DeCloet donates $100,000 to preserve forest diversity

Paul DeCloet, original owner of The DeCloet Forest, stands next to a family of trees grown from a former harvested tree. (Alex Hunt Photo)

Alex Hunt, Post Contributor

Paul DeCloet was formally recognized with a token of appreciation from Norfolk County at a Nov. 19 council meeting after donating a $100,000 endowment to preserve and maintain The DeCloet Forest in Clear Creek Valley.

The donation was marked as a significant contribution to Norfolk County’s environmental heritage.

Mayor Amy Martin said, “Paul your dedication to our land and longstanding advocacy for agriculture serves as an inspiration to all of us.”

Adam Biddle, Norfolk County Forestry Supervisor said that the endowment will ensure the ongoing maintenance in securing the preservation of the forest’s rich diversity while providing the public with a fulfilling natural experience.

DeCloet lived the life of a tobacco farmer west of the forest and owned the land for over 40 years before donating it, along with another forest property, through the Government of Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program in 2021.

Titled in Norfolk County’s Official plan as a ‘Signature Natural Site,’ the 124-acre Carolinian forest thrives with biodiversity - 26 different tree species such as, sassafras, tulip and oak trees along with a variety of wildlife. The funds will be used to enhance the forest’s features by adding benches, signage, trail maintenance, forest inventory and other park accessories.

Throughout his time as the landowner, DeCloet operated various tree harvesting projects through the years, while also ensuring the forest kept its diversity.

“We are deeply grateful to Mr. DeCloet for his extraordinary generosity,” said Mayor Martin.

“His donation of the Paul DeCloet Forest and the establishment of this endowment demonstrate his profound dedication to preserving Norfolk County’s natural beauty. This thoughtful contribution ensures the forest will remain a vital and cherished part of our community for generations to come.”

DeCloet immigrated to the county from Belgium with his family 71 years ago and expressed his gratitude with how the Norfolk communities have treated his family before moving to Tillsonburg later in his life.

"The county was good to my family, they gave us an opportunity to prosper and raise a family. Norfolk County itself is incredible in diversity and possesses a lot of natural aspects,” said DeCloet. “We've got organizations that operate with the main goal of long-term protection.

“When I moved to Tillsonburg, I left my heart in Norfolk County.”

The forest, located where two branches of water converge before merging with Lake Erie, currently has various logging trails that hikers can use to explore the many natural qualities that forest has to offer. DeCloet said that more trees will be planted to continue growing the forest’s biodiversity and preserving ecosystems for the long-term future.

“I’ve enjoyed this forest a lot over the years, and I want other people to enjoy that too,” said DeCloet.

The property does not condone hunting, motorized vehicle riding and other forms of activities that potentially disrupt the forest’s ecological environments.