July 1, 2005

Conservation Wins for Canada

Carolinian Canada launches Signature Sites Guide at Skunk’s Misery

20 years ago, Carolinian Canada Coalition challenged people to protect the best remaining 38 unprotected natural areas in southwestern Ontario.  Today, the Coalition releases a guide that chronicles the stories of how communities, groups, individuals and partnerships met that challenge and created a legacy for Canada.

 The Carolinian Canada Signature Sites guide will be launched on July 5, when a bronze plaque will be unveiled to recognize Skunk’s Misery, a 1,200 ha complex of woodland, grassland and wetland with dozens of rare species.  The site has been stewarded by generations of landowners and portions are formally protected by Middlesex County and Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority.

 “These sites are a very important piece of our Canadian heritage”, said Michelle Kanter, Executive Director of Carolinian Canada Coalition.  “Many people have worked hard and sometimes, it is frustrating to work through all the obstacles to protecting a small piece of green.  But this zone is recognized as one of the best ecological gems of Canada.  It has more wild and rare species than any other place in Canada and the best habitat diversity in North America.  On the flip side, it has the least percentage of protected land in Ontario.  Carolinian Canada Coalition noted this 20 years ago and began an awareness campaign that created this amazing response.”

 The 38 Carolinian Canada sites were identified in 1984 by a team of ecologists as the best remaining unprotected natural areas.  Since then, many of the sites have been completely or partially protected through “many, many actions by individuals, communities, groups, partnerships, conservation agencies and landowners. ” said Kanter.  “They have given an incredible gift to future generations and to Canada.”

 The 80 page full colour guide is authored by Lorraine Johnson and gives readers the chance to travel through the Carolinian life zone to explore our best remaining critical habitats and meet the people who are protecting this significant heritage.  It features photographs from experts across the zone.  Copies can be ordered through Carolinian Canada at 519-433-7077 or www.carolinian.org/publications.

 Carolinian Canada is a 20-year-old coalition of 40+ public sector and non-government conservation organizations aimed at conserving the wildlife and habitats of southwest Ontario’s most threatened region. The partnership includes federal and provincial departments and ministries, conservation authorities, naturalists' groups, agricultural groups and stewardship councils.  The Carolinian Canada Coalition acknowledges the financial support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the George Cedric Metcalf Charitable Foundation.

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