Resource Directory

The Regional Municipality of Durham covers approximately 2,500 square kilometres stretching from the shores of Lake Ontario north to Lake Simcoe and from Pickering east to Clarington. Most of Durham's population of 561,258 (2006) live in the five lakeshore municipalities of the City of Pickering, Town of Ajax, Town of Whitby, City of Oshawa and the Municipality of Clarington. The three northern municipalities of Brock, Uxbridge and Scugog Townships are primarily rural and agricultural.

Durham Region has many distinctive natural heritage resources including the Oak Ridges Moraine, Lake Simcoe, Lake Scogog, Lake Ontario, numerous wetlands, cold and warm water streams, productive farmland, forests, valleylands and bluffs. It also has its share of environmental concerns. Green space, including farmland, is under constant threat from development, tenant agricultural practices and, in some cases, poor land management. These areas need protection, enhancement, management and stewardship to ensure their survival.

Even though some impacts on the natural environment are expected, given the proposed growth rate for Durham Region, there is a need for planned growth to strike a balance between economic, social and natural environment interests. The challenge is to provide all residents of Durham Region with safe, comfortable livelihoods through economic, social and physical development that does not undermine the natural environment and compromise the quality of life for present and future generations. Durham Region's Environmental Advisory Committee is a positive step in meeting this challenge.

Local governments make decisions every day that affect the natural environment and our use of rapidly depleting resources. The quality of this decision-making is a significant issue. For example, municipal governments make decisions related to land use, green/open space, parkland, rural severances, waste management, watershed management, transit, housing, growth management policies, and economic development. More than ever, decision-makers need to be aware of the interconnectedness of the natural environment and its relationship to social and economic considerations. Municipalities need to be responsible stewards of the land.

You can help Durham Region come to terms with these issues by becoming involved! Do not assume that “someone else” will save the creek, wetland, waterfront or forest, or ensure clean water or air. It is up to all of us! Environmental education, awareness and activism do not mean opposition to development. They do, however, mean that when development takes place, it must be planned, located and built with minimal impact on the environment, and where possible, with a net environmental gain. Ideally, the natural heritage systems within the Region should be planned in advance of development applications being considered.

This Durham Region Environmental Resource Directory reviews some of the environmental opportunities and challenges in Durham Region.

They are categorized into six general areas:

• Land Stewardship
• Natural Heritage Spaces
• Waste Management
• Water Quality and Quantity
• Air Quality
• Energy Production and Conservation

Land Stewardship is the responsible care and sustainable use of our natural resources today and for future generations. Stewardship has three 'R's:

Respect for the delicate balance between the interconnectedness of land, water, plants, animals and humans

Responsibility to pass on the land and water resources undamaged or improved to future generations; and

Resourcefulness in evaluating the available options and being proactive in undertaking sustainable land stewardship activities

Anyone can be a good steward of their land.  There are many organizations and programs available in Durham Region that can assist you. Information on the stewardship programs and information resources available to residents of Durham Region is provided below.  

Conservation Authorities

Conservation Authorities exist throughout southern Ontario. There are 36 in total and most have been around for about 50 years.  These Conservation Authorities are mandated to ensure the conservation, restoration and responsible management of Ontario's water, land and natural habitats through programs that balance human, environmental and economic needs. They work to ensure clean water, prevent flooding, reduce erosion, preserve wildlife and operate more than 300 Conservation Areas that provide recreation, research opportunities for science, and outdoor schoolrooms for students.

In Durham Region there are five Conservation Authorities. These Conservation Authorities are governed by elected boards representing municipalities and local interests that play a key role in helping municipal, provincial and federal governments manage the land and water resources in Durham Region.  They offer a variety of services and programs to partners, stakeholders and private landowners.  They employ a number of planners, biologists, engineers, educators, technicians, administrators and field staff who provide services: Flood Regulation and Response, Planning and Regulation (including Municipal Plan Review), Watershed Management Planning, Environmental Monitoring, Environmental Education, Land Conservation Watershed Stewardship, Natural Heritage Strategies and Recreational Opportunities.

Each Conservation Authority has jurisdiction over one or several watersheds.  A watershed is an area of land upon which melting snow and rainwater drain into a common body of water like a river, creek, or lake. That watershed may cross several municipal boundaries before it reaches its final destination.  Many of the watersheds in Durham Region begin in the Oak Ridges Moraine, flowing north or south to another water body (for example, Lake Ontario or Lake Simcoe).  Groundwater is also an important source of water in a watershed.

To determine which Conservation Authority you live in, please refer to the map below. 

The following table identifies the many programs that are available from the individual Conservation Authorities.  Funding may be available to assist you with your project.  You can call your local Conservation Authority to see how you can benefit from these programs. 

Conservation Authority Programs

The contacts to obtain information about these programs are as follows:

Central Lake Ontario Conservation

Patricia Lowe

Clean Water Land Stewardship Program

plowe@cloca.com

(905) 579-0411 ext. 126

Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority

Pam Lancaster

Clean Water - Healthy Land Financial Assistance Program

plancaster@grca.on.ca

(905) 885-8173

Kawartha Conservation

Shalin Abbott

Stewardship Coordinator

sabbott@kawarthaconservation.com

(705) 328-2271

Doug van Hemessen

Stewardship Coordinator, Victoria Stewardship Council

doug.vanhemessen@ontario.ca

(705) 324-1478

Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority

Peter Burtch

Landowner Environmental Assistance Program (LEAP)

p.burtch@lsrca.on.ca

(905) 895-1281 ext. 326

Toronto and Region Conservation

Nadine Abrams

Rural Clean Water Program

ruralwater@trca.on.ca

(416) 661-6600 ext. 5349

John Stille

Private Land Habitat Implementation Program (HIP)

jstille@trca.on.ca

(416) 661-6600 ext. 5396

Mary Jane Moroz

Private Land Tree and Shrub Program

trees@trca.on.ca

(416) 661-6600 ext. 5649

Tom Hildebrand

Forester, Restoration Services

thildebrand@trca.on.ca

(416) 661-6600 ext. 5379

Other Stewardship Programs Available in Durham Region

In addition to the programs listed above that are offered by the Conservation Authorities, there are many other stewardship programs available to residents of Durham Region.  These programs are offered by various government and non-government agencies and are listed below, along with their contact information.

Canadian Wildlife Federation

The Canadian Wildlife Federation is a charitable organization dedicated to the protection of Canadian wildlife.  Their Gardening for Wildlife program provides online tools to find plants native to your region and animals that suit your garden.  Their Wild About Gardening Program offers advice, tools and resources for novice or experienced gardeners to enhance their properties for wildlife.  Funding for the creation of wildlife habitat is available through their Backyard Habitat program.

For more information, visit the Canadian Wildlife Federation website, or contact them at 1-800-563-9453.

Carolinian Canada

Carolinian Canada is a non-profit coalition of over 40 government and non-government conservation groups and many individuals working to conserve the ecological diversity of Canada's most threatened natural region.  This Carolinian Zone extends into the southwestern portion of Durham Region. 

Carolinian Canada has produced factsheets to assist landowners in managing their properties.  The factsheet topics include ecological woodlot management, planting guidelines for trees and shrubs and sources of native plant stock for the Carolinian Zone.  Information on whether there are Carolinian species on your property to which the factsheets apply can be obtained on the Carolinian Canada website.  

