The rare Oak Savanna at Camp Attawandaron in Lambton Shores is going to be restored, thanks to a recent investment from the Ontario government.
The province is providing nearly $52,000 to Scouts Canada.
The money will be used to repair the globally rare ecosystem that exists between prairie grassland and oak woodland.
Scots pines, which were planted in the area decades ago, are now known to be invasive and are quickly overtaking the natural oak habitat.
This project aims to restore the area to its natural biodiversity, which will include the planting of native trees and shrubs and removing some of the existing Scots pines.
Only three per cent of the Oak Savanna remains in Ontario today.
Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Andrea Khanjin commented on the announcement.
"By taking the initiative to protect this incredibly rare and beautiful Oak Savanna, Scouts Canada is inspiring another generation of youth to become stewards of their environment," said Khanjin. "This project is another great example of how the Ontario Community Environment Fund is helping community groups use their local ecological knowledge and expertise to make a difference."
Executive Director of Commercial Ventures for Scouts Canada Tim Bennett said the group has been trying to combat the spread of the invasive pines for the past 25 years. "The trees reproduce quicker than they can be cut down,” said Bennett. "The funding provided by the Ontario government will allow Scouts Canada to remediate two acres at once by removing the pines and planting native trees and shrubs to ensure the restoration of the Oak Savanna and protect key species at risk."
Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Steve Pinsonneault is excited to see the funding in place. "This funding empowers the youth at Scouts Canada to make a real difference and take the lead in protecting the local ecosystem and help ensure the natural beauty in Lambton Shores continues to thrive," he said.
This year, Ontario will invest nearly $1.5 million in environmental projects, which include activities like shoreline cleanups, habitat restoration and tree planting.
The Scouts Canada initiative is among 11 projects that will receive funds in 2024.