Grant: College & Community Social Innovation Fund

The Kirtland’s Warbler, a small songbird, is one of the world’s most critically endangered bird species with a global population of approximately 2300 pairs. It is also listed as an endangered species in Canada. Effective restoration programs in Michigan and Wisconsin have resulted in the bird’s delisting from the USA’s Endangered Species Act, and similar programs in Ontario would help contribute to the species’ global persistence. The goal of this proposed research project is to develop a strategic framework to establish a Kirtland’s Warbler habitat creation and management program in Southern Ontario. The project brings together a strong research team composed of researchers from Fleming College and well-established non-profit and industry partners, all experts invested in Kirtland’s Warbler conservation efforts. Through this research, Fleming College will provide its partners with a significant amount of strategic direction for establishing a novel Ontario-based Kirtland’s Warbler restoration program. This will include guidance on which land would be ideal for habitat creation, what type of vegetation treatments would be best for creating the habitat and how to acquire these necessary resources, as well as management strategies to support long-term sustainability. The College will also support outreach activities to engage with the community and help raise awareness about the project and the importance of Kirtland’s Warbler conservation. All of this work will be conducted in partnership with organizations including the Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, Birds Canada, the American Bird Conservancy (ABC), GEI Consultants, and Birks Natural Heritage Consulting. Taken together, this research will establish an evidence-based, innovative conservation strategy that will benefit not only the Kirtland’s Warbler, but many additional species at risk. Furthermore, as observed in regions where other conservation projects have been conducted, local Ontario communities will also benefit from this research as it will help expand natural areas and increase recreational, economic development, resource harvesting, tourism, and potential volunteering and training opportunities.