The ALUS Middlesex program, established in 2017 in close partnership with ALUS Canada, plays a vital role in addressing environmental challenges in Southwestern Ontario’s Middlesex County. This region, characterized by its predominantly agricultural landscape, encompasses diverse cropping systems in field, horticulture, and livestock farming. Additionally, Middlesex County interfaces with urban areas around London and Strathroy. The program’s focus on environmental stewardship extends to protecting the unique biodiversity found within the Carolinian Zone, an ecologically significant area known for its rich and diverse plant and animal species. Many of these species, such as bobolink, moltted duskywing, estern meadowlark, and eastern foxsnake, are considered “Species at Risk,” meaning they are at risk of extinction or have populations that are declining in the wild. By prioritizing the conservation of these vulnerable species and their habitats, ALUS Middlesex aims to safeguard the delicate ecological balance within the Carolinian Zone. One of the primary objectives of the ALUS Middlesex program is to tackle environmental issues impacting water quality in the Great Lakes. The county’s location in both the Lake Huron and Lake Erie watersheds, along with the local Thames River being identified as a priority watershed for Great Lakes health, makes this initiative all the more crucial. By encouraging landowners to adopt alternative management practices on their marginal lands, ALUS aims to create habitat connections, effectively filter water before it enters sensitive wetlands, and enhance wildlife habitats across these ecologically significant Canadian watersheds. Moreover, the program emphasizes the restoration of tallgrass prairie ecosystems, the improvement of buffer areas, the management of wetlands, and the implementation of other projects that provide essential ecosystem services. These services include flood mitigation, carbon sequestration, and the creation of pollinator-friendly environments, which are vital to the survival and well-being of native pollinator species within the Carolinian Zone. Through active participation in ALUS projects, the landowners in Middlesex County contribute to the production of cleaner water, cleaner air, and enhanced biodiversity, including vital pollinator habitats. These positive environmental impacts benefit not only the participants themselves but also extend to the wider surrounding communities and the delicate ecosystems of the Carolinian Zone. By working collaboratively with local landowners and addressing specific local needs and priorities, the ALUS Middlesex program exemplifies the power of community-driven conservation efforts. By prioritizing the preservation of the Carolinian Zone’s biodiversity and promoting sustainable land management practices, the program serves as a valuable model for protecting and preserving the natural resources and ecosystems of Southwestern Ontario.
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News & Events
Creating Migratory Bird Habitat in Middlesex County
ALUS Middlesex receives funding from Wildlife Habitat Canada to add more wetland habitat to the landscape through farmer-led stewardship.Wetland restoration work underway on a farm near Mount Brydges, ON. This wetland was completed in partnership with St. Clair...
Using Fire to Restore a Tallgrass Prairie in Middlesex County, ON
ALUS Middlesex Coordinator, Peter Moddle, on why prescribed burns are an important tool for maintaining tallgrass prairie ecosystems. In September, ALUS Middlesex coordinated a prescribed burn on a tallgrass prairie, with support from the Grassland Stewardship...
The Growing Biodiversity Conference
ALUS Elgin and ALUS Middlesex are celebrating their 10th and 5th year anniversary’s with the Growing Biodiversity Conference. Gather and learn as researchers, environmental organizations and landowners come together to create networks and share knowledge about habitat...
ALUS Middlesex Staff
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority
Kettle Creek Conservation Authority
London Environmental Network
Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority
Middlesex Federation of Agriculture
St.Clair Region Conservation Authority
Tartan Image Designs
Upper Thames River Conservation Authority
Steve Bradish
President
Tom Heeman
Vice President
Matt Langford
Secretary
Tracey Foster
Treasurer
Scott Foster
Mary Simpson
Rob Hathaway
Laura Hathaway
Fred Cahill
Ryan McLean