Community Stream Steward Program

The Community Stream Steward Program is a multi-partner conservation and stewardship initiative hosted by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. With the aim of engaging landowners and communities, the program works to build a network of leaders in stream conservation, restoration, and stewardship across Ontario. The program provides these landowners and community members with the advice, support, and tools required to conduct coordinated stewardship activities along stream reaches within their neighborhoods.  

For more information, contact Andrea Hicks, Program Coordinator at 705-748-6324 ext. 253, or stream_steward@ofah.org.

Conservation Easements

A conservation easement is a voluntary, legal agreement between a landowner and a conservation organization that permanently limits uses of the land in order to protect its conservation values.  The terms of a conservation easement are devised to fit the particular property.  To execute a conservation easement, the landowner partners with a conservation organization to determine conservation targets.  Easement restrictions can apply to an entire property or a portion of the property. A conservation easement allows landowners to protect the ecologically sensitive features of their property in perpetuity, retain title, and be eligible for enhanced income tax benefits.

For more information on conservation easements, contact your local conservation authority or the Ontario Land Trust Alliance at (416) 588-6582, or kristie.virgoe@olta.ca.

Conservation Land Tax Incentive Program

This Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources program offers a reduction in property taxes to rural landowners who agree to protect the natural heritage features identified by the Ministry on their land.  Eligible lands include provincially significant wetlands, provincially significant areas of natural and scientific interest and habitat of endangered species.  A 100% tax exemption is available for the eligible portion of the property.  Participating landowners retain full ownership and property rights on the land.

For more information, contact the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources at 1-800-268-8959 or cltip-info.mnr@ontario.ca.

Durham Land Stewardship Council

To assist communities in land stewardship initiatives, the Province has established Stewardship Councils under the Ontario Stewardship Program (formerly known as the Private Land Resources Stewardship Program) of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.  The Councils are dependent upon community volunteers and were created in response to diminishing financial resources and changing government structures at the provincial level.  Councils do not duplicate or replace the efforts of existing community groups, but complement their work and pursue opportunities for synergy.  They also encourage cooperation among community interest groups, local government, landowners, agencies and associations through a focus on projects that require shared efforts.

Stewardship Councils are active groups that foster the stewardship of land, forest and water resources; encourage responsible land care by landowners; and recognize and influence community involvement and interest in private land stewardship.

The Durham Land Stewardship Council is comprised of local volunteer landowners with expertise in the areas of woodlot and watershed management, agriculture, angling and hunting, environmental education, natural heritage protection, outdoor recreation and other areas.  This non-profit group develops programs and services that support sustainable resource management and stewardship in Durham Region. Financial assistance, advice and referrals are available for projects and programs.

For more information contact the Stewardship Coordinator at (905) 713-7375.

Ecological Gifts Program

An Ecological Gifts Program is administered by Environment Canada in cooperation with partners including other federal departments, provincial and municipal governments and environmental non-government organizations.  Every donation, regardless of size, makes a contribution to the creation of a network of protected areas.  Landowners can donate gifts of ecologically sensitive land to environmental charities approved by the Minister of the Environment, as well as to the federal, provincial or municipal governments.  The program web site includes a list of eligible recipients.

For more information, visit the Environment Canada web page indicated above, or contact either your local conservation authority or the Ontario Land Trust Alliance at (416) 588-6582, or kristie.virgoe@olta.ca.

Environmental Farm Plan

Through the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, farmers have the opportunity of taking part in an Environmental Farm Plan workshop that provides information about environmental strengths, areas of environmental concern and how to create a realistic action plan to help improve environmental conditions on individual farms.  Farmers can contact the Ontario Soil and Crop office for information about the Durham Region program and upcoming Environmental Farm Plan workshops at 705-374-4975 or at durham@ontariosoilcrop.org.

Rural landowners with an up-to-date Environmental Farm Plan are eligible for technical support and, in some cases, financial incentives, to assist them in making improvements to their properties and farm operations that will positively impact the local environment and water courses.  Projects might include barn improvements for water efficiency, improved pest management, manure treatment, water well management, or shelterbelt and native vegetation establishment.  For a complete list of project categories, visit: http://www.ontariosoilcrop.org/en/costshare09/environmentalcostshare09.htm

For farmers that have an up-to-date Environmental Farm Plan and are completing projects that are eligible for funding, there are also several top-up cost-share funding programs through a variety of agencies. 

These programs include:

Canada-Ontario Farm Stewardship Program

Administered by the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, on behalf of the Ontario Farm Environmental Coalition, the Canada-Ontario Farm Stewardship Program provides cost share funding for the implementation of environmental projects as identified in Environmental Farm Plan Action Plans.

Greenbelt Green Energy Program for Agriculture

If your farm is located within the Greenbelt, you may be eligible for cost-share opportunities for the following best management practices:

• Livestock nutrition planning to reduce greenhouse gases
• Farm energy audits
• Energy conservation measures for agricultural purposes
• Renewable energy production for agricultural purposes.

Lake Simcoe Farm Stewardship Program

If your farm is located within the Lake Simcoe Watershed, you will be able to access funding for best management practice projects that assist in decreasing the levels of phosphorus entering into Lake Simcoe and that assist in improving wildlife habitat.  This program is administered by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.  The best management practices that are supported through this program include:

• Farmyard and horticultural facilities runoff control
• Erosion control structures
• Riparian area management
• Nutrient recovery from wastewater
• Improved cropping systems and pest management.

Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program

There are over 180 species that are currently identified as being at risk in Ontario.  The Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program provides cost-share opportunities for farmers to implement best management practices on their properties that contribute to a healthy and diverse environment.  Best management practice categories that are applicable under this program include:

• Relocation of livestock confinement and horticultural facilities from riparian areas
• Upland and riparian area habitat management
• Erosion control structures
• Improved pest management
• Shelterbelt and native vegetation establishment
• Resource planning.

Environmental Stewardship Pickering

The mission of Environmental Stewardship Pickering is to provide leadership, support and build awareness for environmental stewardship in the City of Pickering.  It is an outreach and educational resource for all residents in the City of Pickering.  The major partners in Environmental Stewardship Pickering are the City of Pickering, Toronto and Region Conservation and Ontario Power Generation.

For more information, contact Environmental Stewardship Pickering at (905) 420-4660 ext 2212 or at stewardship@city.pickering.on.ca.

Guide to Stewardship Planning for Natural Areas

This online document contains information on land stewardship and provides a framework to help rural landowners create a stewardship plan for their property, including guidance in preparing the plan.

Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk

The Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk is administered by Environment Canada.  The goal of the program is to engage Canadians from all walks of life in conservation actions that either contribute to the recovery of endangered, threatened and other species at risk, or that prevent other species from becoming a conservation concern. The program provides funding to stewards for implementing activities that protect or conserve the habitats of species designated by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada as nationally at risk.  The program also fosters partnerships among organizations interested in the recovery of species at risk.

For more information, contact Environment Canada at Kim.Laird@ec.gc.ca.

Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program

The Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program is an Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources  program administered in partnership with the Ontario Forestry Association and the Ontario Woodlot Association. It is a voluntary program that offers a property tax reduction to a rural property owner who owns 4 hectares or more of well managed forest land and agrees to follow a Managed Forest Plan for the property approved by an individual certified by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.  A qualifying forest property is classified as a managed forest and taxed at 25% of the basic residential rate.

