We're bringing back the forest! Forests are vital to our future. They improve air quality, enrich and protect the soil and provide wildlife habitat. A 60 hectare (148 acre) parcel of former agricultural land adjacent to Backus Heritage Conservation Area is the site of the Long Point Region Conservation Authority's Carolinian Forest Regeneration Project. This project aims to restore a portion of Southern Ontario's forest habitat through a variety of restoration initiatives. Through both natural succession and controlled plantings, the Authority will show the unique species that make up the Carolinian Forest, as well as demonstrating the natural processes to which they are subject. The Charles Sauriol Carolinian Forest also provides an important protective buffer for Backus Woods by allowing passive natural succession to occur within designated blocks in the north central and north western portions.

Work began on the Carolinian Forest Regeneration Project in 1991 and since that spring a variety of tree species have been planted, including Red Oak, Silver Maple, Sycamore, White Birch and Green Ash. The Ontario Forestry Association and Trees Ontario have sponsored these plantings since the project began and have committed themselves to continued sponsorship over the initial 5 year period. These plantings are intended to enhance scientific and educational study of natural regeneration and succession of natural habitat as it relates to the Carolinian Forest and Backus Woods in particular. Through our public information and education programs the site is positioned to promote and awareness of conservation.

As a lasting tribute to Mr. Charles Sauriol and his conservation initiatives for the Authority, the property has been named in his honour. Charlie Sauriol has been a friend and supporter of the LPRCA for more than 20 years, during which he has assisted the Authority in raising funds for the purchase of more than 600 hectares (150 acres) of land within the watershed.

Open to the public, the Charles Sauriol Carolinian Forest provides a scenic natural area that exhibits many interesting aspects of forest development and management.

For more information, please contact:

Long Point Region Conservation Authority

4 Elm St, Tillsonburg, ON N4G 0C4

phone: (519) 842-4242 fax: (519) 842-7123