Conserving habitat at St. Luke's Marsh—Ducks Unlimited Canada Skip to main content
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St. Luke’s Marsh

A coastal gem, protected in perpetuity.

Projects & Initiatives

Support for Species at Risk

Coastal wetlands like St. Luke’s Marsh in Ontario’s southwest are rare—and extremely valuable. In this densely populated area surrounding Lake St. Clair, only 1.5 per cent of historic wetlands remain. By acquiring the nearly 500 acres (197 hectares) of natural habitat at St. Luke’s Marsh, DUC and our partners have saved some vital space for wildlife.

St. Luke’s Marsh is adjacent to the 882-acre (357-hectare) St. Clair National Wildlife Area, which provides breeding habitat for more than 60 species of birds and shelters 35 federally listed Species at Risk such as king rail, least bittern and eastern foxsnake.

Habitat Facts

  • St. Luke’s Marsh spans 488 acres (197 hectares) and includes coastal shoreline, provincially significant coastal wetlands, and other mixed wildlife habitats.
  • It’s part of an extensive system of waterfowl habitats around the lower Great Lakes, one of the most significant migratory stopover areas on the continent.
  • St. Luke’s Marsh is one of 22 DUC conservation properties within the Great Lakes watershed, accounting for nearly 7,000 acres (2,833 hectares) of protected habitat.
  • Ducks Unlimited Canada has been working to restore and manage wetlands in the area since the 1970s.
Blanding's turtle at St. Luke's Marsh

Part of the National Heritage Conservation Program

The acquisition of St. Luke’s Marsh in 2020 was supported by the Government of Canada through the Natural Heritage Conservation Program, part of Canada’s Nature Fund.

Securing this habitat supports the Government’s target of conserving 25 per cent of Canada’s lands by 2025.

A message from the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada

Coastal wetlands like St. Luke’s Marsh in Ontario’s southwest are rare—and extremely valuable. In this densely populated area surrounding Lake St. Clair, only 1.5 per cent of historic wetlands remain. By acquiring the nearly 500 acres (197 hectares) of natural habitat at St. Luke’s Marsh, DUC and our partners have saved some vital space for wildlife.

Hunting St. Luke’s Marsh

With the property now under the stewardship of DUC, protecting the delicate ecosystems, while providing recreational opportunities to visitors is an on-going balancing act.

Ducks Unlimited Canada is pleased to be able to provide hunting opportunities for the public to enjoy at St. Luke’s Marsh. While hunting is permitted in specific areas, we ask that you please respect and follow the rules and regulations set out to protect the landscape for years to come.

Hunting permits are required September – January.

View the rules and guidelines for hunting St. Luke’s and to book a permit.

St Lukes Marsh arial photo

Contact Ducks Unlimited Canada Ontario

Tel: 705-721-4444
Email: ontario@ducks.ca

 

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