County of Brant contributes natural areas to national conservation target

Paris Councillor John Bell (left) and MP of Flamborough-Glanbrook-Brant North Dan Muys join volunteers at Rising Park in Glen Morris on April 18, where more than 1,000 trees were planted during an Earth Week event that drew strong community support.

Paris Independent Staff

The County of Brant has partnered with Ontario Nature to support Canada’s goal of protecting 30 per cent of lands and waters by 2030, contributing more than 195 hectares of natural areas to the national effort.

The initiative, commonly known as the “30x30” target, is supported through the Municipal Protected Areas Program and aims to conserve biodiversity across the country.

The partnership involved an extensive evaluation of County-owned properties designated as natural heritage areas.  The assessment confirmed the lands meet national standards for Protected and Conserved Areas, reinforcing the municipality’s role in environmental stewardship.

Notable sites contributing to the target include Barker’s Bush and Jacob’s Woods Park. These areas include woodlands, wetlands, rivers and valleys, and are home to several species at risk, including the Monarch butterfly, Barn Swallow and Midland Painted Turtle.

Officials say protecting these lands aligns with the County’s Climate Action Plan, contributing to clean air, water filtration, climate adaptation and greenhouse gas reduction, while also offering recreational opportunities.

The County said the work represents a step toward halting and reversing biodiversity loss locally and will continue in collaboration with community members and partners. As part of that effort, residents and county officials gathered for an Earth Week tree planting event last Saturday at Rising Park in Glen Morris, where 1,000 trees  were planted.