Reptile species in Canada, often found at the northern limits of their range, are considered vulnerable to environmental changes. As ectotherms, their survival is dependent on specific temperature conditions, with many species listed as “at risk” under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) and Ontario’s Endangered Species Act. The eastern Georgian Bay region, characterized by rock barrens, peatlands, and wetlands, has been identified as a biodiversity hotspot for SAR reptiles. Peatlands, dominated by Sphagnum moss, have been recognized as critical overwintering habitats. However, it has been noted that changes in water table levels caused by land use, climate change, or drainage can degrade these habitats by altering vegetation, peat structure, and ecological functions. Movement corridors, such as vernal pools, have been acknowledged as vital for connecting critical habitats, though it has been observed that land use changes like road construction and wind turbine development may disrupt these pathways, impacting habitat connectivity and seasonal water dynamics.

The study addressed recovery strategies for three priority SAR species, with over 2,900 SAR reptile observations reported to the Natural Heritage Information Centre. Habitat features were created and monitored, totaling 12, while extensive monitoring was conducted across over 900 wetland quadrats and 14,000 rock barren quadrats over multiple years. Within the Henvey Inlet Wind Energy Centre (HIWEC), 25 wetlands were monitored, with water levels recorded every 15 minutes and air temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, and water and soil temperatures recorded every 30 minutes. Snow depth during winter and vegetation phenology during non-winter months were monitored five times daily. Over 10 million lines of data were collected as a result.

The impacts of land-use changes on SAR habitats within the HIWEC area, which contains 87 wind turbines and critical habitats such as wetlands, moss carpets, and lichen mats, were examined. The study was organized around five deliverables:

1. ecohydrological processes in undisturbed reptile overwintering were itendified;
2. ecohydrological processes in undisturbed turtle nesting habitats were identified;
3. the cumulative impacts of HIWEC on SAR habitat hydrology, vegetation, water chemistry, and thermal conditions were assessed; 
4. the success of newly designed habitats for overwintering reptiles was evaluated; and
5. the success of newly designed habitats for nesting turtles was evaluated.

The study resulted in 12 peer-reviewed publications, seven student theses, 13 presentations or posters, and the training of 36 personnel. These findings have been deemed essential for informing conservation strategies tailored to the unique challenges of northern SAR habitats.