For more information, contact the Ontario Forestry Association at (416) 493-4565 or 1-800-387-0790 or MFTIP@oforest.on.ca or the Ontario Woodlot Association at (613) 258-0110 or 1-888-791-1103 or info@ont-woodlot-assoc.org.

Municipal Programs

Your local municipality may provide information, advice or services supporting private land stewardship.  For example, the City of Pickering maintains a Green Care for Lawns and Gardens web page and offers Lush Lawns workshops.  

Contact your local municipality to find out if any stewardship programs exist in your area.

Natural Spaces Program

Designed for rural non-farmers, landowners can prepare an environmental plan for their property through the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Natural Spaces Program. Participants will follow a similar process to an Environmental Farm Plan, participate in workshops and prepare a workbook for implementing a variety of stewardship projects on their land.

For more information on future workshops in the Durham area, contact the Stewardship Coordinator of the Durham Land Stewardship Council at 905-713-7375.

North American Native Plant Society

Founded in 1984 as the Canadian Wildflower Society, the North American Native Plant Society is a volunteer operated registered charitable organization concerned with preserving native plant habitat in wild areas and restoring native plants to developed areas.  A seed exchange is available to members of the Society.  Publications available on the Society web site include information sheets on:

• Native Shrubs for Wildlife
• Easy to Grow Native Grasses
• Butterfly Gardening
• Native Plant Gardening
• Native Trees
• Downspout Bog Gardens.

For more information, visit the Society website, or contact them at (416) 631-4438 or at nanps@nanps.org.

Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program – Early Actions

Landowners living within source water protection areas are eligible for projects that assist in protecting the municipal drinking water supply, as per the Clean Water Act, 2006.  These projects include:

• decommissioning abandoned wells or doing maintenance on existing wells
• septic system inspections and upgrades
• runoff and erosion protection measures
• livestock manure storage
• fuel, fertilizer or pesticide storage system.

Funding for the Early Actions program is available until December 31, 2010.

To find out if you qualify for this program, visit:

http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/en/water/cleanwater/stewardship.php or contact your local Conservation Authority.

Ontario Forestry Association

The Ontario Forestry Association is an excellent source of information on woodlot and forest stewardship.  Some of the documents available on the Ontario Forestry Association website are:

• The Woodlot Management Handbook
• A Silvicultural Guide to Managing Southern Ontario Forests
• Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Extension Notes, including:
  • Planting and Caring for Nut Trees
  • Forest Conservation By-Laws in Ontario
  • Naturalizing Your Local Park or Backyard
  • Planning for Tree Planting
  • Careful Handling and Planting of Nursery Stock
  • Cover Crops Help Tree Seedlings Beat Weed Competition
  • Building a Pond
  • Protecting Fish Habitat.

A complete list of available documents, including on-line access to most of them, can be obtained on the Ontario Forestry Association website.

Ontario Wetland Care

Through the Ontario Wetland Care program, Ducks Unlimited Canada offers partial funding and technical assistance to landowners and conservation organizations interested in undertaking wetland conservation projects.  Eligible projects include wetland restoration (excavation and impoundments), nest box projects and wetland buffer enhancements that benefit waterfowl and wildlife.  Other project proposals may be considered on a case by case basis.

For more information, call 1-888-402-4444 to speak to a Ducks Unlimited Canada conservation specialist.

Ontario Woodlot Association

A Forest Services Directory for Landowners is a website maintained by the Ontario Woodlot Association (http://www.ontariowoodlot.com).  The website is designed to help landowners find the right forest service provider to meet their needs.  Included in the website are listings for seed and tree suppliers, woodlot management consultants and ecological restoration consultants.  The website also contains information on woodlot management and forest conservation bylaws.

Trees Ontario

Trees Ontario is a not-for-profit organization that focuses on the re-greening of Ontario through tree planting in both rural and urban areas.  Trees Ontario provides financial and practical assistance to landowners in Ontario wishing to plant trees on their properties.  The expertise of Trees Ontario partners (including Conservation Authorities, Stewardship Councils, provincial government agencies, members of the forest industry and tree nurseries) is used to ensure that tree planting projects match appropriate species to local conditions.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Trees Ontario, the Ontario Forestry Association and local planting agencies provide free tree planting workshops for landowners.  The workshops focus on tree planting techniques and programs and incentives available to landowners.  Visit the Trees Ontario website to find out if there is an upcoming workshop in your area.

For more information, contact Trees Ontario at 416-646-1193 or 1-877-646-1193 or info@treesontario.on.ca.

Urban Landowner Programs

We all leave a footprint on the earth, no matter how small our space.  If you live in an urban or suburban neighbourhood with less than two acres of land, you have a role as a land steward. There are many things you can do to contribute to the health of your community.  For example, take the time to consider your landscape practices.  Does your property require high maintenance and a large number of resources such as fertilizers, pesticides, and watering? Have you naturalized any areas of your property?  Do you compost and/or recycle? Do you collect rainwater for your garden?  Do you try to use plants that require less water in the heat of the summer?  Do you keep your property free of debris?

Toronto and Region Conservation’s Stewardship Program often offers workshops on topics such as Organic Lawn Care, Energy Conservation for Your Home, Native Plants, and Green Technology.  Check the events calendar at www.trca.on.ca or the websites and events calendars for your municipality, township, local community centre or library.  You can download fact sheets from http://trca.on.ca/get-involved/stewardship/healthy-yards-program/ including:

• Organic Lawn Care
• Naturescaping
• Bird Gardens
• Butterfly Gardens
• Landscaping for Energy Conservation

Check with your local Conservation Authority about possible technical or financial assistance for urban landowners.

Well Wise and Well Aware

Well Wise is a non-profit organization.  For comprehensive water testing, visit their web site at www.wellwise.ca.  The web site also contains a wealth of well-related information.

Well Aware is a project of Green Communities Canada.  This project has received funding support from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment.  Technical support is provided by the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario.  Well Aware offers free educational onsite visits to rural homeowners with well and septic systems.  The visit is confidential and non-regulatory and helps point homeowners in the right direction for solutions to well and septic issues, keeping groundwater clean for safe drinking water.  Durham Sustain Ability offers the program in Durham Region.  

For more information, contact Janelle Andrews, Program Coordinator at 905-427-0061 or janelle@sustain-ability.ca.

There are 36 Conservation Authorities throughout Ontario and most have been around for more than 50 years, created after the massive flooding caused by Hurricane Hazel.  Conservation Authorities are mandated through the Conservation Authorities Act to ensure the conservation, restoration and responsible management of Ontario's water, land and natural habitats through programs that balance human, environmental and economic needs. They work to ensure clean water, prevent flooding, reduce erosion, preserve wildlife habitat and collectively operate more than 400 Conservation Areas that provide recreation, research opportunities and outdoor education for students of all ages.

In Durham Region there are five Conservation Authorities. These Conservation Authorities are governed by elected boards representing member municipalities.  They play a key role in helping municipal, provincial and federal governments manage the land and water resources in Durham Region.  Conservation Authorities employ planners, biologists, engineers, educators, technicians, administrators and field staff to provide many services such as: flood forecasting and warning, regulation and enforcement, planning (including municipal plan review) and permitting, watershed management planning, environmental monitoring, environmental education, stewardship, natural heritage systems and strategies, and recreational opportunities.

Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority

100 Whiting Avenue, Oshawa, ON L1H 3T3
Phone: (905) 579-0411

Fax: (905) 579-0994
E-mail: mail@cloca.com

Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority

P.O. Box 328, Port Hope, ON L1A 3W4
Phone: (905) 885-8173

Fax: (905) 885-9824
E-mail: info@grca.on.ca

Kawartha Conservation Authority

277 Kenrei Park Road, R. R. #1, Lindsay, ON K9V 4R1
Phone:(705) 328-2271

Fax: (705) 328-2286
E-mail: geninfo@kawarthaconservation.com

Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority

Box 282, 120 Bayview Parkway, Newmarket, ON L3Y 4X1

Phone : (905) 895-1281

Fax: (905) 853-5881
E-mail: info@lsrca.on.ca

Toronto and Region  Conservation Authority

5 Shoreham Drive, Downsview, ON M3N 1S4
Phone: (416) 661-6600

FAX: (416) 661-6898
E-mail: info@trca.on.ca

Each Conservation Authority has jurisdiction over one or several watersheds.  A watershed is an area of land upon which all melting snow and rainwater drain into a common body of water like a river, creek, or lake, or into the groundwater.  Like most natural features, a watershed may cross several municipal boundaries.  Many of the watersheds in Durham Region begin in the Oak Ridges Moraine, flowing north or south to another water body (Lake Ontario or Lake Simcoe).  

Flood Forecasting and Warning

Conservation Authorities maintain a flood forecasting and warning system.  The purpose of the system is to reduce risk to life and damage to property by providing local agencies and the public with advanced notice, information and advice so that they can respond to potential flooding and flood emergencies.  A flood is defined as a situation where water levels in a watercourse exceed the channel banks.  Flooding in Ontario is a fairly common occurrence.

Conservation Authorities monitor, on an ongoing basis, weather forecasts and watershed conditions at locations across each watershed.  Water level and related information is remotely collected through an extensive network of stream gauges, rain gauges, snow course sites and staff gauges.  Staff’s extensive knowledge combined with historic data on extreme weather and watershed conditions is used to develop a flood forecast.  When spring snowmelt or severe storms are anticipated, Conservation Authorities estimate the severity, location and timing of possible flooding, and provide these forecasts to local agencies.

When conditions warrant, Conservation Authorities will issue a warning to local agencies (municipalities, emergency services, local media, school boards and government agencies) using one of the following types of messages.

SAFETY BULLETIN is a general notice that potential conditions exist that pose a risk to personal safety.  Flood Safety Bulletins may be posted when streams are flowing at near bank full levels, when ice conditions are unsafe, or when stream banks are icy, soft, and/or slippery.

FLOOD ADVISORY is a notice of the potential for flooding to occur in the near future and that measures should be taken to prepare for a possible emergency.  Flood Advisories may be updated depending upon weather and runoff conditions, and will be followed by a notice of cancellation once the potential for flooding has passed.

FLOOD WARNING is a notice that flooding is imminent or occurring and that action is required by municipalities and emergency services.  Flood Warnings may be updated depending upon weather and runoff conditions, and will be followed by a notice of cancellation once the potential for flooding has passed.

LAKE ONTARIO SHORELINE HAZARD WARNING is a notice that critical high water levels and waves are imminent or occurring, which could result in shoreline flooding and/or erosion. This warning will be issued to the municipalities and emergency services.

Planning and Regulation

Durham Region Conservation Authorities play a significant role in natural resource conservation and management, by providing input into development proposals through planning review and regulation of development through the Conservation Authorities Act.  Planning review includes input into development proposals submitted by municipalities, developers and the general public.  Proposals can include official plans, comprehensive zoning by-laws, plans of subdivision, severances, site plans and minor variances.

The Minister of Natural Resources approved Development, Interference and Alteration Regulations to be consistent with Ontario Regulation 97/04 of the Conservation Authorities Act. Through this regulation, Conservation Authorities regulate:

• development in river or stream valleys, wetlands, shorelines and hazardous lands and associated allowances; and
• the straightening, changing, diverting or interfering in any way with the existing channel of a river, creek, stream or watercourse, or the changing or interfering in any way with a wetland.

Watershed Management Planning

The purpose of watershed management planning is to develop locally driven plans that will create a framework to guide the conservation, management, rehabilitation and enhancement of watersheds and their resources.  It is expected that a watershed management plan will promote awareness of water issues in the face of increasing urbanization and resource demands.  Each Conservation Authority is responsible for preparing a watershed management plan for each priority watershed within its jurisdiction.

A watershed management plan is developed in cooperation with a number of stakeholders, and is based on extensive scientific research, field work and public consultation.  Watershed plans are tools used to assist governments in making responsible management choices about watercourses and their surrounding environments.  They are updated every few years as progress on implementation is tracked, as new ways of thinking emerge, and as conditions in the watershed and in the communities change. 

The watershed management planning process is needed for sound land use planning and, in some places, is required under the provincial Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan.  Generally, the topics covered within a watershed plan include groundwater quantity and quality, surface water quantity and quality, terrestrial natural heritage, aquatic habitat and species, public health and well being, and community heritage.

Environmental Monitoring

Environmental monitoring is an important aspect of all programs administered at a Conservation Authority.  Scientific, defensible data and information is required to provide sound decision making regarding local watersheds and resources.  Data sharing is also an important aspect of local watershed management in which data collected by a Conservation Authority is used by local municipal, provincial and federal decision makers.  Other agency data is also used by Conservation Authorities to increase local watershed and resource understanding.

Each Conservation Authority collects and analyzes long-term data on watershed health using a variety of indicators including ground and surface water quality (chemical and biological sampling), groundwater and surface water quantity, surface water flow, groundwater and surface water interactions, aquatic habitat and species and terrestrial habitat and indicator species.

Environmental Education

Conservation Authorities in Durham Region offer many educational programs for both school children and adults.  Conservation Areas are great places for outdoor recreation, where families can enjoy the wonders of nature and receive educational programs.  Today, most children live in cities, far away from our natural world.  For many, a visit to a local nature centre in a school education program is often their first experience with nature.

Since today’s students are going to be making tomorrow’s decisions about our environment, it is

essential that they understand our relationship with nature.  For the past 30 years, Conservation Authorities across Ontario have been offering important environmental education opportunities to more than 400,000 students from 80% of Ontario’s school boards.  Most of the programs meet provincial curriculum standards and focus on environmental issues that are important today.  Conservation Authority environmental education programs complement and enhance classroom lessons by providing students with hands-on activities.

Stewardship

Conservation Authorities have a long history of working with landowners in the planning and delivery of watershed stewardship initiatives and projects.  Conservation Authority staff help develop technical tools to monitor and assess the state of our watersheds, provide advice and technical assistance, including information on funding programs, to private landowners implementing projects, promote community involvement, build partnerships with all levels of government, environmental groups, businesses, residents and landowners and create a variety of  educational resources.  Funding may be available to help offset costs of project implementation. 

This aspect of the role of Conservation Authorities is described in much greater detail in Private Land Stewardship section of this Directory.

Natural Heritage Systems and Strategies

Terrestrial natural heritage includes plants, animals and natural communities associated with the land such as forests, meadows and rare habitat types such as tallgrass prairie and sand barrens.  It also includes wetlands and plants and animals that require land for at least part of their life cycle, such as amphibians and waterfowl.

