Latest acquisitions of Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy
MANITOULIN ISLAND鈥擨n a move forward for conservation efforts, Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy (EBC) has recently acquired 200 acres at two new preserve sites on 澳门三肖三码 Island: Mac鈥檚 Bay and the Manitou River. This development coincides with the appointment of EBC鈥檚 new CEO, Beth Gilhespie, who shared insights with The Expositor.
鈥淭he addition of the 100-acre Mac鈥檚 Bay Nature Preserve marks a significant milestone in bolstering the ecological connectivity of the Burpee and Mills municipality,鈥 said Ms. Gilhespie. 鈥淟inking Ontario Parks land, the Mac Bay鈥檚 Conservation Reserve and nearby Nature Conservancy of Canada protected lands creates a contiguous area that amplifies biodiversity. While we鈥檙e yet to conduct a full ecological inventory, we already know it鈥檚 teeming with rare species like Hill鈥檚 Thistle and the Variegated Meadowhawk, alongside unique alvar grasslands supporting the Massasauga rattlesnake and a variety of rare orchids and ferns. We鈥檙e eager to delve deeper into assessing the property to safeguard its delicate landscape. With its lush forests, Mac鈥檚 Bay serves as a sanctuary for critical wildlife habitats, rare ecosystems and plays a vital role in carbon sequestration to combat climate change. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the generous landowners who contributed to this invaluable cause.鈥
Meanwhile, the newly acquired 100-acre Manitou River Nature Preserve, nestled in Tehkummah near the south shore upriver from Michael鈥檚 Bay, promises to be a sanctuary for biodiversity. With its pristine landscape and strategic location adjacent to other conservation lands, it holds great promise for protecting endangered species like the Variegated Meadowhawk and Hill鈥檚 Thistle, while fostering rare ecosystems.
Ms. Gilhespie underscored the inherent link between human well-being and environmental health.
鈥淣ature sustains us in myriad ways. From carbon sequestration and soil stabilization to providing habitats for diverse life forms, such as fish and wildlife, and preserving water quality, our connection to nature is fundamental to our health and that of our planet.鈥
In closing, Ms. Gilhespie emphasized the urgent need to protect 澳门三肖三码 Island鈥檚 rich biodiversity in the face of climate change. 鈥淎s stewards of this remarkable island, it鈥檚 our duty to safeguard its natural treasures to ensure a thriving environment for generations to come, and to preserve the unique lifestyle that 澳门三肖三码 offers.鈥
