The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) has gained possession of more than 100 acres of environmentally significant lands in Windsor.
The land was transferred from the Ministry of Transportation so ERCA can offer long-term protection and stewardship.
According to a news release, the 106 acres of land were created as part of the Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway project. Also created was a wetland which allowed endangered species to be transplanted during the parkway construction. It consists mostly of tallgrass prairie, which ERCA said is rare in Canada.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Transportation for designating ERCA as the recipient of these lands, thereby enabling their protection and stewardship in perpetuity,” said Tim Byrne, CAO for the Essex Region Conservation Authority.
“We are particularly honoured to continue our collaboration as dedicated land stewards in support of the establishment of the Ojibway National Urban Park.”
The land is within the proposed Ojibway National Urban Park and is within the Detroit River Watershed. Additional restoration steps will be taken by ERCA to ensure the rare prairie and Oak Savanah habitats are protected.
At-risk species on the lands include Butlers Gartersnake, Eastern Foxsnake, Kentucky Coffeetree, and more.
