Conservation officials say a new planned wetland will have benefits besides beautifying the Clear Creek Forest.
The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority is constructing a 140 acre wetland over the next five years near Clearville in east Chatham-Kent. The five-year project will cost around $300,000. It'll also see the planting of 70,000 trees, through Forests Ontario.
"We're restoring this field to the north," says LTVCA Manager of Conservation Lands and Services Randall Van Wagner. "When you look at the map it really does provide that missing link in between the new forest, the lake and the existing forest, so it's pretty big."
The wetland will sit right in the path of two bird migration routes. Van Wagner adds the area will act as a rest stop for birds travelling north after crossing Lake Erie. He also hopes schools and tour groups will use the site for learning opportunities.
"There's talk about putting a trail throughout. So this will be public land, and down the road education and tour groups will be brought out here as well," says Van Wagner.
Chatham-Kent students and boy scouts will help with the planting of the trees. Green energy company Enbridge has contributed $75,000 to get the project started.
An overhead view of the Clear Creek Forest in east Chatham-Kent. The highlighted portion represents the future location of the Clear Creek Wetland, May 13, 2016 (Photo by Jake Kislinsky)
