Caring for Nature in Elgin Landowner Action in Carolinian Canada

Farmers and the Land The Unique Nature The rich farmlands of Elgin County are of ideal for growing a wide variety of crops. Elgin County These are primarily but not limited to, Lying as it does in the heart of corn, soybeans and wheat, as well as Carolinian Canada, Elgin County boasts fruits and vegetables near St. Thomas, some of the highest diversity of wild and tobacco on the sandy soils in the animals, plants and natural habitats east part of the county. Our moderate in Canada. Our network of forest, © Elgin Stewardship Council climate provides long growing seasons wetland and grassland is the backbone Johnson family planting trees and relatively mild winters, and, in most of Elgin’s healthy landscape, benefiting years, adequate rainfall. The relationship agriculture, industry and rural and between farmers and the land is deep urban communities. Provincial parks, Family Connections – after all farm families live on the land conservation areas, and other protected The Johnson family farms over 200 ha (700 and make their living from the land. areas are core habitats, but private ac) northwest of Rodney. Their interest in the At times farmers must battle nature landowners are important stewards of outdoors and the environment has been the – as with insects and diseases, or when the majority of our natural spaces. catalyst for increasing the natural habitat on wildlife such as deer and raccoons cause Elgin’s unique natural character is their marginal farmland while keeping the damage to their crops. But farmers also shaped by its soils, topography and most productive land in agriculture. They have have the chance to experience nature’s location. Towering Tulip Trees grow in retired 5 ha (12 ac) of their property over three beauty everyday – a fox running across sand plain forests and the Southern years to native trees, shrubs for wildlife, and a farm lane early in the morning, Tundra Flying Squirrel is at home in mature tallgrass prairie. More habitat restoration work Swans flying overhead, a flock of Wild forests. Masses of Monarch Butterflies is planned. John, an avid hunter, remembers the Turkeys on a field edge, a mother bird migrate along the Erie shoreline. Our days when coveys of Northern Bobwhite quail feeding its young at her nest in an apple wetlands support a web of life of were spotted along hedgerows and field borders. orchard. These ties with the land place countless birds, amphibians, plants and Rehabilitating Bobwhite habitat is a strong farmers in a unique position to assume insects. Prairie remnants are home motivator for the family’s restoration projects. the much needed and valuable role of to the rare Northern Bobwhite and These projects have been supported by the Elgin stewards of the land. Eastern Hog-nosed Snake. Stewardship Council and its community partners through the Elgin Landscape Stategy.

Carolinian Zone

Elgin County Tiger Swallowtail

The Carolinian Zone, the country’s southern most ecoregion, stands out as one of Canada’s true national treasures. The Tulip Tree leaf is a symbol of the many unique plants and animals found here.

Caring For Nature factsheet series is published by the Carolinian Canada Coalition Caring for Nature in Lambton www.carolinian.org • 519-433-7077 Big Otter Creek The Big Picture in Elgin County Healthy landscapes need large natural core areas connected by natural corridors. Our communities, where we live and work, are dependent on healthy lands. Wildlife thrives in healthy landscapes. Protecting our natural areas is protecting our family. The “Big Picture” is the Carolinian Canada Coalition’s vision of these natural cores and corridors spread out across the Southwestern Ontario landscape. It includes existing natural areas and shows how they can be enhanced and linked with habitat restoration and natural regeneration. The Big Picture was developed by a team of experts

and is based on many years of field work and state-of-the-art mapping Carolinian Core Natural Areas Other Significant Natural Areas Potential Habitat Corridors technology. County/Tegion Boundaries Highways Elgin County The Big Picture identifies 140 core areas, including most of Carolinian Canada Coalition’s original 38 Signature Sites, as special natural ecosystems across the region. Fifteen of those core areas are found in Elgin County. The centre-fold map illustrates Elgin’s part in the Big Picture.

