In recognition of Earth Day (April 22) and Earth Month, the Town of Newmarket is proud to announce that the Northwest Quadrant Woodlot has been officially accepted into the Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas Database (CPCAD) in partnership with Ontario Nature. This is a significant milestone that supports Canada’s national goal of protecting and conserving 30% of lands and waters by 2030 (30X30 Target) to ensure there are connected, resilient and equitably managed landscapes for wildlife to thrive.
“We are honored to have the Northwest Quadrant Woodlot recognized as a Canadian Protect and Conserved area,” says Mayor John Taylor. “Newmarket has always been committed to environmental stewardship as recognized within Council Priorities. This inclusion highlights the importance of local action in achieving national conservation goals and arrives at a meaningful time as Newmarket celebrates Earth Month.
Throughout Earth Month, the Town is engaging residents through activities that highlight the importance of protecting our environment, including the 48th annual Community Cleanup presented by TD, the Electronic and Battery Recycling event, and much more!
Background
The Northwest Quadrant woodlot is part of the Town of Newmarket’s Natural Heritage system and the York Region Greenlands System. The site contains a portion of a Provincially Significant Wetland and proximity to an existing CPCAD protected area. The area is also home to at least three federally listed species at risk such as the monarch butterfly, common snapping turtle and the butternut tree.
Since 2018, CPCAD has been compiled and managed by ECCC in partnership with a diverse network of data providers. These include federal, provincial, and territorial governments, Indigenous organizations, local governments, environmental non-governmental organizations, and private landowners. The number of data providers continues to expand each year, strengthening a comprehensive national view of Canada’s conservation efforts.
Earth Month in Canada, celebrated throughout April, evolved from the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, which spurred global environmental awareness. The Town of Newmarket has actively participated in Earth Month since 1978 (for 48 years).
