Landowners, Partnerships, Wetlands

Nature Force partners enhance wetlands in Oxford County

Over 300 new trees planted in the region to support biodiversity

By Claire Foran November 29, 2024

Aerial view of tree planting taking place surrounding the newly constructed wetland.

In Ontario, Nature Force—an action-oriented climate resilience initiative funded by a coalition of Canadian property and casualty insurance companies in partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada—has been focusing on wetland restoration and enhancement across the Washington Creek Watershed in Oxford County.

Located 1.5 hours west of Toronto. Washington Creek, a 19.5 square kilometre coldwater stream system within the Grand River watershed, is home to native brook trout and plays a critical role in the health of the surrounding ecosystem. Since 80 per cent of this area’s land is used for agriculture production, the five wetland projects implemented in Washington Creek were designed and constructed specifically for the purpose of flood attenuation.

One of the five wetland restoration projects along the Washington Creek. © Ducks Unlimited Canada

These wetlands represent almost six restored acres (2.4 hectares) that will also work to improve water quality and provide wildlife habitat. Ducks Unlimited Canada’s research institute will be analyzing stream monitoring data collected monthly in the Washington Creek watershed. This data will help to demonstrate the significant impacts of using small wetlands as natural infrastructure for flood attenuation on a much broader scale.

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Nature Force is a unique collaboration between Canada’s insurance industry and Ducks Unlimited Canada to create innovative solutions for resilient communities to protect Canadians. Natural infrastructure like wetlands, help reduce flooding, and with the support from the Nature Force initiative, we’re harnessing the power of nature to protect communities and conserve ecosystems.

Nick Krete, conservation program specialist, Ducks Unlimited Canada

Working with local landowners

A crucial part of this project was finding landowners who were open to partnering on these restorations. Since much of the Washington Creek watershed is made up of rural private property, our team worked closely with local landowners. We were fortunate to find several landowners  who were eager to participate – including neighbours Dennis Willms and Randy Gofton. The wetland restoration projects on their properties focused on areas identified as idle land. These are areas unsuitable for crops but ideal for creating thriving wetlands, that contribute to climate resiliency and provide essential wildlife habitat. 

Landowner Randy Gofton in front of his new wetland and sign. © Ducks Unlimited Canada

Conservation in action 

This past fall more than 50 dedicated Nature Force partners stepped away from their desks to participate in a meaningful tree-planting event at two of the Washington Creek restorations. Hosted by Ducks Unlimited Canada in partnership with the Grand River Conservation Authority, Nature Force, and local landowners, this gathering celebrated the successful completion of the five wetland restoration projects across the region and planted the seeds for increased biodiversity in the area. 

Nature Force participant planting one of many trees at the event. © Ducks Unlimited Canada

Over two sunny autumn days, volunteers from partnering insurance companies Travelers, AJG, Brandt County and Definity joined us in the field to see firsthand the wetlands their companies helped restore through Nature Force. They also rolled up their sleeves to plant 300 nursery stock trees throughout the wetland areas. These trees will play a key role in the ecosystem, contributing both to the landscape’s beauty and its biodiversity. 

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Definity is proud to be a member of Nature Force. Opportunities like this allow our employees to experience firsthand how wetlands absorb water, reduce flood risks, and provide numerous other benefits.

Lauren North, specialist of community investment and social impact, Definity

Group shot of participants from partnering insurance companies. © Ducks Unlimited Canada

As we reflect on the past year of collaboration between landowners, businesses, and organizations and their investment in the future of more sustainable communities, we are reminded of what it truly means to be a “force of nature.” A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved!

Nature is the solution

The Nature Force represents a new paradigm in watershed resiliency with an unparalleled insurance industry investment into natural infrastructure.

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Nature Force partners enhance wetlands in Oxford County

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