SNC and Ducks Unlimited Canada Celebrate World Wetlands Day with New Eastern Ontario Wetland Restoration Story Map
To mark World Wetlands Day, South Nation Conservation (SNC) and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) are showcasing the value of wetlands through a new interactive Eastern Ontario Wetland Restoration Story Map. The online resource highlights recent restoration projects and the partnerships helping protect and restore wetlands throughout the region.
Wetlands are among the most valuable ecosystems in Eastern Ontario. They improve water quality, reduce flood risks, store carbon, and provide critical habitat for wildlife. The Story Map explains why wetlands matter, how restoration projects are delivered, and the environmental benefits achieved across the watershed.
The Conservation Authority protects wetlands through land ownership, stewardship, and restoration. SNC owns and manages approximately 13,000 acres of land, including about 1,600 acres of significant wetland habitat, making land securement and restoration central to its conservation efforts.
“This Story Map brings together the science and on-the-ground results of wetland restoration,” said Michelle Cavanagh, Team Lead, Special Projects with South Nation Conservation. “It also reflects the strength of our partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada and our shared commitment to protecting wetlands.”
Since 2021, SNC and Ducks Unlimited Canada have worked together to restore, enhance, and protect wetlands throughout the South Nation River Watershed. These projects have restored or created hundreds of acres of wetlands, supporting biodiversity, improving habitat connectivity, and strengthening natural flood mitigation and climate resilience.
One project featured in the Story Map is the restoration underway at the Two Creeks Forest Conservation Area in South Dundas. The work includes creating two new wetlands, restoring natural drainage patterns, planting native vegetation, and removing invasive species to improve ecosystem function and wildlife habitat.
“Wetland restoration delivers lasting benefits for both wildlife and communities,” said Craig Berga, Head of Conservation Programs in Ontario, Ducks Unlimited Canada. “This partnership shows how collaborative conservation can strengthen natural infrastructure and water management.”
Wetland restoration projects delivered through this partnership are supported by provincial and federal conservation programs and other funding initiatives.
Explore the Story Map: Eastern Ontario Wetland Restoration
For more information:
Erin Thorne, SNC Communications Specialist, ethorne@nation.on.ca.
