The Town of Fort Erie purchases property for natural heritage preservation

FORT ERIE (April 20, 2023) – On Thursday, April 13, 2023, The Town of Fort Erie agreed to purchase 6.57 hectares of vacant land at 0 Prospect Point Road North, Fort Erie, Ontario.

The property is adjacent to Shagbark Nature Park and effectively expands preserved Town owned municipal nature areas by 6.57 hectares. The wooded property will be protected and maintained through an ongoing relationship and stewardship agreement between the Town of Fort Erie and Bert Miller Nature Club. In the future, Shagbark Trail will be thoughtfully integrated into this newly acquired land, providing residents with expanded enjoyment, health, wellness and educational opportunities.

Formed in 1995, The Bert Miller Nature Club is a charitable organization that focuses on preserving natural elements and wildlife habitats. Their enthusiasm for nature has led to multiple conservation projects, including Shagbark Nature Park. Shagbark Nature Park's design established several walking trails, a new parking lot, signage, trail-blazing, and several plantings to rehabilitate the property. The long-term vision is to preserve and maintain the existing maple/beech forest and rehabilitate surrounding lands to increase the extent and diversity of the woodlot.

"This is an excellent example of Town Council demonstrating its commitment to responsibly manage growth while preserving the natural heritage that Fort Erie is blessed with. Our ongoing partnership with The Bert Miller Nature Club will allow this large wooded area, full of important tree species, vegetation, and wildlife, to be seamlessly integrated into the ecosystem of Shagbark Nature Park. Our relationship with community organizations such as the Bert Miller Nature Club as stewards of the land is vital to provide residents with access to enjoy naturally significant lands throughout Fort Erie.”

 - Mayor Wayne Redekop

Visit Bert Miller Nature Club's website: https://bertmillernatureclub.org/