Ivey Tract (wetland)

The Ivey Tract, also known locally as the Putnam Tract, is a 112-ha property located on the South Thames River between Dorchester and Putnam. It is part of the Provincially Significant Wetland  known as the Putnam Tract Swamp.

The wetland has a high species diversity owing to the variety of habitats including forest slope, floodplain swamp, meadow, marsh, and floodplain/riparian areas. Some of the dominant species include Yellow Birch, Silver Maple, Black Ash, and White Cedar with Skunk Cabbage and ferns in the understory. There are large areas of Giant Ragweed as well.

The property was acquired by the UTRCA from the Ludlow family in 1978 with funding support from the Ivey Foundation through the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

In addition to wildlife habitat, this wetland property contributes to carbon sequestration, flood reduction, ground water recharge, and water quality improvements.