From the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority:

In collaboration with Ontario Nature, the UTRCA is proud to announce the contribution of 855.76 hectares of natural areas and provincially significant swamp land towards Canada’s Protected and Conserved Areas target, also known as the 30×30 target.

Due to accelerating biodiversity loss, the 30×30 target is a commitment to halt and reverse this trend by conserving 30% of all lands and waters by 2030, helping ensure connected, resilient, and equitably managed landscapes where wildlife can thrive. Collaboration between municipalities, conservation authorities, and local community groups is critical to achieving these goals at the local level.

You may recognize some UTRCA properties that contribute to the target, including W.L Dickson Arboretum, Cade Tract, Dorchester Conservation Area and Mill Pond, Embro Conservation Area, Harrington Conservation Area, and Shakespeare Conservation Area. These sites were evaluated against national standards for protected and conserved areas, meaning they receive long-term protection and are stewarded in ways that support biodiversity.

Beyond conservation, these areas offer meaningful opportunities to connect with nature while also providing important flood mitigation and source water protection.

For more information, visit our website.