Making Space for Nature

Thursday, August 27, 2026

A low-producing field corner becomes a home for wildlife & pollinators

By Jeanine Moyer

Rina Hyland has always been an environmentalist at heart. Over the years, she and her husband, Brian, have quietly taken on projects that nurture natural habitats while strengthening the resilience of their farmland.

Recently, this Essex couple set out to reshape a small corner of their operation with the goal of turning marginal land into a thriving natural habitat that benefits both the farm and the surrounding ecosystem.

What began as a wet, low-lying area in an odd-shaped field is now the site of a carefully designed three-acre wetland, built to improve water management, increase biodiversity and create a lasting space for future generations to enjoy.

Our vision was to create something that works with the land and enhances the environment for everyone and everything,” says Hyland. “As farmers, we’re always looking for ways to give back and support our environment.”

Rooted in stewardship

Environmental planning has long been an integral part of the management of Hylander Farms. In fact, the Essex County cash crop and beef farm was one of the first in the area to complete an Environmental Farm Plan, and they have continued updating it through multiple editions.

That commitment to sustainability is also a family legacy. Hyland says the family has been actively involved with their local Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association, and over time, those connections and experiences shaped how the farm approaches environmental decision-making.

“I’ve always been in awe of how ecosystems work,” says Hyland. “Between Brian’s knowledge of agricultural best practices and my background as a high school environmental science teacher, this wetland project gave us a chance to apply our combined knowledge to create a space on our land that will reflect and mimic that harmony.”

Their efforts to naturalize parts of the farm began more than 25 years ago with tree planting projects. Since then, the couple has added several acres of trees across multiple farm properties, gradually transforming marginal land into spaces that support wildlife and provide enjoyment for their family.

“We’ve really enjoyed watching those areas change over time,” she says. “They become something completely different than what they started as, and we’re creating new landscapes that our grandchildren will be able to appreciate.”

Designing a wetland with purpose

The idea for the wetland grew naturally from that long-term vision. A low-production section of one field, already adjacent to two acres of trees the couple had planted six years ago, was the ideal location to expand a natural habitat while improving farm efficiency. Hyland also notes that, from a practical farming perspective, they “filled in the point of a triangle-shaped field to square off the land, making it more manageable for field equipment.”

Rather than continue working around the wet area of the field, the couple decided to lean into its natural characteristics. The wetland project was completed in 2025 as part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership’s Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program, which covered project costs and provided resources for ongoing project maintenance.

The final project spans three acres, including a one-acre wetland with irregular shorelines, varying water depths and gradual slopes to support different types of plant and animal life. A two-acre meadow surrounds the wetland and has been seeded with native grasses, including big bluestem, Indiangrass and switchgrass. These species were selected to support pollinators, improve soil structure and enhance overall biodiversity.

Creating new wildlife habitats was a key driver of the project for Hyland, who says she looks forward to seeing deer thriving in the landscape. For now, they are enjoying ducks, geese and the sound of frogs.

“Working with experienced partners was key to the success of our project,” notes Hyland, explaining that the couple relied on expertise from partner that included the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority and the Essex Region Conservation Authority.

From challenge to opportunity

At its core, the project addressed a practical challenge: how to manage an area that consistently underperformed.

We no longer have to deal with farming a wet spot that was never as productive as the rest of the field,” says Hyland. “Instead, we’ve turned it into something that benefits everyone.”

Beyond improving field efficiency, the wetland is expected to deliver a range of environmental benefits, from reducing soil erosion to improving water quality and supporting carbon sequestration.

The couple also sees the site as a way to demonstrate what’s possible. “We’d like to showcase the area as a model for good environmental practices,” she says. “Wetlands do so much — they support wildlife, improve water systems and add resilience to the landscape. Not to mention, they offer a beautiful landscape to enjoy.”

Measuring success over time

While the wetland construction is complete, the real work is just beginning. The Hylands plan to monitor the wetland closely as it develops, tracking water levels, plant establishment and wildlife activity.

They are particularly interested in how native species take hold and how biodiversity will evolve over time. At the same time, they remain vigilant about managing invasive species like phragmites, already taking steps to control its spread in nearby ditches.

The meadow grasses will take time to establish, and we know it’s going to require ongoing attention,” says Hyland. “This is a long-term commitment.” Early signs, however, have been encouraging. Despite initial concerns that the site might not retain water based on previous project challenges, the wetland filled quickly and has maintained strong water levels.

That was a big relief. It gave us confidence that the design is working.”

Looking ahead

As the wetland matures, the couple is already seeing new possibilities emerge. Hyland says she’s interested in establishing a pollinator garden on the site and even sees the potential for creative projects that connect art and the environment.

For now, their focus remains on nurturing the space and observing how it evolves. “There’s a lot of learning ahead,” she says. “But that’s part of what makes it exciting.”

Her advice to anyone considering a wetland is to do their research, prepare for challenges, and be sure to enjoy what’s created.

The payback on this project is long-term,” she says. “But it will be worth it, and the joy you get from doing something so focused on giving back to the community and the environment will make it all worthwhile in the end.”

What started as an unproductive patch of farmland is now on its way to becoming a diverse and resilient ecosystem — one that reflects a longstanding commitment to stewardship and a belief that sustainable farming practices and healthy landscapes go hand in hand. BF