We need to give nature in Kingston, Ontario a voice. Butternut Creek is the natural eastern urban boundary of Kingston and is also a wildlife/ecological habitat and corridor that should be preserved. Like in many cities, our remaining natural spaces face increasingly strong development pressures. There are appropriate places for housing and employment lands, and there are places that must remain undeveloped.
Butternut Creek is part of Kingston’s “blue belt” and interconnected water resource system.
Only evaluated wetlands that are deemed provincially significant (PSWs) have regulatory protections – guiding planning away from these essential habitats and corridors. With the necessary scientific and public support, we can protect Butternut Creek through provincial law. To do this, we need an independent ecologist and wetland evaluator (with OWES* credentials) to research Butternut Creek and prepare a report to present to the Ministry of Natural Resources and the City of Kingston.
Wetlands are vital for flood control, contribute to climate resilience, provide habitat for species, and are beloved spaces for people to experience nature. In Butternut Creek, local students have experiential science classes in the area and people can take a doctor-prescribed walk or enjoy nature along a path in the woods to the west of the Creek. Kingston Gets Active even features Butternut Creek as a “place to go”.
Our focus is on protecting Butternut Creek and its adjacent forests by helping the public understand the value of this precious area and others like it in the municipality. If no one speaks up for nature, it is gone before we know it: forests are cut and the areas next to waterways are lost. Help us protect Butternut Creek from this fate. Please donate today.
Footnote:
*OWES: Ontario Wetland Evaluation System
