit 566 on Highway 401 to Picton. Go south-east on Regional
Road 8 (toward Waupoos). At County Road 13 go west and follow
to the NWA. Watch for the blue NWA signs.
More information
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