The Elgin Landscape Strategy Many rural landowners within Elgin County feel a real sense of pride in owning and stewarding rural land, and have a real desire to manage their land to benefit the environment. The Elgin Landscape Strategy, authored by the Elgin Stewardship Council, is intended to support this stewardship ethic by increasing awareness of the natural history of the county and opportunities for its stewardship. The Elgin Landscape Strategy provides rural landowners with maps of “ecological potential” for their property, assisting them in making management decisions, and finding the appropriate balance between agricultural production and natural heritage stewardship.

The Strategy was developed with a number of guiding principles in mind: • That the process be completed with input from rural landowners • That it be science-based • That decisions on private land are in the hands of landowners • That agencies supporting natural heritage coordinate their efforts to increase efficiency and effectiveness • That areas be prioritized to provide maximum ecological benefits at the lowest cost • That the strategy is based on education, inspiration, and influence, rather than regulation.

Unlike an official plan, which relies solely on land use designations to protect significant natural heritage features, this strategy is designed as a tool to identify and prioritize areas for habitat rehabilitation in partnership with rural landowners and the farming community. The Elgin Landscape Strategy is a leading example of local community action for Big Picture conservation and is available at all public libraries in Elgin County, on the web at www.ontariostewardship.org/elgin, or by contacting the Elgin Stewardship Council.

Giant Swallowtail Visit www.carolinian.org to zoom in on any part of the Big Picture and find out more about habitat cores and corridors in your area. Every Bit Helps!

© John Ambrose © John landowners get involved in stewardship, who knows? Perhaps that acre that you restored years ago will become a part of a healthy habitat network as our Big Picture landscape evolves. Every natural area is important and we can, as a community, work together to create a network of green that will be a healthy and functioning place to live now, and into the future. You don’t need a large property to help out. Backyard, community and schoolyard naturalization projects play an important ecological and educational role. Many native plant species that are important food sources for birds Blue Ash and butterflies also produce brilliant flowers that are enjoyed by people. on Shoreline Natural habitat benefits farms, homes and communities Why Should I Care? with important landscape functions.

Clean Air Productive Land Natural habitat filters air, Natural habitat builds soil provides oxygen & reduces quality & prevents erosion Climate Change effects

Diversity of Life Healthy Communities Wild places provide beautiful Studies show that people are landscapes, natural pest happier & property values control & wildlife to watch increase around natural areas

Energy Savings & Safety Trees protect buildings & livestock from extreme heat, cold, wind & noise

Clean Water Wetlands & buffers filter water & guard against floods & droughts Drawing by Shawn McKnight Not sure where to start? Contact a conservation partner listed in this What Can I Do? factsheet to discuss habitat options on your land or in your community. Manage for Sustainable Income Help bring Balance to the Landscape If you depend on your land for survival, your forest can provide Non-native plant and animal species are wreaking havoc with our you with a good long-term income if harvested properly and natural ecosystems. Vigilant actions by landowners, gardeners will also provide wildlife habitat. For example, leave mature and naturalists go far to battle widespread damage by these alien seed trees scattered through your woods to sustain its genetic invaders. As well, alterations to the landscape have enabled some richness. native species such as White-tailed Deer and Racoons to become Natural Homes over-abundant. Controlled hunting can help this problem. Wildlife shelter includes leaf litter, gnarled branches, old logs, Make Connections brush piles, wet meadows, tall grass, marshes, swamps and Restore habitat along roads, watercourses, drains, shorelines, more. Resist the desire to ‘clean up’ a habitat. You may find a fences, hedgerows and on marginal land or marshy ground. Southern Flying Squirrel in a standing dead tree or a salamander Work with neighbours to connect green corridors. under a log. Think Big Mix it Up If you want to create new habitat, consider adding to existing Elgin is unique because it is a natural mix of many habitats and natural areas to multiply their benefits. A major problem in species. You can help protect this heritage by choosing a mix Carolinian Canada is fragmented habitat that is prone to losing of native species when planting and encouraging varied habitat rare species and encouraging nuisance wildlife. structure and topography. Plan it Right for Love and Money Let it Get Old Consult an ecologist or forester to develop a plan for your Make a decision to protect at least one area from disturbance. property that will help reach your goals. With a plan, you may be This may be a swamp, forest interior or old field. You will be eligible for a variety of conservation grants and incentives. rewarded with increasing diversity of plants and animals that Enjoy & Relax need ‘quiet’ habitat. As you get to know your land in all seasons, you will know best Nesting Time what it needs to stay healthy. You may decide to leave it alone to Avoid active management during spring, an important time for make a significant contribution to the future of your land, your wildlife, especially birds. For example, if you confine timber heritage and your community. You can get involved in programs harvesting to winter and leave a few rotting trees in a swamp, you such as the Canadian Wildlife Service’s Backyard Frog Count to may provide a home for the endangered Prothonotary Warbler. contribute to science and learn more about your land. Taking Action for Habitat in Elgin

