The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has secured 23 hectares of important natural land in the Upper Big Creek area, a move that strengthens wildlife habitat and supports nearby communities. Acting Program Director for Southwestern Ontario, Jill Crosthwaite, says the new property plays a key role.
This includes lands near the St. Williams Conservation Reserve and the Backus Woods corridor. Located within the Long Point World Biosphere Region, the property sits in the Carolinian zone—one of Canada’s smallest yet most biologically diverse ecoregions. Crossley notes that this region supports species rarely found elsewhere in the country.
The site contains nearly one kilometre of Upper Big Creek tributaries, making it vital for flood mitigation and improving local water quality. Its forests and wetlands act as natural infrastructure—filtering drinking water, cooling the air, storing carbon, and slowly absorbing rainfall to reduce storm surges.
Additionally, the property offers benefits that go beyond its ecological value.
The acquisition was made possible through the Government of Canada’s Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund, along with contributions from private donors and foundations. Crosthwaite says the purchase helps build landscape resiliency and ensures long-term protection for species at risk and the communities that depend on healthy ecosystems.
Written by Jeremy Hall
