St. Clair National Wildlife Area facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St. Clair National Wildlife Area |
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|---|---|
| Nearest city | Chatham, Ontario |
| Area | 355 hectares (880 acres; 1.37 sq mi) |
| Governing body | Environment Canada |
| Official name: St. Clair | |
| Designated: | 16 October 1985 |
| Reference #: | 319 |
The St. Clair National Wildlife Area is a special place in southwestern Ontario, Canada. It is a nature reserve, which means it's a protected area where plants and animals can live safely. This area is found on the eastern side of Lake St. Clair, near the city of Chatham, Ontario.
The wildlife area is made up of two parts: St. Clair (which is 244 hectares) and Bear Creek (which is 111 hectares). A hectare is a way to measure land, and 100 hectares is about the size of 100 football fields! These two parts are about 16 kilometers apart.
Contents
What is a National Wildlife Area?
A National Wildlife Area (NWA) is a place set aside by the Canadian government. Its main goal is to protect important habitats for wildlife. This helps make sure that different kinds of animals and plants have safe places to live and thrive.
Why is St. Clair NWA Important?
The St. Clair National Wildlife Area is very important for many reasons. It has been named a Wetland of International Significance. This means it's recognized globally for its special natural features. It's also part of the Ramsar Convention, an international agreement to protect wetlands around the world.
A Home for Migrating Birds
The area has many marshes and small ponds. Marshes are wetlands with lots of grass-like plants, like cattails. These wet areas are perfect "stopover" spots for birds that are migrating. Migrating birds fly long distances between their summer and winter homes. They use places like St. Clair to rest and find food during their journey.
Many different kinds of waterfowl, which are birds that live near water, visit this area. You can see large groups of tundra swans here, especially during migration season.
Animals Living in the Marshes
The marshes at St. Clair are home to many interesting birds and other animals. Some of the birds you might spot include:
- Yellow-headed blackbird: A striking bird with a bright yellow head and chest.
- King rail: A shy marsh bird that is hard to see.
- Black tern: A graceful bird that flies over the water to catch insects.
- Least bittern: A very small heron that hides well in the cattails.
Besides birds, this area is also a safe place for several types of turtles. Two special kinds found here are the eastern spiny softshell turtle and Blanding's turtle. These turtles need healthy marsh habitats to survive.
