A local environmental group continues to work on enhancing a wetland area in the community of Wallaceburg.
The Sydenham Field Naturalists recently completed the construction of a viewing platform at Peers Wetland.
“This will be an accessible area where anyone will be able to view birds and wildlife in the wetland,” said Dave Smith, president of the group.
“There are benches for people to sit and enjoy the peaceful view. The deck will also be the perfect spot for children to use a dip net and explore the wonderful creatures that call this wetland their home.”
Smith said the construction was done by a few members of the Sydenham Field Naturalists, including: Larry Cornelis, Taylor Jones, Wayne Shephard and Tom Chatteron, along with volunteers from Union Gas.
Funding for this project came from memorial donations and Union Gas Helping Hands .
“In the near future a walkway and an earthen ramp will be constructed to make the deck accessible to everyone,” Smith said.
“This Property is owned by the St. Clair Regional Conservation Authority and stewarded by the Sydenham Field Naturalists. We invite everyone to walk the trail around the wetland and sit and enjoy the view from the sitting benches on the viewing deck.”
The Peers Wetland is the only sizeable wetland – around 11 hectares – that remains along the lower reaches of Otter Creek.
Since the property was acquired in 2013, a berm that holds in the water was repaired and a pump installed to augment flows into the wetland in times of drought. Trees and tallgrass prairie have been planted to improve the habitat diversity of the site.
Peers Wetland falls within the St. Clair River Area of Concern, which prompted support from Environment Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
– Photo credit: Herman Geithorn
