Ontario wetland turns neighbours into environmental stewards

Shared love of a Ontario wetland leads to upgrades

At first, the family used the property for weekend getaways, but by the year 2000, the couple made the farm their full-time home. On the heels of a career that kept Doug living out of a suitcase for much of his time, the farm became a place to put down roots and enjoy retirement in ways he never imagined.

Jeff Kelso, a self-described “retired teacher turned gentleman farmer,” bought the property next to the Cowley’s in 2022, and much to their delight, shared their love for the wetland and a deep desire to conserve it. So, it was no surprise the two landowners joined forces in early 2023 to work with DUC once again to upgrade the control structure, refurbish the dam and replace safety fencing and a catwalk. The work was funded through the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, (MECP), Wetland Conservation Partner Program, (WCCP).

“Since DUC had done the original work, who better to refurbish it?” says Kelso. “They were professional and thorough every step of the way. I wouldn’t contemplate work of this sort without DUC.”

The Cowleys couldn’t agree more.

“DUC is all about putting the landowners first,” says Doug. “Their approach is ‘what can we do for you?’. We went all in on the project because we believe in conservation and are eager to do our part in our corner of the world.”

For Kelso, land has always been his preferred form of investment. An avid outdoorsman, he hunts ducks, deer, moose and elk and understands the value and importance of keeping his footprints on the environment as light as possible.

“I am an environmentalist at heart,” says Kelso, “so I try to align with people and organizations who feel the same as I do. With the other properties I own, I can see bringing DUC on board in the future.”

Mikayla Stinson, a conservation program specialist with DUC, is thrilled – not only for the positive outcome of the most recent work done on the wetland, but for the enthusiastic attitudes of both Kelso and the Cowleys. She says passionate landowners are a pleasure to partner with.

“What makes our job easier is when landowners are all-in,” says Stinson. “Doug, Claire, and Jeff jumped on board without hesitation and the results have been gratifying. It’s been a win-win for the landowners and the environment.”

Conservation with the future in mind

The Cowley farm is beloved by the entire family. Recently, a grandchild called the farm’s refurbished wetland “his future.” That single comment was all the reassurance they needed to hear. It reaffirmed the impact of the vital partnership that exists between landowners and DUC across Ontario. Working together on wetland projects helps counter the effects of an ever-changing climate, improves water quality and provides critical wildlife habitat.

“One of my favorite things about living beside a wetland is the magic of wildlife it attracts,” says Doug. “I start my day with a cup of coffee watching our family of swans take flight for their morning exercise. There are tons of deer, gray rat snakes, all kinds of ducks and other waterfowl and we’ve even seen a bobcat. There are bald eagles, ospreys, hawks, and owls. The wetland is alive with all kinds of species and that never gets old.”

Wetlands are good for the ducks, and everyone in Ontario

Wetlands are a natural solution to some of the big environmental problems that affect all of us, including poor water quality, extreme weather events and disappearing wildlife populations. Wetlands are natural infrastructure power players. They capture phosphorus and other nutrients and slow water movement across the land. In rural and near-urban Ontario, their ecological functions complement built infrastructure such as dams, culverts, agricultural drains and traditional stormwater ponds. All this, while providing essential habitat for waterfowl, other birds and wildlife of all kinds. As we like to say, what’s good for the ducks is good for us all.