Earth Day is looming, and just in time, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is pleased to announce the conservation of North Bear Alvar, just east of Orillia. Conserved in partnership with the Couchiching Conservancy, the Government of Ontario, the Government of Canada, and with generous donations from individuals, this project adds another 787 acres (318 hectares) to the growing network of conservation lands on the Carden Alvar.
“This is a very exciting announcement for us as this project brings total conservation lands on the Carden Alvar to over 7,600 acres (3,100 hectares) – an area more than two times the size of Lake Dalrymple,” remarked Erica Thompson, program manager for NCC. “This collective feat is the result of collaborative efforts involving individuals and local, grassroots organizations, up to the Government of Canada, all for whom Earth Day is every day.”
Located just north of NCC’s Prairie Smoke Nature Reserve, North Bear Alvar potentially provides habitat for species at risk including Milksnake and Common Nighthawk. Endangered Butternut has been found on the property, and more plant and animal species will be confirmed this summer when a biological inventory is completed.
North Bear Alvar supports several different types of globally rare alvar habitat. Alvars are naturally open habitats with thin to no soil over a base of limestone or dolostone. They may have large areas of exposed bedrock, or may support sparse shrubs and trees. Alvars are a hotspot for specialized plants and insects that are adapted to harsh conditions such as drought and flooding.
Additional funding support for this project came from the Carden Acquisition Fund: a grant program provided by an anonymous donor who shares NCC’s and the Couchiching Conservancy’s vision for the conservation of the Carden Alvar. This fund will match all private donations for projects in the Carden Alvar Natural Area up to a total of $400,000 until March 2012.
