Wiarton, Ontario — The Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy is proud to announce the permanent protection of the Ottewell-Amabel Nature Preserve at Boat Lake, a 101-acre oasis of rich mixed forest west of Wiarton on the Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula. The acquisition was made possible by the exceptional generosity of Richard and Barb Ottewell, whose leadership-level contribution, combined with support from the Greenlands Conservation Partnership program and other donations, successfully brought this property into safekeeping as part of the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy’s Wild Future Campaign.
Located just west of Wiarton, the new nature preserve lies beside Boat Lake and forms a vital ecological connector between existing conservation lands, including tracts owned by the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy and the Grey-Sauble Conservation Authority. This linkage strengthens an expanding wildlife corridor extending toward the Rankin River Key Biodiversity Area, an internationally recognized hotspot for species richness and habitat value.
“This is what a Wild Future looks like,” said Beth Gilhespy, CEO of the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy. “Because of the Ottewells’ generosity and the support of the province and conservation donors, this forest will remain wild forever, unlike neighbouring land that is being extensively logged. Its preservation is an extraordinary legacy, one that will protect habitat for species like Wood Thrush, support climate resilience, and keep this landscape intact for future generations.”
“Securing over 100 acres of mixed forest and wetlands at Boat Lake is an incredible achievement for conservation,” said Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “We thank the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy and the Ottewell family for their generosity and leadership in making this possible. Through the Greenlands Conservation Partnership program, we’re ensuring this land remains protected and resilient for generations to come.”
A refuge for wildlife and a win for connectivity
The nature preserve is adjacent to an extensive logging operation, and so its preservation is vital. The preserve protects mature mixed forest, wetlands, and naturally regenerating habitat that support a range of species including Wood Thrush, listed as Threatened in Ontario, as well as deer, amphibians, songbirds, and countless forest-floor organisms that rely on undisturbed habitat.
Protecting this landscape ensures:
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Long-term wildlife habitat security for forest-dependent species
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Improved ecological connectivity, strengthening movement pathways
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Carbon storage via preservation of the trees, contributing to climate resilience
A gift that shapes the future
“We are deeply grateful to the Ottewells for their passion for conservation and their desire to protect natural spaces in perpetuity,” said Gilhespy. “Their gift doesn’t just preserve land, it inspires others to believe in a future where nature thrives.”
About the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy
The Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy is a registered Canadian charity dedicated to preserving Ontario’s most sensitive and vulnerable landscapes since 1997. To date, the organization has safeguarded over 10,117 hectares (25,000 acres) of natural habitats, providing critical refuge for numerous species at risk.
The Wild Future Campaign is the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy’s multi-year, multi-property conservation initiative aimed at rapidly protecting high-value natural lands across the Niagara Escarpment and Great Lakes region. The campaign envisions large-scale habitat networks, climate-resilient landscapes, and more opportunities for people to connect with nature. The creation of Wildhaven Nature Preserve represents another milestone toward that goal.
To learn more about the Wild Future Campaign, visit escarpment.ca/about/campaigns/wild-future-campaign.
Greenlands Conservation Partnership Program
The Greenlands Conservation Partnership program is the single largest provincial fund to secure private land in Ontario. This unique program, administered by the Ontario Land Trust Alliance, leverages non-governmental dollars to acquire, restore and manage privately owned natural areas such as wetlands, grasslands and forests. For every dollar of provincial funding provided, grant recipients match it with a minimum of $2 from other conservation partners, including individual donors, foundations and other levels of government. Since 2020, the Ontario government has invested $58 million into the program, which has helped to protect over 430,000 acres (174,310 hectares) of private land across the province – more than 2.75 times the size of Toronto.
About Ontario Land Trust Alliance
Ontario Land Trust Alliance (OLTA) focuses on providing community, knowledge sharing and support to land trusts across Ontario. It empowers and supports highly effective, well-governed land trusts that engage their communities to protect forests, wetlands, nature, and water sources and provide natural climate solutions. OLTA builds capacity through training and educational programs, connecting land trusts to each other, resources, and their communities, leading and supporting on-the-ground conservation work, sharing knowledge and best practices, reducing financial barriers to land conservation, promoting organizational excellence, providing access to current research and acting as a voice for land trusts among the public, governments, and other rightsholders.
Our impact is Ontario-wide through 56 connected charities and communities. OLTA’s local land trust members currently collectively own and steward over 2,000 natural areas and green spaces across Ontario, with the leadership of thousands of supporters and volunteers annually. To support your local land trust, visit: www.OLTA.ca.
Media Contact:
Beth Gilhespy
Chief Executive Officer
Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy
escarpment.ca
