Reduce climate change by turning off electrical items such as lights and computers not in use. Use a programmable thermostat and reduce air conditioning and furnace use.

Protecting the Environment

The Essex Region...A Unique Heritage

The residents of the Essex Region are very fortunate. We live in an area possessing unique natural resources...significant not only locally but nationally and even internationally. However, the United Nations indicates that a minimum of 12% natural areas coverage is required for a region to be healthy and sustainable. This is even less than Environment Canada's recommendation, which sets a target of 30% natural areas coverage. However, in the Essex Region, merely 7.5% of our region's landscape consists of natural areas. We must protect the significant natural areas that remain, and restore new areas wherever possible.
Forests? Most people think of the far north - yet right here in the Essex Region are woodlands which possess magnificent trees seldom found anywhere else in Canada - Tulip Tree, Sassafras, Paw Paw, Kentucky Coffeetree, Sycamore, Black Gum and more.
White-tailed Deer, Bald Eagle and Red Fox represent just a few wildlife species still active in this region.
Marshes? High quality wetlands still remain, providing habitat for Canada Geese, Black Crowned Night Herons, Egrets, Marsh Hawks, Blanding's Turtles, Muskrats and hundreds of other living things.
This region also contains some 20 separate watersheds. Portions of these creeks and rivers still remain in a natural state.
Our history is intertwined with all of these resources and in itself is a resource which is largely untapped.

It's Our Responsibility

These unique resources found within the Essex Region cannot protect themselves. We must protect them to ensure a legacy of a clean and healthy environment.

While the quality of these resources is great, the quantity is not. Considering the pressures that have been exerted over the years - industrial, agricultural, commercial, and residential - it is fortunate that remnants of the natural landscape still exist. These pressures are increasing year by year. The time to act is now.

There are a variety of options that help to protect these significant natural resources - acquisition, donations, bequests, and conservation easements are several options. The Essex Region Conservation Foundation is pleased to work with interested landowners to find the best option.

You personally can help to ensure that these resources will be saved - not only for the enjoyment of this generation but for all generations to come.