The Cullen wetland: Restoring what was lost

The work to restore a wetland within a depressed portion of his property, began when Cullen reached out to DUC to explore the feasibility of doing so. DUC conservation program specialist Linda Warren was excited to take on the wetland restoration project, returning what had been there decades before. The wetland project was financially supported by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry as well as Nature Smart Climate Solutions and international contributors including Ducks Unlimited Inc., funding from North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grants administered by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and state agencies through the Fall Flights Initiative.

“Landowners represent our greatest hope to replace what’s been lost,” says Warren. “That’s why, when we get the chance to work with those who understand the importance of wetlands, it makes our work both easier and impactful.”

The poorly drained area of the farm was transformed into a shallow wetland with variable shorelines and depths to support diverse vegetation regrowth. The new habitat will support wetland-dependent wildlife while capturing and filtering surface water before it flows downstream.

Restoring wetlands like the one at the Cullen property, contributes to the natural infrastructure of landscapes by boosting climate readiness, water quality, flood mitigation, phosphorus reduction and overall watershed health. The same productive habitat sustains wildlife including waterfowl, other birds, and hundreds of other species such as turtles, fish and pollinators.

Beyond the success of the newly-restored wetland on his property (wildlife of all kinds have already settled in), Cullen is proud of fulfilling the legacy his family is known for. He is the son of famed Canadian garden expert, Mark Cullen, and is grateful for how his father inspired a deep love and appreciation for giving back to the environment whenever and wherever possible. With support from DUC, Cullen’s dream has been realized.

“Historically, wetlands were drained so that farmers had more land to farm, allowing them to make more profit,” says Cullen. “But on my land, that depressed area wasn’t suitable for crops, so restoring a wetland where it once was seems like the best course of action to take. Those of us who care about the environment, biodiversity and climate change often feel powerless. What we’ve done here brings an inner peace, a knowing that one person has done what he could to make a difference. For me, it’s incredibly satisfying. Like planting a tree.”

In an unexpected and generous gesture, Ben’s parents, Mark and Mary Cullen, who have been steadfast supporters of DUC, donated the same amount their son received for restoring the wetland on his property, back to DUC.

Encouraged by the success of the initial wetland restoration, Cullen is now preparing to undertake the restoration of a second, significantly larger, wetland on the property later this year.

“We come up to the farm as often as we can,” Cullen said. “Now that I have two young kids, it’s gratifying that I’m doing my part for their future.”