January 23, 2026
A great white egret wades through open water at Cooper Marsh Conservation Area in South Glengarry. Photo courtesy of Lissa Deslandes.
The Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) is improving wildlife habitat at Cooper Marsh Conservation Area by creating additional open water spaces within the Marsh’s main impoundment. Work is set to begin in early February and will end by March 15, 2026.
“By creating new ponds and channels at Cooper Marsh, we’re increasing habitat diversity and helping ensure this Conservation Area remains a refuge for many different species,” says RRCA Stewardship Specialist, Brendan Jacobs. “Open-water sections within wetlands can provide valuable food and shelter opportunities, making them especially beneficial for waterfowl such as blue-winged teal, redhead, wood duck, and many others. These habitat improvements will also give visitors more chances to observe wildlife in their natural environment from the Marsh’s Green Trail boardwalk.”
Scheduling the excavation of new open water areas by heavy machinery during the winter minimizes potential disturbances to wildlife while also improving working conditions and cost efficiency. No trail closures are expected during the excavation, and all necessary permits have been acquired by the RRCA.
“These new habitat features are part of an ongoing Remedial Action Plan (RAP) initiative to improve fish and wildlife habitat within the St. Lawrence River (Cornwall/Akwesasne) Area of Concern (AOC), with a focus on the provincially significant Charlottenburgh Marsh,” adds Jacobs. “The RRCA is part of coordinated efforts with government, Indigenous, and community partners to address environmental challenges within our local AOC.”
One of the RRCA’s three Conservation Areas, Cooper Marsh is located at 20020 County Road 2 in South Glengarry, on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. The RRCA currently conserves and maintains over 2,000 acres of environmentally significant land to preserve habitat, mitigate natural hazards, and provide recreation and eco-tourism opportunities.
Visitors are invited to drop in at Cooper Marsh during the upcoming World Wetlands Day event on January 31, 2026, from 10 am to 2 pm. The free public event – co-hosted by the RRCA and the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne – is an opportunity to learn about Cooper Marsh and other wetlands through interactive displays and activities by local environmental organizations. The event will also feature traditional Mohawk dishes, hot chocolate, guided snowshoe tours, and a kids’ nature photography exhibition. To learn more, visit rrca.on.ca or contact (613) 938-3611 or info@rrca.on.ca.
The habitat enhancement project and World Wetlands Day event are undertaken in part with the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Water Agency and the Government of Ontario. Views expressed here are those of the RRCA and may not reflect those of the above funders.