❤️ Escarpment Corridor Alliance Secures Second Nature Preserve | Black Bank Highlands
Black Bank Highlands
The ECA is proud to announce the acquisition of Black Bank Highlands, a 152-acre property in the Municipality of Mulmur and the second nature preserve secured since the organization evolved into a land trust in 2025.
Adjacent to the Pine River Valley, Black Bank Highlands features a regenerating mixedwood forest, mature hardwood forest, white cedar swamps, thriving meadows, and important habitat for several species at risk. The property plays an essential role in supporting ecological connectivity as part of the broader South Georgian Bay corridor, preserving wildlife movement and restoring sensitive ecosystems and connected waterways. The Bruce Trail runs along the western edge of the property, and the ECA plans to open a new public trail extending off their existing trail to support expanded access to nature.
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“Each property we preserve strengthens the long-term resilience of this landscape,” said Jarvis Strong, Executive Director of the ECA. “Black Bank Highlands is another critical piece in restoring ecological connectivity across South Georgian Bay. We are deeply grateful to the supporters, donors, and funders helping make this work possible.”
Black Bank Highlands was generously donated to the ECA by Connie Hunter, in memory of her late husband Bryce Hunter, who was an active birder and dedicated to land stewardship. The ECA is honoured to carry on this vital work to steward these lands forever. The property was donated through the Government of Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program. The program provides significant tax benefits to donors, including exemption from capital gains tax and enhanced income tax benefits through provisions of the Income Tax Act of Canada. Additional funding for long-term stewardship costs were raised through the Ontario Conservation Accelerator, the Peggy Staite-Wong Foundation, the Ross Mitchell Family Foundation, John and Victoria Tremayne, and private community donors. Associated costs and funding for immediate stewardship needs, was secured through the Government of Ontario’s Greenlands Conservation Partnership program, administered by the Ontario Land Trust Alliance.
“By securing Black Bank Highlands, we are protecting critical habitat for wildlife while expanding access to nature for families and visitors to enjoy,” said Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “I would like to thank the Escarpment Corridor Alliance and the Hunter family for their dedication to conservation. Through the Greenlands Conservation Partnership program, we are helping ensure these lands remain protected and preserved for generations to come.”
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Your support of the Land Securement Fund will go directly to land stewardship and securement projects, providing a legacy for nature, for people and for good.
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