A natural heritage system consists of all the natural cover in a region.  It is called a system because of the interactions and dependencies between and among its parts.  A natural heritage system demonstrates how existing natural communities interact with one another, but a system can also be modelled to show where additions to a system would create benefits to the existing natural heritage system.

A natural heritage strategy is a planning document that provides recommendations to address many terrestrial natural heritage conservation issues such as habitat fragmentation, habitat patch isolation, invasive species, roads, urbanization, atmospheric pollution and climate change.  It also uses a natural heritage system to promote positive actions to address conservation issues.

Conservation Authorities are working with many agencies to develop local natural heritage systems and strategies.

Recreational Opportunities

Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities collectively own and operate over 400 Conservation Areas with a total area of 58,400 hectares, making Conservation Authorities one of the largest property owners in the province.  Over 250 Conservation Areas are accessible to the public. They play an important environmental, educational and recreational role in Ontario and contribute to the physical and mental wellbeing of the more than 4.5 million Ontarians who visit them each year.  Ontario’s Conservation Areas include more than 7,900 campsites and 1,900 km of trails. Almost five million campers and day users (4.9 million) visited a Conservation Area in 2006 alone.

Conservation Areas encourage people to get outdoors and be active, as well as enjoy and appreciate nature. They provide year-round facilities and outdoor recreational opportunities for people of all ages and range of abilities, including picnicking, boating, camping, swimming, hiking, fishing, cycling, snow-shoeing, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and even more extreme recreational opportunities such as snowboarding, rock climbing and ice climbing.

Although some Conservation Areas have limited access in order to protect sensitive lands and/or wildlife, many provide important public recreational opportunities at low or no cost.

Conservation Authorities within Durham Region own and operate many Conservation Areas that promote and offer many recreational opportunities. Some of these Conservation Areas are described in much greater detail in the Special Natural Heritage Spaces section of this Directory.

Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority

P.O. Box 328, Port Hope, ON L1A 3W4
Phone: (905) 885-8173

Fax: (905) 885-9824
E-mail: info@grca.on.ca

Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority

100 Whiting Avenue, Oshawa, ON L1H 3T3
Phone: (905) 579-0411

FAX: (905) 579-0994
E-mail: mail@cloca.com

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority

5 Shoreham Drive, Downsview, ON M3N 1S4
Phone: (416) 661-6600

Fax: (416) 661-6898
E-mail: info@trca.on.ca

Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority

Box 282, 120 Bayview Parkway, Newmarket, ON L3Y 4X1

Phone : (905) 895-1281

Fax : (905) 853-5881
E-mail: info@lsrca.on.ca

Kawartha Conservation Authority

277 Kenrei Park Road, R. R. #1, Lindsay, ON K9V 4R1
Phone:(705) 328-2271

FAX: (705) 328-2286
E-mail: geninfo@kawarthaconservation.com

Durham Region is the largest geographic region within the greater Toronto Area (GTA). As the Region grows, careful planning and regard for the benefits of green space will help ensure a healthy and sustainable place to live, work and place.

The preservation of known provincially and regionally significant areas (wetlands, Areas of natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI's) and Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs)) within Durham Region is recognized in municipal planning documents and offered some degree of protection in the Provincial Policy Statement.  However, many locally significant areas have not been recognized.  It is understood that not all green space will be judged worthy of retention by decision-makers but, nonetheless, many local environmental groups have formed around specific green space issues.  Some have been successful, others have lost the fight and still others have won compromises.  The thread that connects these groups and individuals is the string belief that "we do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children".  It is essential to the life of the planet and humankind that some natural areas remain intact and free from the threat of development.  A common target is 30% of the land base.

The following includes descriptions of key forests and various woodlots, valleylands, wetlands and watersheds.

Altona Forest

Altona Forest is a 54-hectare (133 acre) wooded area located in the City of Pickering.  The forest is bounded by Rosebank Rd., Finch Ave, Altona Rd, and Sheppard Ave and is located within the Petticoat Creek watershed.  The forest is surrounded by housing development on east, west and south and by a hydro corridor on the north. There are more than four kilometres of hiking trails in Altona Forest used for hiking and wildlife viewing.  The primary parking lot is located along Altona Rd, and there are number of additional public entrances along the surrounding residential streets and the adjoining hydro corridor.  The property is owned by Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and managed in partnership with the Altona Forest Stewardship Committee. 

There is little evidence of Aboriginal occupation of this area although an arrowhead was found during an archaeological study and the village of Gandatsekiagon was located nearby.  Early European settlers cleared the land, but because of the rocks and shallow top soil, crop farming was abandoned and the land was allowed to regenerate into a forest.  In 1948, the then well established forest was used by Dr. J. Murray and Doris Speirs, as a centre for environmental studies.  During the 1960s, developers assembled properties in Pickering, including much of Altona Forest, for future residential development.  As plans were proceeding for development, a number of residents and naturalists recognized the significance of the area and formed the Friends of Altona Forest. Studies were conducted which verified the environmental significance of the area.  In 1999, the Altona Forest Stewardship Committee was established.  This committee continues to work with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority to rehabilitate the forest, develop strategies for community uses and preserve the natural environment.

Altona Forest is a designated Area of Natural and Scientific Interest and an Environmentally Significant Area.  Altona Forest contains wetlands, woodlands and Rosebank Creek, a tributary of Petticoat Creek which crosses briefly into Altona Forest on the west side. The forest contributes to the bioregion's greenspace network and is connected to the Rouge-Duffins Wildlife Corridor on the north side.  The dominant trees include hemlock, maple, birch, beech, pine and cedar.  Some of the trees have been dated at 160+ years old. There are two significant amphibian ponds.  Altona Forest wildlife includes more than 125 species of song birds which either live in or pass through the forest, red tailed hawks, a herd of deer, a pack of coyotes, three species of owls and a diverse variety of wildflowers.

Beaver River Wetlands

The Beaver River wetland complex is 2,246 hectares (5,548 acres) in total and remains relatively intact except for a few concession roads which cross it.  The wetland complex provides habitat for wildlife, acts as a filter to improve water quality and stores large amounts of spring runoff preventing flooding downstream.  The portion of the wetland in Scugog Township has been designated a Regionally Significant Area of Natural and Scientific Interest.

The wetland, much of which remains inaccessible, provides vital wildlife habitat.  A mix of swamp and marsh in an agricultural setting, this wetland is one of the most productive areas for waterfowl breeding in the Lake Simcoe watershed.  In addition to the ducks and geese nesting here, the wetland is also habitat for a number of rare species including Black Tern, Least Bittern, butternut and wild rice.  During spring and fall migration thousands of songbirds travel this habitat corridor between their summer and winter territories.

Due to the size of this wetland, and the habitat values and other ecosystem services it provides, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority has made its acquisition and protection as public land a priority.  Since 1993 Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority has been purchasing and receiving donations of land within this wetland, with the help of Durham Region, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada, the Ontario Heritage Trust and a significant private donation from Ms Katherine Symons.  With the help of these partners Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority has secured 313 ha (774 ac) of the wetland complex to date.  The remainder of the wetland remains privately owned.

Beaver River Wetland Conservation Area is situated along the Beaver River in Brock Township, Scugog Township and the City of Kawartha Lakes.  It is in one of the largest and most environmentally significant wetlands in Durham Region and the Lake Simcoe watershed.  It is located near the communities of Blackwater, Sunderland and Cannington. 

