The Marsh

 In early 1991 Ducks Unlimited  made plans for the construction of the Hilliardton Marsh to support waterfowl and other wetland dependant species. By 1993, they had perfected these plans and decided to finally put them into action. The original project design consisted of 3 cells. The intent was to be finished in 5 years but once the construction started, sufficient funding was received to finish the project in only one year. Within one year of the in initial 3 cell project being finished additional funding was found to put in a 4th cell, which was split into subunits 4a and 4b. According to Doug Brooks, (Former Ducks Unlimited Representative), the marsh investment, without man-hours, was over one million dollars! Of this 1 million dollars, $250 000 was for the land and $750 000 for construction. The funding was raised by Ducks Unlimited Canada, Eastern Habitat Joint Venture (EHJV), Nature Conservancy of Canada, Environment Canada, and the Ministry of Natural Resource. 

Now, with the 4 cell design, the total area of the marsh is 725 ha. It consists of 516 ha of upland habitat and 209 ha of flooded wetland. For the most part, the marsh was actually constructed over previously developed farmland. This redirected land use did cause some controversy in the local community. "Why put a marsh over perfectly good farm land?" some asked.  Since many people wanted to have their input in the marsh project, Ducks Unlimited created a Public Advisory Committee which is made up of teachers, hunters, naturalists, representatives, and pretty much anyone who wants their say in the project.

The marsh is unique and has many interesting features. Some long nights are spent by staff and students owl banding at 2 different locations in the marsh. It is the also only marsh in North America with a wheelchair accessible blind for observation or hunting. The marsh also has over 50 duck boxes for nesting. Additionally , there are a large number of bird houses scattered throughout the marsh for the numerous bird species that nest in this area. An interesting feature is the use of special pumping stations to regulate the water levels in the cells.  Another unique aspect of the marsh is the presence of buildings and walkways that have been assembled by T.E.R.R.A students thoughout the years and includes a 40 foot high osprey platform.

The marsh is used by bird watchers,  banders, researchers, hunters, children, teachers and many more people. It may not be well known in the local community but its definitely worth the time and effort that was put into building it. After many years, and lots of help from the T.E.R.R.A students the marsh is a resounding success and improving from year to year. Who knows what the marsh has in store for the future, but we think as the marsh grows, so will its popularity and many more great things will come from it.