Planting acorns at Family Creates a Rare Legacy pit and mound project The Miller farm, which lies along Lake Erie near Port Glasgow, is a 120 ha (300 ac) property with 71 ha (176 ac) of forest. Over the last 15 years, 40 ha (100 ac) of marginal land has been restored to natural habitat with native hardwoods, conifers, wetlands, and tallgrass prairie. By 2010 more restoration with be done, including “pits and mounds” with vernal pools, to prevent erosion and slow runoff into Ox Creek. Spin-off benefits include extra moisture for the plantings and reduced sediments in the Creek.

Reforestation Brings Enjoyment In the 1990’s John and Jo-Anne Twinem of Eden purchased 37 ha (92 ac) of marginal © Elgin Stewardship Council farmland along the Big Otter Creek including 18 ha (45 ac) of heavily logged woodland. They decided to plant an additional 14 ha (35 ac) with 28,000 trees, including White Ash, Eastern White Pine and Red Pine, as well as cherry and maple. They love to walk in their own woods and are pleased that the reforestation has brought back so many species that were rarely seen on the property. Woodcocks have made a triumphant and noisy return, as have Wild Turkeys and Eastern Bluebirds. KETTLE CREEK Conservation Authority

LOWER THAMES St. Thomas Conservation Authority Skunk’s Misery Thames River Floodplain

Dunwich Swamp

West Lorne Woods

Talbot Creek Rodney Valley

Allan Craig Kent-Elgin Woods Shoreline

Big Picture Core Habitats in Elgin public ownership private ownership a mix of public and private ownership Elgin County boundary Find out about other projects happening across the Conservation Authority Boundaries zone through Carolinian Canada’s Big Picture Network. Other Natural Areas Visit www.carolinian.org for more information. H Carolinian Canada Signature Site

These folks and other neighbours too numerous to mention are quietly helping to restore our landscape, to protect rare wildlife, and to make your home a safer place to live by keeping the air and water clean. You can help too, in many ways.

Generations of Stewardship Good stewardship has been a lifetime effort for David Roberts of Sparta. His family settled into the southern part of Yarmouth Township along Catfish Creek in the 1840’s. The 260 ha (640 ac) farm has always passed from father to son, and today 120 ha (300 ac) remains in forest, which is occasionally harvested with managed cuts. The farm is part of the Catfish Creek Slope and Floodplain Forest, one of Carolinian Canada’s Signature Sites. The forest is rich in Carolinian species, including Tulip Trees, Sassafras and Sweet Chestnut. David and his son Darryl farm dairy, corn and hay in the 130 arable ha (340 ac) which are bisected by Catfish Creek. N

LoNG POINT REGION Conservation Authority CATFISH CREEK KETTLE CREEK Conservation Authority Conservation Authority Tillsonburg

Summers Corners Big Otter Creek Valley Springwater Forest St. Thomas Aylmer Little Otter Straffordville Creek Valley H

