Fort Erie buys 160 acres of land to extend town’s natural habitat
Published April 21, 2023 at 1:35 pm
Fort Erie is buying up 160 aces (64.5 hectares) of vacant land situated between Nigh Rd. and Prospect Point Rd. North to add to their municipally-owned nature areas.
In a deal struck last week, the wooded property will be protected and maintained through an ongoing stewardship agreement between Fort Erie and Bert Miller Nature Club.
In the future, Shagbark Trail will be integrated into this newly acquired land, “providing residents with expanded enjoyment, health, wellness and educational opportunities.”
Mayor Wayne Redekop said after the agreement, “This is an excellent example of Town Council demonstrating its commitment to responsibly manage growth while preserving the natural heritage that Fort Erie is blessed with.”
“Our ongoing partnership with The Bert Miller Nature Club will allow this large wooded area, full of important tree species, vegetation, and wildlife, to be seamlessly integrated into the ecosystem of Shagbark Nature Park. Our relationship with community organizations such as the Bert Miller Nature Club as stewards of the land is vital to provide residents with access to enjoy naturally significant lands throughout Fort Erie.”
Formed in 1995, The Bert Miller Nature Club is a charitable organization that focuses on preserving natural elements and wildlife habitats. Their enthusiasm for nature has led to multiple conservation projects, including Shagbark Nature Park. Shagbark Nature Park’s design established several walking trails, a new parking lot, signage, trail-blazing, and several plantings to rehabilitate the property.
Videos
The long-term vision of the club is to preserve and maintain the existing maple/beech forest and rehabilitate surrounding lands to increase the extent and diversity of the woodlot.