September 29, 2022
Nottawasaga 2 is a 10-acre addition to the previous 143.53 acres in our care located in Township of Essa, County of Simcoe. Nottawasaga has important forest and wetland habitats. This addition will connect the interior forest to the riparian and wetland areas next to Nottawasaga River, which is part of the Provincial Area of Natural Scientific Interest (ANSI) as well. See map below - the green boundary is the existing acreage and in red is the Nottawasaga 2 addition.
Significant features:
The mixed forest and treed swamp provide habitat for interior birds such as Bank Swallow and Wood Thrush, species which have been reported to Natural Heritage Information Center (NHIC). The Nottawasaga River also houses aquatic species and shoreline vegetation. These water features contribute to the provision of ecosystem services such as water purification and water quality. The northern wetland of the property, part of the Provincial ANSI also provides habitat conditions for reptiles such as Snapping turtle which has been observed downstream of Nottawasaga River.
The treed swamp habitat in the northern portion of the property has been identified as a Highly Vulnerable Significant Groundwater Recharge Area and a Highly Vulnerable Aquifer. Because the surrounding area is heavily urbanized and farmed, the preservation of the interior forests is critical for the area's water security.
