Gonder’s Flats Wetland Restoration Project

Gonder’s Flats is a natural area located adjacent to the Niagara River in Fort Erie that had been severely degraded. Niagara Parks has been actively restoring Gonder’s Flats since 2014, with phase three of the extensive wetland restoration project currently underway.

Project highlights to date include:

The design and installation of a protective coastal habitat
The excavation of a 1.5 hectares (4 acres) pond
Habitat conservation work
Invasive species management, including the introduction of goats to the site in 2024 under the Green Grazers Initiative (learn more: Green-Grazers-Initiative.pdf)
Hundreds of native plantings
Trail and parking lot upgrades
Installation of two new viewing areas overlooking the Niagara River.

Visitors will also gain a deeper understanding of this rare ecosystem through new interpretive signage to be installed on the property.

By phase four, the restored area will continue to naturalize gradually over time and once successfully established, the wetland will serve to improve water quality, support local biodiversity and protect species at risk. Learn more about species diversity at Niagara Parks here (Species Diversity at Niagara Parks).

Additional wetland benefits include the prevention of erosion and flooding, while building climate resiliency and the creation of engaging recreational opportunities for the community.

Background

The area known as Gonder’s Flats, in Fort Erie, Ontario, was donated to Niagara Parks in the 1930s. This unique site holds the potential to become a highly functional wetland, due to a combination of its soil characteristics and vegetation, located in an ideal location adjacent to the Niagara River. Unfortunately, over time the site had become severely degraded.

The Niagara River was named a degraded Great Lakes Area of Concern in 1987 due to water quality problems and habitat loss. Since then, significant action has been taken to advance the restoration, protection and enhancement of the entire Niagara River ecosystem. Thanks to a shared vision and strong partnerships forged through the Niagara River Remedial Action Plan program, the Gonder’s Flats project was prioritized for this critical environmental restoration work.

Quick Facts & Figures

Wetlands are among Earth’s most productive ecosystems that provide numerous beneficial functions and support many species (including species at risk), such as migratory birds, fish and amphibians
As the environmental and cultural stewards of the Niagara River corridor, Niagara Parks continually strives for greater sustainability through innovative project partnerships
A 2015 Niagara River shoreline vegetation assessment estimated that over 75% of historic coastal and adjacent wetlands have already been compromised
Since 2016, with support from Federal and Provincial governments, Niagara Parks has successfully restored seven coastal wetland sites along the upper Niagara River, resulting in approx. 7.5 hectares (18.5 acres) of wetland habitat created and 1,580 metres of shoreline restored
There are no other similar projects of this scale and geographic location within the Niagara Peninsula watershed

Project Timeline

Phase 1 – 2014/15 (COMPLETE)

Removal of eroded asphalt, archeological assessment, shoreline restoration, trail installation and reintroduction of native plant species

Phase 2 – 2017/18 (COMPLETE)

Public consultation
Coastal wetland habitat installed, Ontario 150 Pollinator Garden planted, and educational signage added

Phase 3 – Continuing through Spring 2025 (ONGOING)

2020/2021 removal of dead Ash trees and other invasive species, followed by the excavation of 1.5 hectares (4 acres) pond and creation of berms
Planting of native vegetation, including aquatic plants, trees, grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs, as well as the installation of a variety of nesting structures to enhance wildlife habitat
2024/2025 trail upgrades and new public viewing areas added to allow for greater site accessibility
Project volunteers regularly monitor the diversity of plants and wildlife species to help protect the health of this rare marsh habitat over time

Phase 4 – Wetland Enhancement – 2025 onward

Continued enhancements of the site into a more functional wetland habitat, including the installation of additional coastal wetland habitat structures within the Niagara River
Provide environmental educational opportunities
Protect sensitive habitats and species from invasive species
Expand accessible and passive recreational activities in our natural areas
Contribute to climate change resiliency

Project Partners

This vital wetland habitat project is made possible with the funding support of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Land Care Niagara and Niagara Community Foundation, with support from both Federal and Provincial governments.

The project is also supported by the Town of Fort Erie, Birds Canada, Bert Miller Nature Club and Niagara Falls Nature Club.

About Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority

The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) is a community-based natural resource management agency that protects, enhances, and sustains healthy watersheds. With over 60 years of experience, the NPCA offers watershed programs and services focusing on flood and hazard management, source water protection, species protection, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, and land management. The NPCA is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in the Province of Ontario and manages 41 Conservation Areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation, and education. Since 1999, the NPCA has been the coordinating agency of the Niagara River Remedial Action Plan working with many local partners to meet the major environmental goal of restoring the Niagara River’s water quality and ecosystem health.

About Ducks Unlimited Canada

Ducks Unlimited Canada Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is the leader in wetland conservation. A registered charity, DUC uses sound science and partners with government, industry, non-profit organizations, Indigenous Peoples and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environment. To learn more about DUC’s innovative environmental solutions and services, visit ducks.ca.

About Niagara Community Foundation

The NPCA gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Niagara Community Foundation (NCF). NCF is a public foundation and has been Niagara’s philanthropic partner since 2000. NCF connects donors to causes and charities to resources through permanent endowment funds, providing grants to eligible charitable organizations in culture, health, education, environment, recreation, and social service sectors. NCF turns intent into impact.

About Land Care Niagara

Land Care Niagara (LCN) is an environmental non-profit organization committed to creating a healthy and sustainable rural and urban environment, consisting of citizens who are knowledgeable and active in land resource management. Current programs include wetland restoration, large-scale tree planting, Species-At-Risk recovery, educational workshops, and management of a community tree nursery. In 2021, LCN received funding from the Government of Canada’s EcoAction grant program to improve wetland habitat across Niagara.