Public invited to review draft Collavino Conservation Area Management Plan and share feedback

ERCA is inviting community members to review the draft Collavino Conservation Area Management Plan and share their feedback through an online survey open from July 20 to August 21, 2026.

“Community input is an important part of planning for the long-term care of Collavino Conservation Area,” said Kevin Money, ERCA’s Director of Conservation Services. “We want to hear what people value about this special place, what questions or concerns they may have, and how we can balance conservation priorities with safe, welcoming and sustainable public use.”

Located at 1300 North Side Road in Amherstburg, the Collavino Conservation Area is a 150-acre wetland and natural heritage area donated by Mr. Loris Collavino and family to ensure its protection in perpetuity. The site opened to the public in May 2026 and is being managed to protect significant species-at-risk habitat while providing compatible opportunities for passive recreation, outdoor education and nature appreciation.

The draft Management Plan outlines objectives for restoring, managing, enhancing and protecting the site’s natural features, including important habitat for species at risk, while considering future visitor services, accessibility, interpretation, trails and other appropriate amenities.

Members of the public are encouraged to review the draft plan online and complete the short survey found at https://www.essexregionconservation.ca/collavinomanagement . Feedback will help inform site management, visitor services, conservation priorities, accessibility improvements and future programming.

ERCA will also host an on-site open house and guided walk at Collavino Conservation Area on Tuesday, August 11 at 6:30 p.m. Participants will have an opportunity to learn more about the site, view plan highlights and speak with staff. This guided tour is free to attend, but pre-registration is required on ERCA’s website at https://www.essexregionconservation.ca/event-details/collavino-conservation-area-guided-walk .

The Essex Region Conservation Authority was established in 1973 to further the conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources across the Essex Region watershed. ERCA manages conservation areas and greenway trails, supports watershed restoration and protection, and works with municipal, community and conservation partners to sustain the region’s natural heritage.