Acknowledging Support from the Government of Ontario

The St. Williams Conservation Reserve Community Council (SWCRCC) has received $250,000 in funding over three years to support habitat restoration and stewardship activities that benefit species at risk at the St. Williams Conservation Reserve in Norfolk County. Funding is provided through the Government of Ontario’s Species at Risk Stewardship Program, administered by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.

SWCRCC is a local non-profit organization working in cooperation with Ontario Parks to protect and restore the ecological integrity of the 1,034-hectare St. Williams Conservation Reserve. The Reserve is one of the largest natural areas in the Carolinian ecoregion of southern Ontario and is recognized for its exceptional biodiversity. Its oak savanna and Carolinian forest ecosystems support one of the highest concentrations of species at risk in Ontario. This project will focus on restoring and protecting imperilled oak savanna and forest habitats that support rare and endangered species such as Bird’s-foot Violet and Virginia Goat’s-rue. Activities include invasive species control, prescribed burns, and enhancement of native plant populations.

“For more than 15 years, SWCRCC has worked cooperatively with the Province of Ontario on stewardship projects that benefit species at risk,” said Adam Biddle, Chair of the Community Council. “These efforts deliver on-the-ground conservation results made possible through provincial support and local volunteers.”

This project has received funding support from the Government of Ontario. Such support does not indicate endorsement by the Government of Ontario of the contents of this material.