Twenty-four hectares of land on the shores of Lake Ontario are now protected thanks to the generosity of a Prince Edward County family.
Ann and Alan Dacombe have donated the ecologically significant lands to the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) to create the Prince Edward County South Shore Nature Reserve.
It contains a rich mosaic of coastal wetlands, forests, streams, sand beaches and globally rare communities, such as alvars and sand dunes.
The shoreline property is an important stop for migratory birds and butterflies to feed and rest and supports various turtle and bat species thanks to its unique and varied habitats.
The land is now part of the Eastern Lake Ontario Coast Natural Area, a larger connected network of protected lands and waters on the eastern Lake Ontario coast.
Hilltop Road, Dacombe Property. (Photo: Patricia Prelich, NCC staff)
The Blanding’s turtle, a species found on the property and listed as threatened on the Species at Risk Act (SARA) is better able to move freely between feeding, breeding and wintering areas across this landscape, aiding in the species’ recovery.
The property was donated to the NCC under the Government of Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program.
The program provides enhanced tax incentives for individuals or corporations who donate ecologically significant land.
Hilltop Road, Dacombe Property. (Photo: Patricia Prelich, NCC staff)
“After being the guardians of this land for over 50 years, it gives my family and I a sense of peace knowing it will remain undeveloped forever.” – Ann Dacombe
“It has been an honour and a privilege to work with the Dacombe family to make this generous donation happen. This thoughtful and forward-thinking gift represents a tremendous legacy that benefits the planet and future generations. It is also an important addition to the growing network of conservation lands on the south shore of Prince Edward County.” – Mark Stabb, Program Director – Central Ontario East, Nature Conservancy of Canada
Hilltop Road, Dacombe Property. (Photo: Patricia Prelich, NCC staff)
Facts
· This area has world-class freshwater coastline and provides critical habitat for waterfowl, grassland and migratory birds, and butterflies.
· The Natural Area has vast ecological values and provides a multitude of ecosystem services, making it a high priority for conservation.
· The south shore of Prince Edward County has exceptional conservation value due to the habitats and species it supports. It is designated as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area — an area that is globally important for bird conservation using internationally agreed upon scientific criteria.
· Together with their partners, NCC has helped to protect 773 hectares in the Eastern Lake Ontario Coast Natural Area, which is home to provincially, nationally and even globally significant habitats and species.
