Conservation Projects and Programs
In addition to acquiring land for conservation, the Central Algoma Land Trust undertakes projects and programs in the Central Algoma region that support nature and the environment.
Sault Ste. Marie and Garden River Priority Area for Ecological Corridors
Parks Canada chose the Sault Ste. Marie and Garden River area as a National Priority Area for Ecological Corridors as the lands around the city are essential to landscape connectivity within the Great Lakes Basin. It is a key location for wildlife to move north-south around the east end of Lake Superior and the west end of Lake Huron, making it a critical point for terrestrial wildlife movement. The Central Algoma Land Trust is working with a number of other like-minded organizations and individuals to map and establish ecological corridors in the area.
Stay tuned for more details.
Bat Monitoring and Education Program
The Bat Monitoring and Education Program helps track local bat populations using specialized acoustic recording devices placed throughout the Central Algoma region. Volunteers and staff collect data that is analyzed to better understand bat activity and species presence. This information contributes to long-term conservation efforts and supports national bat monitoring initiatives.
Water Quality Monitoring Program
The Water Quality Monitoring program engages volunteers in regular testing of lakes and streams to assess ecosystem health and safety for recreational use. Participants gather water samples to analyze parameters like clarity, nutrients, and contaminants. The data helps identify trends, inform conservation efforts, and guide land and water management decisions. It’s a hands-on way for community members to contribute to protecting and improving local water bodies.
Bluebird Box Trail
The Eastern Bluebird Trail is a partnership with Algoma University to support cavity-nesting birds in the Desbarats area. Fifty nest boxes were installed on nature preserves and private properties and are monitored throughout the breeding season. Eastern Bluebirds, Tree Swallows, Northern House Wrens, and Black-capped Chickadees have all successfully used the boxes. Volunteers are needed each year to help monitor and maintain the trail.
Trail Camera Project
Installing trail cameras is an invaluable way to document wildlife in our protected areas, capturing animals that are often elusive or active at times when people aren’t around. These cameras help us learn about species presence, behavior, and habitat use, providing data that is essential for conservation planning. Each year, we rely on dedicated volunteers to help set up, check, and maintain the cameras, as well as to assist with organizing and reviewing the photos.
Desbarats Christmas Bird Count
The Desbarats Christmas Bird Count is a single-day event held each year in late December as part of North America's longest-running citizen science initiative. Participants record every bird seen within a 12 km radius, either as field observers or by watching feeders at home. The data collected helps scientists monitor bird populations and distribution across the continent. This annual count is a fun and meaningful way for community members to contribute to bird conservation.
Salamander Board Project
At the Gravel Point Preserve, we use a series of twenty wooden “salamander boards” placed directly on the forest floor to create cool, moist microhabitats that amphibians like to shelter under. By lifting and inspecting these boards throughout the season, we can document which salamander species are present and how their populations may be changing over time. Volunteers are needed each year to help monitor the boards, record sightings, and assist with basic maintenance.
Geothermal at the Conservation Centre
Thanks to a successful grant application to the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Capital Grants Program in fall 2018, a geothermal heating and cooling system was installed at the Central Algoma Land Trust Conservation Centre. The system has reduced environmental impacts and lowered operational costs at the Conservation Centre. Work began in April 2019 and was completed later that summer.
Adopt-a-Highway
Ontario’s Adopt-a-Highway program allows businesses, organizations, and individuals adopt a section of a provincial highway to help keep our highways clean. We have adopted a three kilometre stretch of Highway 17 between Smith Road and Kensington Road, which is just east of Desbarats. Twice a year, volunteers assist us with picking up litter from along the edge of the highway.
WI Park Restoration
The Central Algoma Land Trust partnered with the Township of Tarbutt to restore Women’s Institute Park, located at the south end of MacLennan Road. This included planting native plants and installing signage about local flora and fauna.
Stobie Creek Rehabilitation Project
The primary goals of the project are to rehabilitate Stobie Creek in order to control sediment, stabilize stream banks, and reduce land loss along the creek caused by erosion. Secondary benefits of achieving these goals include improved water quality and aesthetics, as well as enhanced fish and wildlife habitat. Results to date have included the installation of fencing along the creek to keep cattle out as well as the planting of many trees and shrubs in the riparian zones.
Desbarats Species at Risk Bird Inventory, Education, and Outreach Project
During the summer of 2018, we provided education and outreach on the importance of grassland species at risk birds and how to best protect these species to Desbarats area farmers and other landowners. Data was also collected on the abundance of these species in the area, thier breeding success, and how they interact with their habitats.
