DeCloet family gives generously to protect nature

Members of the DeCloet family took time out from a planting event to stand next to the recently-unveiled sign designating the DeCloet Family Forest Legacy, near Clear Creek in Norfolk County. Left to right are: Paul DeCloet; Wendy Cridland, executive director of the Long Point Basin Land Trust; Ben DeCloet; and Peter Carson, president of the land trust. (Contributed Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

A Tillsonburg man, and his family, are doing their part to preserve unique Carolinian forests in Norfolk County.

Tillsonburg resident Paul DeCloet, a retired farmer and philanthropist, previously donated the Paul DeCloet Forest to Norfolk County in 2021. That donation safeguarded a biodiverse area home to 26 tree species, including unique Carolinian varieties such as tulip trees and sassafras.

When Paul saw a 50-acre parcel across the road from the Paul DeCloet Forest for sale, he had the vision to enlarge the protected area.

“It adds to what we’ve already done. It’s the perfect fit to enlarge it,” he said.

Since he did not own that property, and Norfolk County isn’t in the business of purchasing land, DeCloet approached the Long Point Basin Land Trust with his concept. He brought his brother Ben DeCloet on board, and funding from the two was combined with federal government funding through the Conserving Canada program to purchase the property. The DeCloet brothers provided $400,000 of the purchase price.

“As a family with deep roots in Norfolk County, we take pride in knowing this forest will be protected and enjoyed forever,” said Ben DeCloet. “Through this gift, we hope to encourage others to reflect on how they too can leave a lasting legacy for future generations.”

Funding assistance also came from The Walter J. Blackburn Foundation, the James N. Allan Family Foundation and other donors.

Called the DeCloet Family Forest Legacy, the property is a diverse mix of wetland and forest, including habitats associated with cold-water streams vital to the region’s ecology. LPBLT plans to undertake restoration efforts, such as removing invasive species and seeding open areas with native plants, to help the land evolve into a thriving successional forest.

“These lands build on a vital creek corridor that protects a rich variety of wildlife habitat and clean, cold water,” said Wendy Cridland, Executive Director of LPBLT. “The DeCloet Family Forest Legacy not only expands our network of protected areas but also highlights the profound impact that individual and family contributions can have on protecting nature.”

Paul elaborated further, explaining 42 acres of the property were wooded and the remainder was cleared. The field portion is being re-naturalized, with the goal to create an oak savannah. About 25 friends and members of the DeCloet family turned out to an event on May 17 to plant acorns in the field.

“It’s perfect for what they want to do,” Paul said of the property. “LPBLT has been a positive addition to the south of Norfolk County in terms of protecting lands like this for the future.”

In addition to planting acorns, a wide variety of native grasses, wildflowers and other tree seeds were planted on this property to create habitat for native species, including pollinators, from insects and birds to other species higher on the food chain. Over time, the site will add to the forested corridor along Clear Creek, protect the soil and help to increase carbon storage.

With the addition of the DeCloet Family Forest Legacy, LPBLT now stewards a total of 1,201 acres within the Long Point basin, one of the most diverse ecosystems in Canada.