Functionally, Beaver River Wetland Conservation Area consists of two parts, an abandoned rail line (originally part of the Toronto-Nipissing line that brought wood and wheat from Georgian Bay and points beyond to southern Ontario prior to construction of the Welland Canal) and a Provincially Significant Wetland.  The adjacent land use is primarily agricultural.

The abandoned rail line has been converted to a recreational trail which stretches along the western side of the Beaver River, from Blackwater to Cannington.  This trail provides almost 13 kilometres of easy hiking, cycling and nature appreciation beside the wetland.  There are no formal trailheads or parking lots, but the trail can be accessed from any of the places it crosses municipal roads, or from the communities of Blackwater, Sunderland and Cannington.  Canoes can also access the wetland at any of these locations.  During the winter this trail forms part of the extensive province-wide system of snowmobile trails and is maintained with the assistance of the Heart of Ontario Snowmobile Club.  Of particular interest along this trail are several old trestle bridges which span the meandering river. 

Bowmanville Westside Marshes Conservation Area

The Bowmanville Westside Marshes Conservation Area is an 82-hectare (203 acre) Conservation Area located at the Lake Ontario shoreline south of the town of Bowmanville.  It is accessed from West Beach Road west of Port Darlington Road.  The Conservation Area is owned by Central Lake Ontario Conservation and includes two Provincially Significant  Wetlands, Westside Marsh and Bowmanville Marsh.  These wetlands along with their associated valleylands to the north, connecting east-west uplands and interactions with the adjacent Lake Ontario, create a diverse mix of vegetation communities and habitats that are extremely important to many resident and migrating wildlife populations.

The Conservation Area is surrounded by a variety of land uses including residential communities, the Waterfront Trail, water treatment and supply facilities, marinas, industrial, commercial and transportation corridors.  Historically this landscape was initially altered by glacial retreat about 10,000 years ago, leaving a landscape with vast forest stands and a diversity of habitat and wildlife. Prehistoric First Nations populations in this area were likely devastated by European diseases, similar to other populations across Southern Ontario.  French explorers likely passed through the area during the 1600s and 1700s, because French musket balls have been uncovered in some archaeological digs in the area.  There was likely no permanent settlement here as the wetlands did not offer the riches of the fur trade found further north, but their presence is attributed to the name for Bowmanville Creek, which was called Barbours Creek, after a local French trader.

By the late 1700s much of the Bowmanville and Westside Marshes and their respective watersheds, were exposed to a number of human influences, including land clearing for settlement and agriculture, unregulated fishing, hunting and trapping, harbour and mining operations and rapid urban expansion.  During the 1800s, one of Bowmanville's biggest commodities was supplying cordwood for wood-burning steamers on Lake Ontario.  In conjunction with land clearing/burning for agriculture and wood harvesting for ship building, the once dense, unbroken forest was quickly reduced to the occasional woodlot.  The area of Port Darlington offered a suitable harbour for steamers, making this an attractive summer resort destination and a cottage community in the 1890s. 

The Bowmanville Westside Marshes are typical of coastal marshes found in the Great Lakes today.  They consist of emergent and submergent vegetation with swamp or shrub scrub at the upland margins and a barrier beach which separates the wetland from Lake Ontario.  Water level control management for shipping and flood management in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River has impacted the overall health of these wetlands since the 1950s.  

Westside Marsh provides natural heritage functions at varying times of the year to numerous provincially significant bird species including Least Bittern and Bald Eagle.  The wetlands are extremely important to migrating waterfowl as areas suitable for rest stops and temporary feeding grounds between their breeding and wintering areas.  Green Heron, Great-blue Heron and Black-crowned Night-Heron have been observed foraging within the marshes.  Ospreys have been observed using the nesting platforms installed during the reconfiguration of the Westside Marsh.  A significant warm water fish population exists in the Westside Marsh including Northern Pike, Brown Bullhead and Yellow Perch.  The Bowmanville Marsh and its adjacent creek support migration of Rainbow Trout and Chinook Salmon in the spring and fall respectively, as they travel to spawn in the upper reaches. 

Partnerships with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Ducks Unlimited Canada, the Municipality of Clarington and local residents have assisted with providing public access to this unique conservation area.  A 2.5-kilometre hard surfaced hiking trail leads visitors through meadow and woodlot habitat with viewing stations providing lookouts to both the Westside and Bowmanville Marshes.  Hiking, informal picnicking and wildlife viewing are popular activities at the Bowmanville Westside Marshes.  Access to the Waterfront Trail is possible from the main paid parking lot.

Carruthers Creek Marsh and Warbler Swamps

The Carruthers Creek wetland complex, including the Warbler swamps and Carruthers Creek coastal marsh, is a Provincially Significant Wetland complex, including both Environmentally Significant Areas and Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest.  The entire wetland complex is approximately 140 hectares (346 acres), including the 38 hectare (94 acre) Carruthers Creek Marsh ESA.  The wetland complex is located in the southern portion of the Carruthers Creek Watershed within the Town of Ajax and is bisected by Shoal Point Rd.  Approximately 75 hectares (185 acres) of the wetland complex is owned by Toronto and Region Conservation, under management agreement with the Town of Ajax.  The multi-use trails on the wetland complex property are used by walkers and cyclists and provide connections to the Waterfront Trail.  Adjacent to the wetland is a low-density residential neighbourhood. 

The wetland complex is somewhat accessible by public road.  The primary public use area is located by Ashbury Blvd and Audley Rd S.  This area, called Lakeside Waterfront Park, provides public access to the wetland as well as parking, an Open Air Amphitheatre, pavilion, and playground.   This park also provides access to Lake Ontario, with the Waterfront Trail running along the western and northern boundary of Carruthers Marsh. 

The Carruthers Creek wetland complex contains wooded swamp, coastal marsh and beach vegetation communities.  Before European settlement, coastal wetland meadow marshes and treed swamps were a common ecosystem along the Lake Ontario shoreline. Many of these areas were drained and cleared for agriculture.  The Carruthers Creek wetland complex is an important remaining example of this type of ecosystem.  Over 75% of the wetland complex is dominated by swamp which makes this area unique among Durham Region's coastal wetlands.  This area provides habitat for many woodland and wetland species.  The area is known to support over 65 species of birds including the Veery, American Woodcock, Canada Warbler and Magnolia Warbler.  The swamp also provides habitat for amphibians such as the Wood Frog. 

Duffins Creek Marsh

Duffins Creek Marsh is 69-hectares (170 acres) in size, including a 41-hectare portion (101 acre) that is a Provincially Significant Wetland and an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest.  The marsh separates the municipalities of Pickering and Ajax at the Lake Ontario shoreline.  The western side of the marsh can be accessed by Squire's Beach Rd.  The eastern part of Duffins Marsh is located west of Rotary Park in Ajax.  There is parking in Rotary Park, as well as access to the Waterfront Trail which links the east and west sides of the marsh.  Connection is also provided to the Trans Canada Trail north towards Bayly St. on the east side of the marsh.  There is a launch ramp for small boats in Rotary Park.  The trails are well used by walkers, hikers and cyclists.  Duffins Creek Marsh is bordered by urban development, both residential and commercial.  The property is owned by Toronto and Region Conservation, which manages the property in partnership with the Town of Ajax and the City of Pickering.

