Walpole Island contains some of the most diverse and significant natural areas remaining in Canada; including rare tallgrass prairies and oak savanna remnants. In fact, the Walpole Island First Nation makes up only 0.002% of Canada's landmass, yet contains 12% of Canada's Species At Risk.

Walpole Island has many plant and animal species deemed as species at risk by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) including some not found elsewhere in Canada.

The introduction of invasive species is a global problem and is a serious threat to biodiversity. Invasive species can cause widespread and unpredicatable changes to natural ecosystems.