Habitat Restoration Underway in Ojibway Conservation Lands

Windsor – Habitat restoration work to remove invasive multiflora rose, glossy buckthorn, autumn olive shrubs and other woody, successional species to preserve and enhance the rare prairie habitat is taking place within 106 acres of conservation lands transferred to the Essex Region Conservation Authority from the Ministry of Transportation in 2025.

“As part of the ongoing restoration to this area, we will continue our work to remove the invading shrubs and other invasive species,” explains Kevin Money, Director of Conservation Services for the Essex Region Conservation Authority.  “Invasive and woody successional species can negatively impact the many provincially rare flora and fauna, including several critically imperiled species at risk.”

The 106 acres of high-quality habitat were created and prairie remnants were conserved as part of the Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway project, included within the significant restoration activities required. These lands include a created wetland and allowed endangered species to be transplanted during the parkway construction. They consist primarily of tallgrass prairie habitat, which is one of the most endangered ecosystems in Canada. Less than 3% of the tallgrass prairie that was historically found in Southern Ontario remains.

The land parcel is located within the proposed Ojibway National Urban Park. It was transferred to ERCA in January 2025 to ensure its ongoing protection and stewardship. Restoration work like this is critical to protect the rare prairie and oak savanna habitat, and the species-at-risk found at the site, which include Butler’s Gartersnake, Eastern Foxsnake, Dense Blazing Star, Colicroot,  and more. Ongoing maintenance will include invasive species management and prescribed burns as part of its management strategy.

This work is expected to take place over the next twelve weeks, with a target of achieving the removal of the majority of woody successional species and invasive shrubs to allow the prairie and savanna habitats to continue thriving. “Restoration will focus on creating more open habitat and movement corridors,” Money goes on to say. “This is the optimal time to be doing this type of work while the snakes are hibernating for the winter and there's no interference with nesting birds.”   

The Essex Region Conservation Authority is a public sector organization established by the Province of Ontario and governed by local municipalities. Since 1973, it has delivered local programs and services that further the conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources in watersheds in the Windsor-Essex County-Pelee Island region.