The area surrounding Duffins Creek Marsh was used for agriculture by the European settlers.  In the 1950s, there was very little forest remaining adjacent to the marsh.  Gravel was extracted on the west shore of the creek mouth.  A pioneer cemetery is present on the west shore of the marsh a short distance from Lake Ontario.

The Duffins Creek coastal marsh is one of the healthiest coastal marshes in Durham Region.  This marsh is located on the West side of Duffins Creek, and includes three lagoons, a dynamic sandy beach, mature forests, and meadows.  The marsh is very important to a variety of species because it serves as a transition area between the creek and lake.  It provides important breeding habitat and food for migrating birds, fish and other wildlife species. 

Duffins Marsh has a diversity of vegetation types in its four main habitat types.  Aquatic plants such as cattails, rushes, and reeds are extensive around the marsh.  Young willows overhang the marsh, and mature willows can be found along the sandy beach.  The meadows contain remnants of old orchards along with a variety of wildflowers and shrubs such as hawthorn and dogwood.  The woodlot contains mature hardwoods such as maple, birch, and beech.  In the spring, the forest floor is covered in trilliums. 

Duffins Marsh is an excellent place to view waterfowl, marsh dependent birds, and song birds which all depend upon the marsh as a migratory and breeding habitat.  The western part of Duffins Marsh is a particularly good place in late summer and fall to see shorebirds, herons, egrets, and ducks.  Gulls and terns roost, and sparrows and warblers are seen feeding on the shrubs in migration.  Native Trumpeter Swans also breed within the marsh.  Herpetiles regularly encountered include the Painted Turtle, Common Snapping Turtle, Eastern Garter Snake, American Toad, Leopard Frog, and Green Frog.

Durham East Cross Forest Conservation Area

The Durham East Cross Forest Conservation Area is a 458-hectare (1131 acre) property owned by Kawartha Conservation located in the southeast corner of the Township of Scugog at the intersection of Boundary and Murphy Roads.  It is located at the headwaters of East Cross Creek (a tributary of the Scugog River) close to the Long Sault Conservation Area.  Durham Region and the Township of Scugog are partners in managing the Conservation Area.  Adjacent land uses are agricultural, production of aggregate materials, rural development, forest, marsh and parkland.  There is an abandoned homestead on the property.

The Conservation Area contains key natural heritage features that are important in maintaining the integrity of the Oak Ridges Moraine, and provides significant hydrological functions with regard to the East Cross Creek headwaters region.  There are 118 hectares of natural terrestrial communities including forest types dominated by oak, poplar, sugar maple and white pine.  There is also an open sand barren ecosite, five hectares of wetland communities and plantations of red pine, white pine, and white spruce.  Areas of Scots pine plantation and natural reproduction are present, now in various stages of conversion to natural woodlands.  A management plan for this property was completed in 2009.

Among the 113 species of fauna found at the Durham East Cross Forest Conservation Area include Grasshopper Sparrow, Northern Goshawk, Whip-poor-will, Wood Thrush and Black Bear.  The 335 species of flora (254 native) include butternut and prairie buttercup.

There is a 1.9-kilometre multi-user loop trail that is accessed from the parking lot at Devitt's Road.  The trail is used by bird watchers, hikers, cross country skiers and cyclists.  A part of this trail, in conjunction with other trails, provides a link with a regional recreational snowmobile trail, and is used by members of the Ontario Snowmobile Association during the winter months.  Recreational motorized ATV vehicle activity is prohibited in all seasons.  The Conservation Area is close to the Oak Ridges Trail.

Durham Regional Forest

Situated just south of Uxbridge, the Durham Regional Forest consists of six separate properties or 'tracts' with a total area of 596 ha (1,472 acres).  This forest is owned by the Region of Durham, and managed by the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, with input from a Stakeholder Advisory Committee.  The surrounding land use is primarily rural residential.  It is adjacent to the East Duffins Headwaters Complex of natural areas, which includes the Glen Major Forest and Walker Woods.  The Durham District School Board maintains the Durham Forest Environmental Education Centre here, which provides hands-on environmental education for primary school students.

The Durham Regional Forest is located on the Oak Ridges Moraine, in the headwaters of the Uxbridge and Pefferlaw Brooks.  The northernmost portion of the Forest has been identified as a Provincially Significant Area of Natural and Scientific Interest in recognition of its quality as an example of moraine development and topography. 

Early settlers, unaware of the soil conditions on the moraine, cleared the original forest.  By the early 1900s the combination of exposed sand and droughty conditions led to severe erosion here and elsewhere on the moraine. In 1911, Ontario County (now Durham Region) began purchasing these lands, and began reforesting them with help from the Ontario Department of Lands and Forests beginning in 1926.  Since that time, forest management efforts have continued to support forest restoration in these tracts.  Selective thinning to remove mature conifers from the forest has promoted the establishment of a greater diversity of native deciduous trees.  Currently the forest consists of a mix of remnant plantations, hardwood and mixed wood stands.

The forest provides important ecological services including a contribution to watercourse base flows and groundwater recharge by protecting vital recharge areas, providing flood protection for the watersheds that flow from the properties, and offering a wide variety of education and non-motorized recreation opportunities.  In addition, the forest provides habitat for a wide range of wildlife species, many of whom require large forests such as this for breeding habitat.  Examples of such area-sensitive species include woodpeckers, thrushes, vireos, and over a dozen species of warbler.

There are over 16 kilometres of trails in four marked loops as well as numerous secondary trails throughout the main tract of Durham Forest which provide an opportunity for hiking, biking, horseback riding or skiing on the rolling topography of the moraine.  The main tract of the Forest can be accessed from a parking lot on the 7^th Concession of Uxbridge.  Many of the smaller tracts, which also have recreational trails, have small parking lots on adjacent Concession roads.  The Forest is also part of a larger complex of public protected areas, including the East Duffins Headwaters owned by Toronto and Region Conservation, and the Town of Uxbridge's Countryside Preserve.

Enniskillen Conservation Area

Enniskillen Conservation Area was originally a 65-hectare (161 acre) property, located in the Municipality of Clarington (west of the village of Enniskillen) in the headwaters of the Bowmanville Creek watershed in the provincially significant Oak Ridges Moraine. It is accessed from Holt Road north of Concession Road 7.  The Conservation Area was established by Central Lake Ontario Conservation to help protect a naturally occurring wet cedar forest along the Bowmanville Creek.  Although cedar is the dominant species of the area, many other types of vegetation are associated with this forest and a variety of bird and wildlife species make their homes within this dense forest cover.  Common bird species include Ruffed Grouse, Great Horned Owl, Evening Grosbeak, Brown Creeper, Ovenbird, Yellowthroat, Wild Turkey and Bobolink.  Common fish species found in the waters of Bowmanville Creek include Brook Trout and Brown Trout. 

More recently through acquisition efforts associated with the Enniskillen Valley Land Acquisition Project, 580 hectares (1,433 acres) of Environmentally Significant Area have enhanced the Enniskillen Conservation Area, further protecting the Oak Ridges Moraine, significant groundwater resources, open meadows, mature forest and wetland features in the steeply sloped headwaters of Bowmanville Creek.   A significant partnership between the regional and provincial governments, the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation and the Ontario Heritage Trust have made this land conservation effort possible.

