 Since its inception in 2000, the mandate of the Thames Talbot Land Trust has included the protection of both natural and agricultural features. This duality reflects our area’s rich biological diversity as well its position as Canada’s most productive agricultural region. In March of this year, both aspects of the Trust’s mandate were advanced with the securement of the Blain Farm. The farm, located in the Municipality of West Elgin just west of Wardsville, was purchased from Wilbert and Eleanor Blain, local residents who have farmed the land for over 70 years.
The 26 hectare property features 20 ha of productive cropland as well as 1.3 km of river frontage. Between the cropland and the river are 6 ha of riverine forest and terraced floodplain. The Blain Farm lies within the Skunks Misery Natural Area as designated by the Nature Conservancy of Canada. It is located one kilometre south of Skunk’s Misery Forest, one of the region’s most important natural areas. The riverine forest of the Blain Farm serves as a natural corridor connecting the Thames River to the core of the Skunk’s Misery forest complex. The property features a variety of Carolinian species such as Hackberry, Sycamore, Bladdernut and Spicebush. The site’s sandbars and other riverfront features are also likely breeding sites for rare turtle freshwater mussel species. A Stewardship Plan is currently being developed for the property. This plan will include the preparation of an Environmental Farm Plan to ensure best management practices are followed for the site’s cropland. Efforts to enhance site’s effectiveness as both a river corridor and as a connection to neighbouring upland woodlands will be pursued as will measures to reduce erosion and improve aquatic habitats. The property’s natural area has no existing trail system and is not easily accessible from the road. As such, public access to the Blain Farm, including the recreational use of motorized vehicles, is not permitted. TTLT is grateful for the confidence the Blains have placed in the Trust, and we look forward to working with others landowners within the Skunk’s Misery area to protect the region’s diverse natural and agricultural landscapes. |
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