Landowners, Wetland restoration

Honouring a natural legacy

A family's commitment to conservation

By Claire Foran January 17, 2025

Ethel Forbes holding her DUC sign in her doorway.

When you pull up to the Forbes property near Mount Forest, Ont., at first you don’t realize there’s 191 acres (77.3 hectares) of woodlands, wetland, and rolling hills that extend beyond the house that greets you right off the road. Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) staff visited the property in late November 2024 to conclude our rebuild of this historic wetland project with the final step – the delivery of a DUC sign. While there, we had the chance to sit down with landowner Ethel Forbes, now 90 years young, to take a trip down memory lane.

“We bought this place on a whim,” said Ethel as she recounted the early days on the property that she and her husband Iain purchased in 1974. Though the purchase itself was a quick decision, the dedicated maintenance and enhancement of the natural features on the property have been a labour of love.

The early partnership

Ethel and Iain first learned about DUC and its conservation work through an advertisement for one of DUC’s local fundraising dinner events. Ethel, who grew up in the area, had a deep connection to the land, and Iain, who at the time was working for the Toronto Anglers and Hunters Association, had a significant interest in conservation. They soon got involved in DUC’s local volunteer fundraising efforts, and through conversations with staff and volunteers, Ethel and Iain learned about DUC’s restoration work available to landowners.

The plaque placed in front of each Minto Small Marsh project located throughout the township. © DUC

In 1990, their project became one of the first initiatives to be part of the “Minto Small Marshes,” a group of restored wetlands located in the historic Minto township. The goal of this 6-acre (2.4-hectare) wetland build was to increase hemi-marsh habitat within a dense lowland area on the Forbes property that was intermittently controlled by beaver activity. Hemi-marsh is a wetland habitat that is made up of roughly equal parts open water and emergent vegetation that supports a variety of wildlife, including birds, fish and amphibians.

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After the initial build, the Forbes wetland quickly became an important stopover for waterfowl and wildlife. Large wetlands like this often become important to hens who are raising their ducklings. These larger wetlands provide cover, food and protection for duckling broods and give them space to grow before migrating south in the fall.

Jenn Lavigne, conservation specialist for DUC

As the years passed, the wetland not only thrived as habitat for wildlife, but also became a cherished spot for the Forbes’ growing family, who continued to care for the land.

Canada goose pair, with goslings. © Richard Doner

Reinvesting for the future

Like all projects of this scale, time and changing environmental conditions highlighted the need for reinvestment. In 2023, the Forbes family and DUC’s conservation team began planning the wetland rebuild project to ensure its continued vitality. While a well-designed wetland can largely manage itself over time, certain infrastructure components—such as metal water-control structures and wooden control boards —will inevitably require maintenance and replacement.

A core mission of DUC has always been to ensure abundant wetlands and waterfowl for generations to come. This commitment means revisiting and reinvesting in the projects under our care, to maintain their ecological integrity. For the Forbes family, Ethel shared this same vision for her land—ensuring her family’s conservation legacy remains intact for future generations.

Summer site inspection at the Forbes wetland. © DUC

In fall 2023, the rebuild plans were set in motion, with a focus on replacing aging infrastructure and incorporating new designs to better withstand the increasingly frequent storm events that Ontario now faces due to climate change.

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DUC’s Habitat Asset Management team regularly inspects our projects to ensure they are performing at optimal levels as planned and works with a team of contractors to undertake preventative and corrective maintenance as required. We know that by continuing to invest in the habitat, we will see increasing returns.

Andrew Riddell, habitat asset management specialist for DUC

The Forbes wetland after the most recent maintenance, which requires the wetland to be temporarily drained. © DUC

In addition to wildlife, there have always been many visitors exploring the Forbes property – Ethel recalls memories of their 20+ grandchildren and great-grandchildren running wild through the forests, enjoying the wetland and being outside.

Both teachers by trade, Ethel and Iain believed that learning was the best way to develop care and respect for the natural world, and they were glad to support this enrichment for their family on the land.

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We have to take care of the land. Iain was big into conservation, and we’ve just tried to keep it going. The kids are learning. They know which trees are which. That’s how you teach them. My granddaughter once said, “I wish we had a recording of all the stuff grandfather tried to teach us”.

Ethel Forbes, landowner

As we wrapped up our visit to the Forbes property, we spoke with Ethel about the future. Having passed ownership of the land to her son and grandson, the property will remain in the family for generations to come. Through their care, dedication, and collaborative spirit, Ethel and Iain have created a lasting conservation legacy. We’re grateful they opened their doors—and their dam—to a partner like Ducks Unlimited Canada, and we’re proud to have played a small role in their inspiring impact on waterfowl, wildlife, and the community.

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