Origins of the Dow Wetlands

Wetlands were once prevalent in Lambton County, and southwestern Ontario in general, prior to European settlement and subsequent development activities in the area. When an area of Dow's land on LaSalle Road was chosen to provide the soil required to cover Dow's nonactive landfill operation at Scott Road, the project team was reluctant to leave an empty hole behind them. So with much planning and some expert wetlands design consultation, a wetlands habitat was fashioned as the soil was removed.

The wetlands contractor and the project team worked with local environmental groups and government contacts to include native vegetation that would populate quickly, providing habitat for native wildlife. Sarnia is also on a migratory path for certain waterfowl, so we expect both permanent resident and transient birds.

By the middle of 1998, approximately 300 trees and shrubs had been planted. Small plant life such as bulrushes and cattails, called "emergents," were planted on the banks of The Wetland's four ponds, and on small islands in the middle of the ponds.

Since 1998, The Dow Wetlands have continued to grow and develop, gaining new animal and plant species. The creation of The Dow Memorial Forest began in late 2000 and promises to be a major addition to habitat in the area.