In 2011 Biodiversity Conservancy International in collaboration with the National Capital Commission (NCC) took on the restoration and reclamation of the Pinhey Sand Dunes located in Nepean Ottawa. The Pinhey Sand Dunes represent one of the most unique ecosystems in the Capital Region. The dune system was once approximately 1.5 million m2, which is larger than 280 American football fields. However, as of 2010, the system was reduced to fragments of 0.3% (~5,000 m2) of what it once was. It was estimated that without intervention the open dunes would have completely disappeared within 5 – 10 years.
As of 2020, four sections of Pinhey Sand Dunes have been restored.
"Ontario is down to 1% of the sand dunes that they used to have, and they are a vital part of Ontario ecosystems and Ontario life."
Inland sand dunes (also known as eolian sand dunes) are rare and found only away from shorelines. These dune habitats provide homes for highly specialized plants and animals, including numerous rare species and some endangered species. The Pinhey Sand Dunes can be a harsh environment with frequent strong winds, high sun exposure, deep and dry fine-grained sand, and extreme summer temperatures (60 – 72 °C ). Its inhabitants however have adapted to these conditions making it difficult or impossible for them to survive anywhere else. Due to human action, all dunes face destruction and alteration.
BCI Sand Dune Team
The team is responsible for everything that BCI does at the dunes. This includes conducting on-the-ground restoration, conducting biodiversity research, providing on-site and in-class education, giving presentations, organizing workshops, and engaging the public to raise awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the unique Pinhey Sand Dunes habitat and ecosystem.
Acknowledgements
The restoration project would be impossible without the many volunteers who have given up weekends to lend a hand. We appreciate their hard work and dedication.
Additionally, the BCI Pinhey Sand Dunes receive funding from:
