During their meeting today, Norfolk County Council acknowledged the exceptional contributions of retired farmer and community member Paul DeCloet. During a ceremonial presentation, Mr. DeCloet was formally recognized for his significant donations to the County’s environmental heritage.
In May 2021, Mr. DeCloet donated the 50-hectare Paul DeCloet Forest in the Clear Creek Valley to Norfolk County through the Government of Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program. This gift safeguards a biodiverse natural area, home to 26 tree species, including rare Carolinian varieties such as tulip trees and sassafras.
Building on this legacy, Mr. DeCloet has established a $100,000 endowment to ensure the ongoing care and maintenance of the Paul DeCloet Forest, and another forest property donated in 2021. These funds are designated exclusively for trail maintenance, signage, benches, security, forest inventory, and other initiatives essential for preserving and enhancing the properties.
The Paul DeCloet Forest, identified in Norfolk County’s Official Plan as a “Significant Natural Site,” is in the Clear Creek Valley, where two branches of Clear Creek converge before flowing into Lake Erie. The forest’s mix of ecosystems supports a wide range of biodiversity, further enhancing its environmental significance.
Learn more about the Paul DeCloet Forest at norfolkCounty.ca/DeCloetForest.
From left: Councillor Van Paassen, Adam Biddle, Josiane DeCloet, Paul DeCloet, Mayor Amy Martin, and Ben DeCloet.
Quotes
Mayor Amy Martin
“We are deeply grateful to Mr. DeCloet for his extraordinary generosity. His donation of the Paul DeCloet Forest and the establishment of this endowment demonstrate his profound dedication to preserving Norfolk County’s natural beauty. This thoughtful contribution ensures the forest will remain a vital and cherished part of our community for generations to come.”
Adam Biddle, Supervisor Forestry
“Paul’s endowment provides critical resources to preserve and enhance these unique forest properties. This forward-thinking contribution supports sustainable management practices that will safeguard the ecological integrity of these lands while fostering opportunities for community enjoyment and connection with nature.”
