Waynco Sand & Gravel Partners in Tallgrass Conservation
Tallgrass once covered approximately 1000 km2 in Southern Ontario. A controlled burn was done to inhibit encroachment of shrubs and invasive species in a project aimed at the preservation of local tallgrass communities.
Waynco Sand & Gravel Partners in Tallgrass Conservation
(May 2009)
Nelson Aggregate Co.’s - Waynco Sand and Gravel operation in Cambridge, Ontario recently partnered with the Waterloo Stewardship Network, Tallgrass Ontario, the University of Waterloo and Ministry of Natural Resources.
One of the few tallgrass communities that remain in Ontario is located on Waynco’s property. A “controlled burn” was done to inhibit encroachment of shrubs and invasive species in an interesting project aimed at the preservation of local tallgrass communities.
“Tallgrass communities” – also known as tallgrass prairies and savannas – are natural grasslands with a great diversity of grasses, wildflowers and animal life. Tallgrass was once found throughout the central U.S. and in southern Ontario and Manitoba.
In southern Ontario, tallgrass once covered approximately 1000 km2 – but today less than 3 percent remains. Most tallgrass communities have been lost over the past 200 years due to human use of the land for agriculture and urbanization.
Tallgrass, part of Ontario’s natural heritage, is a globally imperiled ecosystem and one of the most endangered ecosystems in Canada. It provides habitat for a huge number of wildlife species, including many that are officially designated as rare at the global, national or provincial level. It is home to species such as northern bobwhite which is in danger of disappearing from Canada.
Waynco and Nelson Aggregate are very pleased to have been able to participate in this important tallgrass recovery project. For more information on tallgrass communities visit the web site: www.tallgrassontario.org .
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