Biddy Creek Wetland

Completed April 2025

Led by the Northumberland Land Trust (NLT), supported by OCA, the Biddy Creek Wetland is a vibrant 123-hectare natural haven in Brighton, Ontario, teeming with rich biodiversity and important habitats. NLT and Ducks Unlimited protected this ecologically significant area in partnership. It features lush wetlands, mixedwood forests, and supports several species at risk. Home to various watercourses that flow into the Cold Creek watershed, this property plays a key role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and connecting important natural areas across the region.

The Biddy Creek Wetland is a 123 ha (~305 acre) ecologically diverse area in the Municipality of Brighton, Northumberland County. Nestled in the biodiverse Rice Lake and Lake Iroquois Plain region and the Cold Creek Watershed, this property is characterized by large wetlands, significant mixedwood forest, and high species diversity. The conservation of this property was achieved with collaborative efforts from NLT, Ducks Unlimited, OCA and many other partners and donors.

The Biddy Creek property contains a regionally important wetland that comprises over 50% of the property featuring three wetland types (swamps, marshes, and fens), alongside significant mixed woodlands in the easternmost parcel comprised of Black Cherry, Oak, Birch, Maple, Cedar, White Pine, and Black Ash (endangered). The grassy wetlands and forest edges provide essential feeding, breeding, and nesting areas for five bird species at risk including the Eastern Whip-poor-will. This property’s waterways play a key role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and connecting important natural areas across the region.

Supporting great projects like Biddy Creek by great partners is part of OCA’s focus to accelerate conservation! OCA staff were delighted to provide both advice and financial support to this project—Northumberland’s first acquisition that builds on top of their other 16 donated properties.

Area Protected

123 hectares (305 acres)

Key Species

Canada Warbler, Common Nighthawk, Eastern Whip-poor-will, Eastern Wood-pewee, Least Bittern, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Wood Thrush, Blanding’s Turtle, Midland Painted Turtle, Snapping Turtle, Western Chorus Frog, Little Brown Myotis, Northern Myotis, Tri-coloured Bat, Black Ash, Labrador Tea, Pitcher Plant