The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has announced the purchase of a vital wetland complex near Brandon. The not-for-profit, private land conservation charity has doubled the size of its Douglas Marsh protected area, located 38 kilometres east of Brandon, by adding 115 hectares (283 acres). It ensures that the largest wetland system in the Assiniboine Delta can continue to help nourish and protect its neighbours from spring melts and summer droughts.
Josh Dillabough, NCC’s natural area manager for Douglas Marsh says this significant conservation achievement is a result of the support that NCC receives from their donors, “The securement of this magnificent property is an example of what we can do together to make sure that we conserve this habitat for generations to come.”
Douglas Marsh is an expanse dotted with rushes, sedges and cattails, intercut by scattered areas of open water. Within the marsh lies an aquifer that flows through the land toward the Assiniboine River. The marsh and surrounding uplands provide important nature-based services to the community, such as water filtration and storage, drought mitigation and habitat for wildlife.
The Marsh not only receives water from surrounding lands, but it is also one of the few locations where the waters of the Assiniboine Delta aquifer occurs at the surface, and it plays a critical role in sustaining and protecting the water quality of the aquifer.
The protection of the area is a boon to biodiversity as well. Beyond its wetlands, Douglas Marsh boasts a stretch of upland native prairie, one of the most endangered terrestrial ecosystems on the planet.
Douglas Marsh has also been designated an Important Bird Area. It is home to Species at Risk Act (SARA)-listed species, including one of the largest congregations of yellow rail (special concern) in the prairie region. Yellow rail is a nocturnal, wetland bird that is rarely seen, but is known for its unusual “clicking” call that sounds like two pebbles being tapped together. Conserving the extensive habitat and specific hydrological conditions of the marsh is very important for the conservation of this species.
The Marsh also offers an opportunity for local ecotourism development. NCC, in partnership with the Central Assiniboine Watershed District, will establish a marsh and bird lookout area to help further enhance recreational and nature interpretation opportunities for locals and visitors alike.
This land conservation project was made possible by the generosity of the Central Assiniboine Watershed District, private donors and funding from the Government of Canada, through the Natural Heritage Conservation Program (NHCP), part of Canada’s Nature Fund.