Bayham Catfish Creek Townline Woods Kettle Creek Silver Creek Calton Swamp Valley Valley Valley A Natural History of Railways The Dutton Prairie lies adjacent to an abandoned rail line that ran between Buffalo and Detroit. Sparks from the old steam locomotives caused regular fires that maintained prairie habitat by discouraging growth of trees and shrubs. Although tallgrass prairie is an endangered habitat native to Ontario, this particular site has unique species the some believe were brought in hay transported from the western US. Today the tallgrass community is managed by the West Elgin Nature Club, who struck an innovative agreement with CSX Rail to carry out prescribed burns. Some plants found here include the rare Compass Plant, Ohio Goldenrod, Big Bluestem and Prairie Cord Grass. Forests for Life Elgin schools and communities are helping to steward Elgin landscapes by establishing a community nursery with the Forests for Life program. This program is a model for other areas to improve society’s relationship with the natural environment. It provides a hands-on learning experience for young people, the socially disadvantaged and developmentally challenged who are Compass plant

at the heart of this program. They grow native trees from seed © Joanne Reive and assist in direct seeding of native hardwoods for community habitat projects. This multi-partner initiative involves the community stewardship councils in Elgin, Middlesex and Oxford

Sustainable forest management, whether or not you intend to do any logging, is important to maintaining the health of your woodland. Some woodlot owners like their woods just the way they are - maybe an area to enjoy nature, to hike, to cross-country ski or snowshoe, to hunt, or to harvest maple sap with their kids. Others may want to realize some economic gain through selective and careful timber removal. Sustainable management will help you reach your goals and maximize the ecological, economic and recreational value of your woodlands. Healthy Woodland Guidelines for the Private Landowner Landowner groups, forestry and conservation experts from Elgin and Carolinian Canada worked together to develop this 5 point woodland conservation approach. 1. Join the Elgin-Middlesex Woodlot Owners Association or other stewardship groups for private landowners to network and learn from fellow landowners and invited speakers. 2. Know your woodland. Hike it in different seasons and observe the many species of plants and animals. Watch how Carolinian habitats change over time and are linked to the health of your woodland, property and surrounding landscape. 3. Invite a naturalist or ecologist to your woodlot to help you learn more about the species on your property. They can help you identify rare plants and animals (Species at Risk), “old growth”, interior forest, and other important habitat for wildlife. 4. Develop an integrated management plan for your woodlot – strive to balance economic gain with recreational opportunities, environmental impacts on plants and animals, and aesthetics. As an option, hire a consultant to help you develop your plan. 5. Apply to the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP) or Conservation Land Tax Incentive Program (CLTIP - 1-800- 268-8959). You may be eligible to receive property tax credits. Wooded Valley © EarthTramper Consulting Inc. Sustainable Harvesting If you’ve decided to log your woodlot, ensure that each tree to be removed is carefully identified and marked in a selective harvest, ensuring minimal impact on wildlife, wildlife habitat, and forest What Trees Can Do For You productivity. The following are some common sense guidelines: Whether you own a woodlot, farm, rural property or live in town, 1. Contract a certified tree marker to select the trees to be trees are essential for life. Some of the everyday benefits of trees are: removed. Make sure your choice of tree marker understands • Prevent nutrients and pesticides from entering streams and rivers the value of conserving Carolinian species and habitat (e.g. • Provide income from agro-forestry (e.g. tree nuts, Christmas trees) rare tree species, snags and cavity trees for wildlife, trees with • Provide income from lumber, fuelwood, pulp and fibre active raptor nests). • Act as carbon sinks to combat global warming 2. Select a logger, through a competitive bidding process, who • Provide sound barriers (e.g. from busy roads) demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainable forestry • Act as living windbreaks and snow fences practices. Before accepting an offer visit properties that the • Provide summer shade for livestock logger has recently harvested and talk to the landowners. • Provide buffers along stream banks • Provide cover and food for wildlife 3. Ensure there is a written contract in place, which incorporates • Reduce flooding and soil erosion your integrated management plan, before any logging begins. • Trap moisture and store water 4. Visually inspect, on a regular basis, your woodlot that is being • Increase property values logged. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or stop the harvest if • Provide organic matter you have concerns. • Provide raptor perches 5. After the harvest, implement further improvements as • Beautify the landscape identified in your woodlot management plan (e.g. protect sensitive areas, replant, create wildlife habitat, improve trails).

