Carolinian Canada

A UNIQUE CELEBRATION AT CANADA’S SOUTHERN TIP

On a sunny and hot July 1, 2006, Carolinian Canada Coalition (CCC) celebrated its Signature Sites program at the southernmost tip of mainland Canada. A crowd of over 70 visitors and supporters gathered to pay tribute to the unique natural heritage of this region and celebrate this success at an event hosted by Point Pelee National Park. Many of the 38 sites identified by CCC 22 years ago are now protected or managed for conservation.

The Middle Island Signature Sites Heritage Plaque near the tip of Point Pelee is bilingual, offering both English and French descriptions of the unique features of the island.

Brett Groves, Essex County Stewardship Council coordinator, and Michelle Kanter, CCC Executive Director, chat at the Signature Sites celebration at the Point Pelee Visitors Centre.

The Carolinian Life Zone of southwestern Ontario is a region of national significance. With more wild species than any other part of the county, it stands out as Canada’s most vibrantly diverse natural neighbourhood. Towering Tulip Trees, luxurious Magnolia, the fascinating Southern Flying Squirrel, the beautiful Fox snake and tiny treasures such as the Spicebush Swallowtail – these and many hundreds of other fascinating and unique species make their home here and nowhere else in Canada. The park protects many of the distinct habitats and species of this region on the point itself and beyond into the waters of Lake Erie.

Thanks to the action of many supporters, Point Pelee National Park now protects Middle Island, a Carolinian Canada Signature Site and Canada’s southernmost land mass located a few miles from the US – Canada border. With a rich cultural and natural history, Middle Island holds many treasures that are unique to Canada. It was identified in 1984 by the CCC as a critical unprotected site. In 2000, a national partnership of government and non-government groups led by the Nature Conservancy of Canada worked together to purchase and protect the island and its heritage forever.

Native Plant seedlings were donated and distributed to audience participants at the Signature Sites celebration at Point Pelee National Park Visitor Centre.

As part of CCC’s Signature Sites program, Point Pelee National Park erected a bronze heritage plaque in recognition of the unique features of Middle Island. At the celebration, Michelle Kanter, CCC Executive Director highlighted the 38 Carolinian Canada Signature Sites from the Rouge Valley in Toronto to the Ojibway Prairie in Windsor. Each participant received a free native plant seedling and Carolinian Canada Signature Sites guide, along with a piece of the Canadian flag cake. Visitors then made their way to the tip of the point to view the Middle Island plaque and take part in the park’s Canada day activities.

Although Middle Island is not open to the public to protect its fragile habitat, everybody can explore this fascinating place in many ways including the excellent displays at the Pelee Island Heritage Centre, on-line at the virtual museum of Canada, a visit to the Signature Sites heritage plaque at the tip of Point Pelee or the Carolinian Canada Signature Sites guide.

Carolinian Canada Coalition’s Signature Sites program works with local partners to erect bronze heritage plaques at the 38 sites identified by the Coalition in 1984 as critical and unprotected. The dedicated efforts of local community, volunteers and landowners are highlighted in the stewardship of these sites to protect the these ecological treasures for Canada. This program is generously sponsored by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

To explore or get involved in Carolinian Canada programs please contact us!.