Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy and Ducks Unlimited Canada Expand Landmark Wetland Protection Near Owen Sound with New Benallen Nature Preserve Lands

Press Release

May 25, 2026

OWEN SOUND, ONTARIO —— The Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy and Ducks Unlimited Canada are proud to announce the protection of an additional 365 acres (147.68 hectares) of sensitive wetland and forest near the community of Benallen, completing the 600-acre (241.98 hectare) Benallen Nature Preserve. The creation of the Benallen Nature Preserve is a signature achievement in the organization’s Living Landscape Campaign and a major milestone for landscape-level conservation in Grey County, ensuring the long-term protection of one of the region’s most ecologically rich and climate-resilient natural areas.

Located just north of Owen Sound, the Benallen Nature Preserve encompasses three contiguous parcels of intact wetlands and forests, forming a thriving natural corridor that supports both biodiversity and community well-being. Bordering a popular multi-use rail trail, the preserve will provide opportunities for hikers, naturalists and families to experience wellness and connection to nature among thriving wetlands and towering pines.

The Benallen complex is part of the Shouldice Provincially Significant Wetland and lies within a Natural Heritage System Core Area. It connects to other protected lands such as Grey Sauble Conservation Authority’s Keppel Forest and The Glen Management Area, creating an extensive network of protected habitats that sustain wildlife movement across the landscape. Within its diverse terrain, from swamp wetlands and rocky outcrops to beaver ponds and streams, stand ancient Eastern white pines, one measuring nearly two metres in diameter.

This mosaic of habitats provides refuge for species at risk, including wood thrush, eastern meadowlark, golden-winged warbler, Canada warbler and eastern wood-pewee. The wetlands also support herons, sandhill cranes, waterfowl, amphibians, reptiles, deer and black bears, contributing to the area’s exceptional ecological value. Protecting Benallen safeguards these species while supporting clean water, flood mitigation and climate resilience for future generations.

“Completing the Benallen Nature Preserve is a remarkable achievement for conservation in southern Ontario,” said Beth Gilhespy, CEO of the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy. “This landscape captures everything we stand for: wetlands, forests and wildlife thriving together. Thanks to our partners and donors, this 600-acre (241.98 hectares) preserve will now be protected forever.”

Ducks Unlimited Canada echoed the sentiment. “The Benallen Nature Preserve highlights how collaboration can lead to lasting conservation success,” said Marie-Paule Godin, DUC’s manager of provincial operations for Ontario. “The project will support wildlife, improve water quality and contribute to climate goals for years to come.”

The first 233-acre (94.3 hectare) western parcel was secured in 2024 through the partnership between the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy and Ducks Unlimited Canada. With this latest acquisition, the entire 600-acre area is now permanently protected. It is a lasting legacy for biodiversity, clean water and community connection to nature.

“Completing the Benallen Nature Preserve which secures 600 acres of wetlands and forests near Owen Sound, is a milestone for conservation in southern Ontario,” said Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “With support from the Greenlands Conservation Partnership program, I thank the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy and its partners for protecting this area so families and visitors can enjoy the outdoors for generations.”

The creation of Benallen Nature Preserve by the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy and Ducks Unlimited Canada was made possible through the dedication of a committed community of supporters. The project also received vital backing of several key funding partners, including Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund, the Government of Ontario’s Greenlands Conservation Partnership program administered by the Ontario Land Trust Alliance, the Government of Canada’s Natural Heritage Conservation Program through the Land Trust Conservation Fund administered by Wildlife Habitat Canada, the Ontario Conservation Accelerator Program, the Greenbelt Foundation, Bruce Power and Microsoft.

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Ducks Unlimited Canada is the country’s largest land conservancy and a leader in wetland conservation. A registered charity, DUC uses sound science and partners with government, industry, non-profit organizations, Indigenous Peoples and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environment. To learn more about DUC’s innovative environmental solutions and services, visit www.ducks.ca.

Media Contact:
Claire Foran
Communications Specialist
Ducks Unlimited Canada
c_foran@ducks.ca

The Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy is a registered Canadian charity dedicated to preserving Ontario’s most sensitive and vulnerable landscapes since 1997. To date, the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy has safeguarded over 10,000 hectares (25,000 acres) of natural habitats, providing critical refuge for numerous species at risk.

The Living Landscapes 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 the Benallen Nature Preserve represents another milestone toward that goal.

To learn more about EBC’s Living Landscapes Campaign, visit https://escarpment.ca/about/campaigns/living-landscapes-campaign

Media Contact:
Beth Gilhespy
Chief Executive Officer
Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy
beth@escarpment.ca
escarpment.ca

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