© Alf Rider Alf © Species at Risk What are they? Roadside Heroes Species at risk are plants or animals that are in danger of The best way to help species at risk is to protect and restore their disappearing from the wild in Canada. Some are so rare that there habitat. In the municipality of West Elgin, the West Elgin Nature are only a few populations or individuals left on the landscape, Club got together with the municipality and the road crew and such as the Spoon-leaved Moss or the Blue Ash in Elgin County. talked about the plight of the Monarch Butterfly. The Monarch In Elgin over 50 species are federally listed as ‘at risk’ and 189 are migrates along the north Lake Erie shoreline in the Fall. Its preferred ranked as rare in Ontario. They include the endangered Small route includes a county road that borders the lakeshore. Until Whorled Pogonia, an orchid found only here in the whole of Canada. recently the municipality had been cutting the roadside allowance The threatened Dense Blazing Star, a plant of the increasingly rare in the summer to allow for easier snow removal in the winter. The tallgrass prairie community is found at Dutton. Fish with such Nature Club persuaded the municipality that waiting until late intriguing names as the Black Redhorse and the Greenside Darter are September to mow wouldn’t affect snow removal, but it does leave found in Elgin’s streams and rivers. The American Badger, a formerly a lush corridor of goldenrods and asters for the Monarch to follow common mammal, and the threatened Spiny Softshell Turtle are two on its way south in the fall. An added advantage is that tourists species whose populations can be increased by good stewardship and local residents enjoy the beautiful show of flowers along the and restoration efforts. roadside. Carolinian Canada has one-third of the country’s species at risk so they live almost everywhere in Elgin where habitat is available. Find out more from Carolinian Canada’s Species at Risk Kit.

How can you help protect Monarch on Purple Aster Species at Risk on your land?

Make a B&B for rare wildlife Many species at risk have specific food and shelter needs. You can help them survive by maintaining or creating habitat features, such as prairie grasses, interior forest, standing dead trees, watercourse buffers and old logs, that are essential for species at risk in your area. Check the Carolinian Canada kit for more ideas. Get to know your wild neighbours Read about species at risk in Carolinian Canada. Ask a local naturalist or ecologist to help you identify rare species and ecosystems on your property to avoid needless impacts. For example, harmless large snakes are disappearing from Elgin because people mistake them as dangerous, although they are quite beneficial in keeping rodent populations in check. © Jim Flynn Tweak your management plan A few small changes to a timber harvesting plan, for example, can help species at risk without affecting income. Hooded Warblers are currently increasing in numbers, thanks to many forest landowners. Green Dragon Get involved! Report sightings of rare species that you see now or have seen in the past. Develop a conservation plan for your property. Engage your neighbours. Join the Carolinian Canada Woodland Recovery Network. Contact a conservation partner to find out about local species at risk recovery plans, demonstration sites, habitat workshops, incentives and assistance. © Tony Difazio Tony © Canadian Heritage Species at risk laws are designed to prevent species at risk from going extinct and to help private landowners protect them on their property. There are Small Whorled also many species that are rare or at risk that are not yet protected by law. To find out what the law means Pogonia to you and how you can benefit, contact government conservation partners.

