skip to main content

Funding support for Triebner Tract forest, wetland

Eco_Exeter_Triebner_Tract_2022_1000_px_1.jpg
Eco Exeter students plant 500 plants and shrubs at Triebner Tract.

 

Funding support enables Ausable Bayfield Conservation to plant trees, enhance wetlands at Triebner Tract at Hay Swamp northwest of Exeter
First phase of Triebner Tract Forest and Wetland Restoration Project is underway to improve forest, wetland conditions in local watershed 

Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) staff have planted 8,000 trees and have begun enhancing the wetlands at Triebner Tract, located west of Highway 4, northwest of Exeter (between Hensall and Exeter).

Triebner Tract is conservation land owned by ABCA for protection of water, soil, habitat, and passive recreation. The restoration project has a first phase in 2022 and a second phase in 2023. The project includes tree planting in 2022 and 2023 and construction of wetlands on the remaining agricultural lands of the property. The ABCA will retire close to 30 acres of marginal farm land and convert it to natural uses to improve forest and wetland conditions in the area.

“Through the partnership of dedicated groups, and the generosity of the former owner, the late Stuart Alexander Triebner and family, we were able to acquire this land, known as the Triebner Tract, in 2009,” said Nathan Schoelier, ABCA Stewardship and Lands Manager. “Now, it is also exciting to see partners come together, to build upon that legacy, and further protect this ecologically significant area,” he said. “I would like to thank the funding partners who are making this project possible to the benefit of water, soil, and habitat for all living things.”

Trees and wetlands offer many benefits to human and ecosystem health, natural infrastructure, and water quality. Forest and wetland cover is limited in areas throughout the watershed. The Triebner Tract project will contribute towards both forest and wetland cover, providing local and downstream water quality benefits.

To learn more about forest and wetland cover across Ausable Bayfield watersheds, Watershed Report Cards are available at:

The Triebner Tract restoration project complements tree planting, wetland restoration, and other projects that private landowners complete each year, working to improve the overall health of the watershed. If you are interested in completing projects on your own property, Ausable Bayfield staff are happy to assist with project implementation and applying for funding support.

The Triebner Tract Forest and Wetland Restoration Project will also increase local recreation opportunities. Conservation lands, owned by ABCA, are open to passive public recreation, including hiking, snowshoeing and birdwatching. Hunting is also permitted at some properties through a permitting system. 

Part of Triebner Tract is located in the Hay Swamp Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW). The Triebner Tract Forest and Wetland Restoration Project in 2022 is beside the PSW. Triebner Tract is located in the former Hay Township in the Municipality of Bluewater.

This project was undertaken with the financial support of the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund, a Government of Canada’s Department of Environment and Climate Change program in partnership with Conservation Ontario.

This project has received funding support from the Government of Ontario.

The tree planting at Triebner Tract is also possible thanks to funding support from Tree Canada and thanks to contributions from Eco Exeter and Huron County Clean Water Project and a memorial donation, in memory of Terry Blok, to Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation. 

The wetland enhancement at Triebner Tract is also thanks to support from Ducks Unlimited Canada. Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation is also a contributor to the forest and wetland project.

PHOTO: Eco Exeter students, from South Huron District High School, planted 500 plants and shrubs around some newly constructed wetlands at Triebner Tract in November as part of the first phase of the Triebner Tract Forest and Wetland Restoration Project.
             
This project was undertaken with the financial support of the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund, a Government of Canada’s Department of Environment and Climate Change program in partnership with Conservation Ontario.

This project has received funding support from the Government of Ontario.

Share this article >