Thunder Bay woman named community champion for wetland protection

Susan Bryan, a volunteer nature reserve liaison with the Thunder Bay Field Naturalists, was named a community champion by Ontario Nature on World Wetlands Day for her long-standing work protecting local wetlands; the group protects more than 11,000 acres in the district.

Susan Bryan of Thunder Bay has been named a community champion by Ontario Nature. The announcement came on World Wetlands Day. Bryan serves as a volunteer nature reserve liaison with the Thunder Bay Field Naturalists. The group owns and protects more than 11,000 acres in the district and has focused on wetlands such as William Bog and areas on the Black Bay and Sleeping Giant peninsulas. Known details: - Susan Bryan was named a community champion by Ontario Nature and the announcement coincided with World Wetlands Day. - Bryan is a volunteer nature reserve liaison with the Thunder Bay Field Naturalists and has been involved in land protection work for many years. - The Thunder Bay Field Naturalists own and protect over 11,000 acres in the district, including parts of William Bog and other significant wetlands. - Ontario Nature states that about 25 per cent of Canada’s wetlands are located in Ontario. - Bryan described wetlands as important habitats for birds and other wildlife, and as features that help cool the environment and act like a reservoir during heavy rainfall. Summary: The recognition highlights sustained local efforts to conserve wetlands around Thunder Bay and draws attention to the ecological and climate-related roles those habitats provide. Details about any follow-up actions or new programs were not specified. Undetermined at this time.