By Dan Jones, Northumberland 897 News and Local Journalism Initiative

The Northumberland Land Trust is raising money to purchase a large wetland near Brighton. The Land Trust is fundraising $190,000 by January to buy the Biddy Creek Property, a 300 acre parcel, just south of Highway 401. Doug McRae, a Board Member with the Northumberland Land Trust said the Biddy Creek Property is unique as it is a large untouched wetland.

“In this particular property, the wetland is almost entirely enclosed within the boundaries of it. It essentially functions like an enclosed ecosystem in its own right,” said McRae. “The bulk of the property is a giant bog. This giant open wetland has trees rise up on the sides, starting small and getting bigger as it gets dryer.”

The Northumberland Trust is in a unique position as it is partnering with Ducks Unlimited to purchase the Biddy Creek Wetland from the County, as this will be their first land purchase. McRae explained the Land Trust acquires its properties through donations from area land owners. He said some of the money from the fundraising efforts will go to detailed biological studies of what is contained in the wetland.

The Biddy Creek Wetland borders the south side of Highway 401, north of Little Lake Road. The property comprises two parcels of land that have limited accessibility. A regionally important wetland makes up 60-70 percent of the property while significant mixed woodlands comprising Black Cherry, Oak, Birch, Maple, Cedar, and White Pine make up a portion of the east most parcel.

“The Biddy Creek Wetland is a very large undisturbed piece of property,” McRae said. “Thankfully there’s very little management required there. We’re not going to put in trails, we’re not going  out in any recreational amenities. Its just going to be and remain a wild property.”

Surveys, severences and biological work will need to be undertaken. McRae said management of invasive species such as wild grasses located near Highway 401.

"Biddy Creek is an ecologically significant property, combining diverse woodland habitats with 130 acres of regionally significant wetland," said Marie-Paule Godin, Ducks Unlimited Canada’s Manager of Provincial Operations for Ontario. "This acquisition will protect critical habitats for species at risk and create a lasting natural area that provides flood protection and water filtration for the community. We are grateful to partner with the Northumberland Land Trust to conserve this important ecosystem."

Those interested in donating to the purchase of the property or learning more about the Biddy Creek Wetland can visit the Northumberland Land Trust website.