Comber – Today, the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) held a special recognition ceremony today to applaud recent donations to the Big O Conservation Area. This property is located just south of Comber on Hwy.77, in the Town of Lakeshore.
Attending the event this morning were Lakeshore’s Mayor Tom Bain, Deputy Mayor Tracey Bailey, and Councilor and LTVCA Chair Linda McKinlay. Land donor Pat Lavin, Evolugen representative Ann Marie Reid, Blains Trucking representative Amanda Blain, LTVCA CAO Mark Peacock and LTVCA Manager of Conservation Lands and Services Randall VanWagner were also present.
Area realtor and resident Pat Lavin’s donation of 1 hectare (2.5 acres) of farm land next to the Big O Conservation Area provides an improved parking lot, a natural restoration site to a tall grass prairie oak savanna, and an extended trail system. Blain Trucking of Tilbury is thanked for the parking area upgrades. Evolugen of Comber, and workers supported through an Ontario Job Creation Program with the LTVCA, are responsible for the new interpretive trail signage, along with a viewing platform at the wetland. “We have enhanced the Big O Conservation Area over the last five years, and this will be the icing on the cake. I am really grateful to Mr. Lavin and all the other sponsors for their generous contributions to this unique property” remarks Randall Van Wagner.
Big O Conservation Area’s unique 5.5 hectare swamp woodland habitat is well known as a haven for birds, including many species of warblers. The high water table creates an abundance of insects for avian species to feed on during their spring migration north. The variety of natural environments and numerous trails also invite visitors to enjoy this area which remains open to the public year-round from sunrise to sunset. Big O is one of the LTVCA’s 18 public conservation areas, managed within the lower Thames River watershed and region. “These areas provide recreational opportunities for area residents and tourists, while supplying ecological benefits to the watershed from the presence of wetlands, forests and tall grass prairie ecosystems.” states Mark Peacock.
-30-
For further information please contact
Randall Van Wagner – LTVCA Manager Conservation Lands and Services