Our Volunteers
A group dedicated to marshland conservation and education, for the benefit of human, wildlife and water health, today and for future generations.
Consider becoming a Citizens for Marshland Conservation member and/or a volunteer to support and participate in our work.
Our Mission
Citizens for Marshland Conservation Inc. (CMC) is a registered charity that exists to protect marshland for the benefit of the public by advocating for the protection, maintenance, and conservation, of stressed or threatened marshland including its flora and fauna in the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry, Ontario. It is made up of dedicated unpaid volunteers, whose purpose is to protect marshland and its unique wildlife.
CMC will work with other Canadian registered charities, local governments, and owners of marshlands to educate the public and those who control marshlands, to foster a call to action to conserve such important yet rapidly disappearing habitat.
The Importance of Marshlands
Marshlands are a type of wetland which are primarily covered by herbaceous vegetation and either have shallow water or moist soils throughout the year. They are important for their role in natural water filtration which improves our overall water quality. They act as our first defense from pollutants entering our waterways and as massive carbon sinks that offer protection from global warming. These vital habitats reduce the risk of floods by absorbing excess water from heavy rains and snow melt. Apart from their role in water management, marshlands are home to a wide variety of amphibians, birds, fish, invertebrates, mammals, plants, and reptiles. An important habitat for biodiversity, marshlands house some of our most threatened species such as the Least Bittern, Blanding’s Turtle, and various molluscs. They serve as important habitats for migratory birds whether it is for breeding, overwintering, or as migratory 'stopovers'.