HHLT research efforts focus on projects related to our 5 properties for which we are responsible for the management and maintenance “In Perpetuity”. We also support research that encourages best stewardship practices and the conservation of biodiversity in Haliburton County.
Grants from local, provincial and federal agencies typically fund our research as well as supporting education projects. The HHLT works closely with community members, businesses, non-profit organizations and governments to identify, promote and deliver environmental programs, and secure funds to continue and strengthen the mission and vision of the Land Trust.
Selected Past Research Projects
The Turtle Road Mortality Mitigation Project
Grant Funder: Ministry of Natural Resources
Category: Research, Species at Risk
Start/End Dates: 2014-2017 (3 year project)
Grant Amount: $114,800
In 2016, HHLT embarked on a three-year project funded by the Province of Ontario (Ontario Species at Risk Stewardship Fund).
HHLT, with help from over 100 community volunteers working over 5500 hours, monitored the presence of turtles on or near the road at three test sites. HHLT tested the effectiveness of a unique design of barrier wall and aquatic underpass in reducing turtle road mortality. The design proved to be effective and resulted in the installation of a barrier wall on Gelert Rd. The success of the project and the results were published and have received acclaim at the global level. Learn more about the project through this video and the Final Report.
Dahl Forest Bioblitz
Grant Funder: Minister of Canadian Heritage, Celebration & Commemoration Program
Category: Research
Start/End Dates: June 2017
Grant Amount: $29,200
In 2017, HHLT received a Canada 150 grant from the Federal Government to host the counties first ever Bioblitz at Dahl Forest. This 24-hour event attracted 45 scientists, naturalists, and local nature enthusiasts and resulted in the cataloguing of over 700 species. In total, 885 volunteer hours were committed to this event. Learn more about the project through this video and report.
Bat Population Study
Grant Funder: Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, OSARS Fund
Category: Research, Education
Start/End Dates: 2017-2019
Grant Amount: $104,000
In 2017 HHLT received a two-year grant from the Ontario Species at Risk Stewardship Fund to study bat populations in the county. The goal of this project was to determine what bat species were found in Haliburton County. We learned that the County is home to all 8 provincial bat species and that 4 of the 8 species are classified as endangered.
Other deliverables included updating the species at risk database, engaging the community to assist in the observance of bats and, in some cases, allowing our biologist to set up bat recorders on their property. In the second year of the study, we revisited the properties and sighting areas to determine changes in populations and the location of their roosting sites.
Please click here to download the Best Management Practices for Bats guide.