South Ottawa wetlands donated to Nature Conservancy for long-term protection.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada will protect 91 hectares of the Marlborough Wetland in south Ottawa after the family of the late Doug Smith donated the land through the federal ecological gifts program; the conservancy plans an inventory and restoration work, and Ontario Nature has noted recent reductions in provincial wetland protections.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada has received a donation of 91 hectares at the Marlborough Wetland in the southern part of Ottawa and will hold the land for long-term conservation. The parcel was gifted through the federal ecological gifts program by the family of the late Doug Smith, who died last May. The conservancy plans to survey the property, check for invasive species and restore habitat where needed. The announcement coincides with World Wetlands Day and comes amid concerns from Ontario Nature about fewer provincially protected wetlands. Key facts: - The donation covers 91 hectares of the Marlborough Wetland in south Ottawa and is now held by the Nature Conservancy of Canada. - The land was gifted by the family of the late Doug Smith through the federal ecological gifts program; Smith died last May. - The conservancy intends to inventory the property, identify invasive species, and carry out restoration work. - A conservancy program director noted that wetlands can act like natural sponges and help reduce flooding in nearby communities. - Ontario Nature reported that close to 600 hectares lost provincially significant wetland status in 2024 and welcomed the new protected parcel. - According to the ecological gifts program, since 1995 there have been more than 2,000 ecological gifts valued at over $1.3 billion protecting more than 252,000 hectares nationwide. Summary: The donation adds a parcel of permanently protected wetland in Ottawa, preserving wildlife habitat and locally valued ecosystem services such as flood moderation. The Nature Conservancy of Canada will begin an inventory and restoration process on the property as part of its stewardship role, while the broader context includes recent reductions in some provincial wetland protections.