Conservation authority celebrates restoration of wetlands in King, Innisfil

Cawthra Mulock Nature Reserve and Luck Conservation Area part of projects undertaken by Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority

Yorkregion.com
Feb. 4, 2021
Laura Broadley

The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority announced the completion of two wetland restoration projects, one in the Cawthra Mulock Nature Reserve in King Township and the other at the Luck Conservation Area in Innisfil.

These projects add to the nearly 51,000 hectares of wetlands currently in the Lake Simcoe watershed.

“These two wetland projects will improve wildlife habitat, and once established, will reduce local flood risks and mitigate the effects of climate change, while providing a destination for nature seekers,” explained Christa Sharp, manager of restoration for LSRCA.

Wetlands play an essential role in keeping communities safe from flooding, and they also capture and store carbon, Sharp added.

Wetlands are referred to as “natural sponges,” and during a flood they function like a tub that stores overflowing water, reducing the severity of the downstream flooding. Wetlands also store carbon in their soils, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, according to the conservation authority.

“As we face a climate crisis and more than 100 countries pledge to set net-zero emissions goals, wetlands offer a known, proven solution. Despite these critical functions, wetlands continue to be one of the most threatened natural features, with more than 70 per cent of the world’s wetlands degraded or destroyed,” Sharp said.

Theses restoration projects include tree and shrub plantings, native wildflower seeding and the creation of new features such as habitat mounds, which will become homes for species like bank swallows, the conservation authority said.

Within the past five years, the conservation authority has partnered or led the creation of wetlands in locations such as Rogers Reservoir in East Gwillimbury, Pangman Springs in Whitchurch-Stouffville and Lion’s Park in Newmarket.