© Tony Difazio Tony © Find a Conservation Partner A Helping Hand for Landowners A Good Place to Start Good Sources of Information Catfish Creek Conservation Authority Association for Canadian Educational Resources aceracre.org 519-773-9037 catfishcreek.ca 905-275-7685 Volunteer habitat monitoring Elgin Stewardship Council Elgin Stewardship Council 519-773-4739 519-773-4739 ontariostewardship.org/elgin • Elgin Landscape Strategy Kettle Creek Conservation Authority Environment Canada 1-800-668-6767 519-631-1270 kettlecreekconservation.on.ca Species at Risk sararegistry.gc.ca Long Point Region Conservation Authority Ecological Gifts Program on.ec.gc.ca/wildlife/ecogifts 519-428-4623 lprca.on.ca Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters invadingspecies.com Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority Invasive species hotline, habitat enhancement 1-800-563-7711 519-354-7310 lowerthames-conservation.on.ca Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources 519-773-9241 mnr.gov.on.ca Specialized Assistance or Funding • A Guide to Stewardship Planning for Natural Areas • Taking Stock: Preparing an Inventory of Your Woodlot Ducks Unlimited Canada ducks.ca Darrell Randell 1-888-402-4444 Ontario Nature 1-800-440-2366 ontarionature.org Wetland protection and creation • Birds on the Farm: A Stewardship Guide • Southern Ontario Woodlands: The Conservation Challenge Nature Conservancy of Canada natureconservancy.ca James Duncan 1-866-281-5331 Ontario Woodlot Association Land protection, conservation easements 1-888-791-1103 ont-woodlot-assoc.org Ontario Forestry Association Royal Ontario Museum rom.on.ca oforest.on.ca 1-800-387-0790 • Online factsheets on Species at Risk Ontario Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program Tallgrass Ontario tallgrassontario.org Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association 1-800-265-9751 519-674-1543 Tallgrass and savanna conservation ontariosoilcrop.org Canadian Wildlife Federation wildaboutgardening.org • Ontario Environmental Farm Plan Evergreen evergreen.ca 1-888-426-3138 • Wildlife Wise • Native Plant Database TD Friends of the Environment Foundation td.com/fef/ Land Owner Resource Centre 1-888-571-4636 or lrconline.com Funding for environmental projects • Management Options for Abandoned Farm Fields Thames Talbot Land Trust ttlt.org • Extension Notes (forestry, tree planting, agroforestry, wildlife, etc.) Don Gordon 519-858-3442 Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs omafra.gov.on.ca Land protection, conservation easements. • Best Management Practices: Buffer Strips Meet Your Neighbours • Best Management Practices: Fish and Wildlife Habitat Enhancement Elgin-Middlesex Woodlot Owners Association Ontario Society for Ecological Restoration serontario.org e-mail: [email protected] • Native Plant Resource Guide St. Thomas Field Naturalists naturallyelgin.org West Elgin Nature Club naturallyelgin.org Catfish Creek Signature Site Plaque

Carolinian Canada Coalition Collaborating for a Healthy Ecoregion Ask About Our Free Publications And Upcoming Events www.carolinian.org 519-433-7077 [email protected] Visit Our On-line Shop

• Species at Risk in Carolinian Canada & How to Help © Bonnie Bergsma • Big Picture Map • Carolinian Canada Signature Sites Guide The Carolinian Canada Coalition is dedicated to stewarding a healthy ecoregion in collaboration with a wide range of public and private stakeholders. CCC programs focus on research, awareness and effective action by connecting people who care for nature since 1984.

Many thanks to our generous sponsors and stakeholders who were involved in the development of this factsheet. Mark Emery, Elgin Stewardship Council Authors: Bill Thompson, Ministry of Natural Resources Bernie Solymár, EarthTramper Consulting Inc. Tony Difazio, Catfish Creek CA Michelle Kanter & Nikki May Jim Oliver, Long Point Region CA © Carolinian Canada Coalition 2007 Betsy Wilcox, Kettle Creek CA Phil Austin, Elgin-Middlesex Woodlot Owners Brent Clutterbuck, Elgin-Middlesex Woodlot Owners Association Margaret May, Elgin Soil and Crop Improvement Association Ron Gould, Ministry of Natural Resources Bill Prieksaitis, West Elgin Nature Club Caring for Nature in Lambton The Moon 519-586-8888 Over Graphic Design: paper; vegetable-based ink Annex Publishing 519-428-3471 - 100% post-consumer recycled Printing: