In Ontario, Nature Force—an action-oriented climate resilience initiative funded by a coalition of Canadian property and casualty insurance companies in partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada—has been focusing on wetland restoration and enhancement across the Washington Creek Watershed in Oxford County.
Located 1.5 hours west of Toronto, Washington Creek, a 19.5 square kilometre coldwater stream system within the Grand River watershed, is home to native brook trout and plays a critical role in the health of the surrounding ecosystem. Since 80 per cent of this area’s land is used for agriculture production, the five wetland projects implemented in Washington Creek were designed and constructed specifically for the purpose of flood attenuation.
These wetlands represent almost six restored acres (2.4 hectares) that will also work to improve water quality and provide wildlife habitat. Ducks Unlimited Canada’s research institute will be analyzing stream monitoring data collected monthly in the Washington Creek watershed. This data will help to demonstrate the significant impacts of using small wetlands as natural infrastructure for flood attenuation on a much broader scale.
“Nature Force is a unique collaboration between Canada’s insurance industry and Ducks Unlimited Canada to create innovative solutions for resilient communities to protect Canadians. Natural infrastructure like wetlands, help reduce flooding, and with the support from the Nature Force initiative, we’re harnessing the power of nature to protect communities and conserve ecosystems,” said Nick Krete, conservation program specialist, Ducks Unlimited Canada.
Working with local landowners
A crucial part of this project was finding landowners who were open to partnering on these restorations. Since much of the Washington Creek watershed is made up of rural private property, the team worked closely with local landowners. They were fortunate to find several landowners who were eager to participate – including neighbours Dennis Willms and Randy Gofton. The wetland restoration projects on their properties focused on areas identified as idle land. These are areas unsuitable for crops but ideal for creating thriving wetlands, that contribute to climate resiliency and provide essential wildlife habitat.
Conservation in action
This past fall more than 50 dedicated Nature Force partners stepped away from their desks to participate in a meaningful tree-planting event at two of the Washington Creek restorations. Hosted by Ducks Unlimited Canada in partnership with the Grand River Conservation Authority, Nature Force, and local landowners, this gathering celebrated the successful completion of the five wetland restoration projects across the region and planted the seeds for increased biodiversity in the area.
Over two sunny autumn days, volunteers from partnering insurance companies Travelers, AJG, Brandt County and Definity joined in the field to see firsthand the wetlands their companies helped restore through Nature Force. They also rolled up their sleeves to plant 300 nursery stock trees throughout the wetland areas. These trees will play a key role in the ecosystem, contributing both to the landscape’s beauty and its biodiversity.
“Definity is proud to be a member of Nature Force. Opportunities like this allow our employees to experience firsthand how wetlands absorb water, reduce flood risks, and provide numerous other benefits,” said Lauren North, specialist of community investment and social impact, Definity.
