Over the past few years, research into some migratory bird habitats has been helping to guide the securement goals at Georgian Bay Land Trust. This work is especially unique because GBLT is conducting it independently, while similar ecological studies are usually carried out by universities or research centers. Conducting their own research has allowed GBLT to target specific conservation questions relevant to their nearly 10,000 acres of protected lands, and puts them in an excellent position to take action on the issues they’re researching.
Eastern Whip-poor-wills and Prairie Warblers
Two of GBLT’s first projects were to study the habitats of Eastern whip-poor-wills, a Species At Risk, and prairie warblers. Aaron Rusak, GBLT’s Conservation Director, has become one of a handful of people certified to band Eastern whip-poor-wills in Ontario. Through this project, GBLT has found some unexpected data – for example, Eastern whip-poor-wills were frequently found roosting in winterberry Holly and mountain Holly swamp thickets, provincially significant swamp thickets in Georgian Bay. This year, getting a better understanding of exactly how these birds use their wetland habitats is crucial; Aaron theorizes that they may be a flight-feather molting ground.
GBLT’s work allows them to identify concerns and work to protect habitats, like that of prairie warblers – before the birds’ population ever drops to the level of Species at Risk. Last year, GBLT learned more about prairie warblers’ secondary, post-breeding, habitats. Aaron commented, “If we didn’t know that, then potentially we could lose the species even if their breeding habitat remains intact.” This situation highlights the need for an in-depth understanding of how species live within the regions where land trusts work – and for GBLT, doing their own research is a key way of ensuring they get this essential information.
Aaron highlighted that this work can also lead directly to land securement. By identifying the habitats that prairie warblers or other species need, GBLT can respond by seeking to protect that type of land.
Making it Happen
The Species At Risk Action Fund, administered by OLTA, has been a key source of funding for GBLT’s research. At the same time, research is something that GBLT has prioritized, shifting core funds that might be used in other ways towards research, because it is so impactful to their work. They also use Canada Summer Jobs grants to hire students who help conduct the research. For them, it’s a great experience with lots of leadership potential – “my students – once they’re trained up – they’re given the reins,” says Aaron.
Looking to summer 2025 and beyond, Aaron is excited about GBLT’s research goals, which he describes as “pretty lofty”.
Wetland Succession Project, and Beyond
Apart from continuing their studies of migratory birds, another area of focus will be a wetland succession project, looking at inland and coastal wetlands to understand how they are changing in response to Georgian Bay’s cyclical water fluctuations.
As he talks about the research taking place on, and through, Georgian Bay Land Trust, Aaron emphasizes the power he sees in taking on their own research – allowing them not only to ask the questions that are most relevant to them but then to move quickly from data to action, in ways that effectively preserve sensitive habitats and the species that rely on them.
To find out more about GBLT’s work, please visit www.gblt.org. To find out more about the Species At Risk Action Fund, please visit our Grants page.
