Nature Conservancy Protects Bruce Peninsula's Wild Shoreline, Preserving Rare Habitats at China Cove

A significant stretch of wild shoreline on the Bruce Peninsula in Southern Ontario has been preserved. The Nature Conservancy of Canada recently announced the acquisition of 29 hectares of land near China Cove, a small bay west of Tobermory, Ontario. This area was previously at risk of development.

The newly acquired property boasts nearly a kilometer of untouched waterfront. It provides a habitat for several rare and threatened species, including the Massasauga rattlesnake and Hill’s thistle. These species thrive in the area's alvar terrain, characterized by exposed limestone patches that extend from the shoreline into the surrounding woods. This unique environment supports a diverse range of species.

The cove is bordered by private residences. Prior to the recent announcement, the undeveloped land was slated for division and sale. The Nature Conservancy secured the property with the support of various government and non-government partners and foundations, ensuring the shoreline will remain in its natural state. This acquisition is a valuable addition to the larger network of protected lands on the peninsula, which spans approximately 24,200 hectares.

The Bruce Peninsula, also known as the Saugeen Peninsula, is recognized as a region of global biological significance, being an extension of the Niagara Escarpment. Preserving natural habitats is particularly crucial in areas that attract both tourists and developers. The peninsula's unique geography, where displaced species have limited space to move around human activity, makes connectivity between habitats even more important.

Other notable species found at China Cove include the Midland painted turtle and the ram’s-head lady’s slipper orchid. The area is also frequented by black bears and serves as a stopover for migrating birds along the Lake Huron shore. The cove's name originates from the China, a schooner that wrecked in the area in 1883. The Nature Conservancy has renamed the property Aah Mahwi Nibi, meaning Crying Water, a name suggested by an advisory board member and elder from the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation.