Work to restore the barrier beach and coastal wetlands at Hillman Marsh is underway.
The Essex Region Conservation Authority, in partnership with Caldwell First Nation, Canada Water Agency, the Government of Ontario, the Municipality of Leamington and others, are moving ahead with Phase 1A construction of the Hillman Marsh restoration project.
The conservation area is recognized as an Environmentally Significant Area, a Provincially Significant Wetland, and an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest.
"Hillman Marsh is more than an important wetland. It is part of the lands and waters of Caldwell First Nation's traditional territory, and its health is deeply connected to the health of our community and future generations," said Caldwell First Nations Chief Nikki van Oirschot. "We have a responsibility to actively steward these lands and waters and to ensure that restoration efforts reflect both the best available science and the traditional knowledge and responsibilities stemming from our relationship with this place."
Six years ago, record-high lake levels, low ice cover, and repeated storms interrupted the sediment. Since then, the marsh has suffered poor water quality, harsh wave conditions, and the loss of much of its submerged aquatic vegetation, tree cover and woody vegetation.
Phase 1A will build a barrier rock core on the barrier, sheltering the marsh. After the rock core settles for eight to 12 months, the core will be covered with sand and beach plantings. The project also includes a jetty, spur, and offshore reefs to improve the beach's stability.
"Phase 1A will provide immediate protection to the most vulnerable part of the marsh while laying the foundation for long-term restoration," said ERCA Chair Molly Allaire.
The barrier work has been underway since 2024, and so far, thousands of plants representing 70 species have been planted.
The current budget for construction is $4-million and will be implemented over two years.
Phase 1B will complete the northern half of the barrier, and a future Phase 2 would add offshore reefs.
"Hillman Marsh is a model for the Great Lakes and beyond," added Director General of the Freshwater Management Directorate, Canada Water Agency, Veronique Hiriart-Baer. "This project brings together Indigenous knowledge, science, modelling, engineering, and nature-based solutions to create a more resilient marsh -- one that can withstand the changing lake conditions while supporting healthy wetland habitat."
