Newmarket biologist Aileen Barclay said it was a snowy owl that first attracted interest in the wetland near her home.
Barclay said she began documenting hundreds of different species in the greenspace. She also noticed fireflies, a species on the decline due to pollution, and decided to act for their preservation.
After a year of coordinating with the town, Newmarket dedicated the land as Firefly Marsh, installing a sign there last week to educate the public about the space.
“If people take the time to stop and look at the nature in their backyards and their nearby parks and green spaces, they start to see how amazing it is,” she said. “Then you might have a bit more awareness about protecting it, and lessening their impact on it and helping to conserve these greenspaces that are so important.”
The town has launched a website with information about the wetland, situated behind the Newmarket Islamic Centre and the Magna Centre, off Mulock Drive. The municipality is using the designation to educate people about environmentally friendly practices for the pollinating insects, such as reducing outdoor light during the summer, using natural fertilizers and limiting pesticides. The website also features a section on the importance of fireflies in Indigenous history.
Director of public works services Mark Agnoletto said the designation will help raise awareness about these practices.
“With Newmarket being Canada’s 14th Bee City, it is our goal to continue to protect the habitats of pollinators in our community. Pollination is an important process to ensure healthy ecosystems and agriculture,” he said. “The fireflies of Firefly Marsh are a reminder of our connection with nature and the need to respect and conserve its magic.”
Barclay said the land is important for more than just fireflies. She said she documented all kinds of birds in the area, including geese, ducks red-tailed hawks and several owl species. Some birds are there year-round, but Barclay said migratory birds also stop by.
“They can stop and rest and feed during the day before they migrate,” she said. “It’s an important stopover on their way out to the Boreal Forest.”
The designation is distinct from a provincially significant wetland, which Barclay said takes time to be evaluated. But she said she hopes to work with the town to highlight more natural gems in Newmarket for people to appreciate.
“Just to be more aware of the greenspaces. They’re all very sensitive,” she said. “The more we understand, the more we can respect them.”
