Over the next 12 weeks, you might see crews from the Essex Region Conservation Authority working along the Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway to preserve the habitat.
The 106 acres of rare prairie habitat were transferred to the Essex Region Conservation Authority from the Ministry of Transportation last year.
Crews will remove invasive multiflora rose, glossy buckthorn, autumn olive shrubs, and other woody, successional species.
"Invasive and woody successional species can negatively impact the many provincially rare flora and fauna, including several critically imperiled species at risk," said Director of Conservation Services Kevin Money.
The habitat and prairie remnants were conserved during construction on the parkway project. They include a created wetland, but consist mainly of tallgrass prairie, one of the most endangered ecosystems in Canada.
The work is critical for the protection of species at risk that make the land parcel home. They include the Butler's Gartersnake, Eastern Foxsnake, Colicroot, and the Dense Blazing Star.
"Restoration will focus on creating more open habitat and movement corridors," added Money. "This is the optimal time to be doing this type of work while the snakes are hibernating for the winter and there's no interference with nesting birds."
