Environmental Stewardship

Greycoat has entered into an agreement with the MNR to protect barn swallows. See pictures below.

Extraction activities occur above the average water table and recorded high water table figures.  Water table levels continue to be monitored to ensure that extraction will occur above water table levels.

The area is agricultural but zoned for gravel extraction as a permitted use.  The surface soil is not prime tillable land and has been used for pasture in the past.

As part of the initial site excavation an area was found and set aside for archeological excavation of interest in First Nations historical research.  This area will remain protected from extractive activities until 2018 when the archeological excavation is slated for completion, and all artifacts will have been catalogued and removed.

One of eight birdhouses installed in 2012.

Installing bird houses in a quarry is a practical and effective measure for supporting wildlife conservation in a highly disturbed environment. Active and rehabilitated quarries often lack mature trees, cliffs with suitable ledges, or natural cavities that many bird species rely on for nesting. By strategically placing bird houses designed for species known to inhabit open or rocky landscapes—such as swallows, kestrels, or bluebirds—operators can help offset habitat loss caused by extraction activities. These structures provide safe nesting sites away from predators and heavy machinery, encouraging birds to establish breeding populations within the quarry ecosystem.

Beyond supporting individual species, bird houses contribute to broader ecological restoration and biodiversity goals. Nesting birds play important roles in insect control and seed dispersal, helping stabilize emerging plant communities during reclamation. Their presence is also a strong indicator of environmental recovery and can demonstrate a quarry’s commitment to responsible land stewardship and regulatory compliance. When integrated into a comprehensive habitat management plan, bird house installation is a low-cost, high-impact initiative that enhances animal preservation while fostering a more balanced and resilient quarry landscape.