Save Estuary Land Society

The Save Estuary Land Society works with local government and stewardship groups in preparing guiding documents for the French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve including a 10 year Management Plan which was finalized in 2024. We organize and lead habitat restoration projects in the Nature Preserve for teams of volunteers who remove invasive plants on a weekly basis. Through grant applications funding is secured to conduct ongoing scientific research such as hydrological assessment of the pond and wetlands and a watering program of native trees and shrubs planted by volunteers. In collaboration with the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute species identification work resulted in the Nature Preserve being designated as one of Canada's Protected Areas by Environment Canada to protect its wildlife their habitat and to conserve and enhance biodiversity. Educational tours of the Nature Preserve to raise awareness about its biodiversity and ecological values is ongoing. Volunteers are working with a Herpetologist and RPBio on a study to identify amphibians and reptiles in the pond wetlands and forests of the Nature Preserve. Project plans are being finalized for habitat restoration of riparian areas at the pond which include bank resloping invasive plant removal and planting of native trees and plants to enhance biodiversity which is funded through a grant from the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation.