Protecting Parks to Safeguard Species at Risk Habitat

Species at risk are animals and plants in danger of disappearing from Canada’s wild unless we act quickly.

There are a number of factors that can lead to a species becoming at risk. However, habitat loss and degradation caused by clear-cut logging, mining, oil, and road or housing developments are a few of the human dangers these species face.

Many of these at-risk plants and animals live in parks across the Ottawa Valley, such as Algonquin Park, Gatineau Park, and throughout the Madawaska Highlands. Conserving parks protects their homes, enabling these species to rebuild their numbers and contribute positively to the Ottawa Valley’s ecosystem.

This World Habitat Day, we’re breaking down 3 ways safeguarding parks supports habitat protection for species at risk.

Green corridors

From roads to hospitals, the Ottawa Valley sees its fair share of upgraded infrastructure.

But did you know protecting natural infrastructure can help species at risk?

Wild spaces can act as an interconnected system to conserve ecosystems, provide wildlife with safe corridors for travel while sustaining clean air and water.

Climate action

Busy cities can create significant amounts of air pollution from cars and industrial activities, and the carbon dioxide released fuels the climate crisis.

Climate change doesn’t impact solely our communities, but species at risk, too. One example of these changes is a shift in the duration of seasons, affecting mating and hunting routines for species.

Parks filled with healthy trees can help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping mitigate the changing climate while providing thriving habitats for species at risk.

Flood reduction

Communities across the Ottawa Valley have experienced floods in recent years. Green space and urban forests can absorb excess water, slowing the rate of sewer and drainage systems overflowing and damaging natural habitats.

Species at risk in the Madawaska Highlands

We’re working to create a new protected area in the Madawaska Highlands, a stunning 2,500 square kilometres of forests, mountains, lakes, and rivers just west of Ottawa.

This watershed is forested with Red Oak, White Pine, Black Spruce, and more where you’ll find various species at risk, including the red-shouldered hawk, American ginseng, bad eagle, and the peregrine falcon.

Learn more about our work in the Madawaska Highlands and how we’re safeguarding the species calling it home.