Wetlands are integral ecosystems, providing critical habitat and resources for both terrestrial and aquatic animals. But did you know they also help fight climate change? Not only do wetlands store carbon, preventing it from being released into the atmosphere, but they also help mitigate the effects of climate change by preventing floods and relieving droughts. Sadly, these important ecosystems are disappearing, and we need your help to conserve and restore them.
How we're helping
Earth Rangers is working with the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) on a project that will help restore the Lathrop Nature Preserve, a 100-year-old wetland in Ontario’s Niagara Region. The Preserve is home to a diverse plant and animal community, but over time many of its features have deteriorated, putting this important habitat in jeopardy. By restoring two of the property’s ponds and replanting the area with native vegetation, NCC is helping make sure the Lathrop Nature Preserve will support animals like these for years to come.
Midland Painted Turtle
The Midland painted turtle is one of three subspecies of painted turtles found in Canada. Named for their distinctive colourful shell covered with red and orange markings, these turtles can live up to 30-40 years in the wild. Unfortunately the wetland habitat they rely on is disappearing, giving them fewer safe spaces to call home.
Great Horned Owl
Great horned owls are found throughout North America. They make their homes in a variety of different ecosystems but like to live on the edge of open habitat, like wetlands, meadows, and croplands, where their amazing eyesight and keen sense of hearing helps them spot their prey as they hunt silently from above. Sadly their populations have been declining, and the open spaces they rely on are disappearing.
