Would add additional trail loop to Western Manitoulin landmark
GORE BAY—Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy (EBC) is nearing a milestone in its “Wild Futures” campaign with a proposed acquisition of the East Bluff, a scenic stretch of Niagara Escarpment shoreline and forested slope in Gore Bay. If secured, the 91.4-acre East Bluff Nature Preserve will protect this pristine landscape for Manitoulin Island residents, tourists, and the region’s diverse wildlife, preserving it from development and opening it up as a new hiking destination.
According to EBC’s Executive Director Beth Gilhespy, the East Bluff project aligns with the organization’s goals of conservation, carbon sequestration, and enhancing community spaces. “This project really meets critical needs—preserving a beautiful piece of land, offering an accessible community asset and sequestering carbon,” Ms. Gilhespy explained. “It’s an incredible opportunity to create a space that benefits both the environment and local residents.”
Rising along three kilometres of the Escarpment edge, the East Bluff offers breathtaking views, a rich array of sensitive plant and animal habitats and ancient eastern white cedars. If the purchase is finalized, EBC plans to work with local communities to integrate the preserve with existing trails, creating new paths that encourage gentle hiking and nature immersion. The East Bluff could soon become a hiking destination akin to Manitoulin’s popular Cup and Saucer Trail, drawing visitors to support local accommodations, restaurants and recreational businesses.
East Bluff has been carefully managed by its current landowners, who have preserved its ecosystems through responsible stewardship. EBC’s plans for the property will continue this legacy, protecting the land’s natural integrity while opening it up to public exploration. “People have been walking this land for years, experiencing its beauty,” said Ms. Gilhespy. “By protecting it now, we’re not only preserving the environment but also creating an accessible, safe place for our community to enjoy.”
An agreement for the purchase is already in place, with half of the project funding secured through a government grant. EBC now seeks to raise the remaining $269,000 through donations from individuals, corporations and foundations. Through the Wild Futures campaign, contributions are already coming in, but more support is needed to ensure East Bluff remains untouched by development for future generations.
The East Bluff Nature Preserve is set to become an ecological treasure and a beloved community asset. For those interested in supporting the project, donations can be made through EBC. To learn more or to contribute, contact Ms. Gilhespy, CEO, at beth@escarpment.ca or 437-331-1341.