The Enniskillen Conservation Area is part of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan Natural Linkage and Countryside Areas.  It is a major migratory corridor for wildlife, hosts a thriving coldwater fishery and is interwoven like a patchwork quilt, with a well established rural community. Recent interviews conducted with local residents and landowners in preparation for an overall stewardship plan for the properties, reported an axe, arrowheads and an old native milling stone found on the newly acquired properties.  The Enniskillen Conservation Area is well known for the Moorey Grist Mill built in 1874 that took advantage of the constant supply of water that still runs through the property today. Although the mill no longer exists, the earthen dam which held back the creek water creating the mill pond is still visible.

Land uses surrounding the Enniskillen Conservation Area include hamlet, farm and non-farm residential.  Enniskillen Conservation Area currently offers a number of recreational opportunities including hiking, snowshoeing, wildlife viewing and environmental education with more than three kilometres of trails and boardwalks.  Parking is available in the Conservation Area.  An Environmental Education Centre is available to Durham Region schools for curriculum based programs that incorporate hands-on outdoor learning.  Many free family events are planned each year at the Centre including the annual Owl Prowl and other themed nature hikes.  There are also two picnic areas that may be reserved for large family or corporate gatherings of up to one hundred people. 

Frenchman's Bay and Hydro Marsh

Frenchman's Bay (71 hectares, 175 acres) and Hydro Marsh (25 hectares, 62 acres) are two Provincially Significant Wetlands on the north shore of Lake Ontario.  These coastal wetlands each consist of a shallow lagoon, separated from Lake Ontario by a natural sand and gravel beach barrier.  These coastal wetlands provide important natural linkages, breeding habitat and food for migrating birds, fish, and other wildlife species.  Frenchman's Bay is quite heavily used by boaters but remains an excellent opportunity for wildlife viewing, particularly birds.  Hydro Marsh and Alex Robertson Park are owned by Ontario Power Generation.  Alex Robertson Park is managed by the City of Pickering.  Hydro Marsh can be viewed from Alex Robertson Park, which contains hiking trails and an interpretive sculpture installation.  Land use around Frenchman's Bay is primarily residential.  Several municipal parks are located along the shore of Frenchman's Bay.

Frenchman's Bay is located south of Bayly Street and west of Liverpool Road in the City of Pickering.  The north end of the Bay can be viewed from the West Shore Community Centre.  Access to the southwest corner of the Bay is from West Shore Boulevard and access to the southeast corner of the Bay and to Hydro Marsh is from the south end of Liverpool Road.  Alex Robertson Park is accessed from the west side of Sandy Beach Road, south of Bayly Street.  Parking is available at all these locations.

Frenchman's Bay and Hydro Marsh are excellent places to view waterfowl such as herons, terns, swans and ducks.  Cattail stands are found along the north shore of Frenchman's Bay and the west side of Hydro Marsh. The marsh areas are bordered by meadows dominated by goldenrod, aster, milkweed, and thistle.  Butterflies such as Monarch and Black Swallowtail can be found in the meadows surrounding the Bay.  Trees such as poplars and maples grow along the edges of the meadows, and willows and grasses grow along the sand dunes of the barrier beach.   The marshes provide breeding grounds for amphibians and reptiles such as American Toad, Green Frog, Leopard Frog, Painted Turtle and Common Snapping Turtle.  Muskrats are typical mammals found within the cattails.  The Alex Robertson Park woodlot adjacent to Hydro Marsh contains such wildflowers as may-apple, trout lily and trillium.

Ganaraska Forest

The virgin pine forests on the Oak Ridges Moraine were virtually removed by excessive logging in the 1800s and early 1900s.  The many negative environmental responses included soil erosion and severe downstream flooding.  In order to address this issue the Province commissioned a Report on the Ganaraska Watershed, which was published in 1944.  The Ganaraska Watershed Report and passing of the Conservation Authorities Act led to the formation of the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority in 1946 and the subsequent reforestation of the area.  One of the largest reforestation projects in Ontario occurred in the 1940s and created a forest which is now known as the Ganaraska Forest. 

Today, the Ganaraska Forest is the largest continuous forest in southern Ontario covering almost 4,600 hectares (11,362 acres) in the Ganaraska River watershed portion of the Oak Ridges Moraine.  It is located primarily in the Municipalities of Clarington and Port Hope.  The Ganaraska Forest is a regionally significant natural space owned and managed by Ganaraska  Conservation, with assistance from many volunteer and user groups.  It contains wetlands, woodlands (including some remnant natural stands), plantations (mainly red pine), open fields and tall grass prairie remnants.  The Ganaraska Forest includes Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest, supports a wide variety of flora and fauna (notably upland wildlife species), and provides a sustainable timber harvest.    Adjacent land use is a combination of agricultural and rural residential.

In order to sustainably manage the Ganaraska Forest, a Forest Management Plan was created.  A number of objectives are identified in the plan, including the conservation and protection of the headwaters of the Ganaraska River, the protection of heritage resources in the forest, the maintenance of wildlife habitat and the provision for outdoor recreation and education.  The Ganaraska Forest is continually expanded through land donations and purchases by public agencies such as Ganaraska Conservation.

The Ganaraska Forest supports many recreational opportunities and the Ganaraska Forest Centre.  Every year thousands of visitors come to the Ganaraska Forest Centre to appreciate nature, hike, mountain bike, horseback ride, ATV, dirt bike, snowmobile, cross-country ski and snowshoe.  The recreational services provided occur through a membership or day user fee, and information services are provided at the gatehouse. The main entrance to the gatehouse is from Coldsprings Camp Road.  Parking is available. There are many kilometres of designated hiking, cross country ski and motorized trails to support the recreational activities.

Since 1978, GRCA has been providing unique outdoor education experiences to elementary and secondary students in the heart of the Ganaraska Forest. Recently, the Ganaraska Forest Centre has been redeveloped as a multi-use facility providing student and adult education.  Students take back wonderful memories from their Ganaraska Adventure and a greater interest in and sense of responsibility for our natural environment.

Glen Major Forest and Walker Woods

The Glen Major Forest and Walker Woods property complex is more than 1,500 hectares (3,705 acres) of land located on the Oak Ridges Moraine in the headwaters of the Duffins Creek watershed.  The complex includes the Glen Major Resource Tract, the Wilder Woods Tract, and the Aggregate Trail (former Timbers Brothers Gravel Pit).  The boundaries stretch from Brock Road and Lakeridge Road in the east and west, to Goodwood Road and Regional Road #5 in the north and south.  Public parking is available along Concessions 6 and 7. 

Glen Major Forest and Walker Woods is owned by Toronto and Region Conservation, which manages the property in partnership with the Glen Major Walker Woods Stewardship Committee, consisting of local community members.  The majority of the property is located in the Township of Uxbridge with the southern boundary extending into the City of Pickering.  The site contains 47-km of trails and is open to hikers, cross-country skiers, horseback riders and cyclists.

Glen Major Forest and Walker Woods is located within the southern portion of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence floristic region, which is comprised of mixed coniferous-deciduous forests.  A gravel pit once operated on the Glen Major site and is currently being restored.  The remainder of the property complex was previously used for agriculture and contains a variety of habitat including forests, meadows, and wetlands.  Old farm roads and farm building foundations are still evident.  The property complex is surrounded by agricultural land, aggregate pits and rural residential estates.

The Glen Major Forest and Walker Woods property complex is an area rich in biodiversity and incredible vistas.  The site provides the largest contiguous land holding of Toronto and Region Conservation and is characterized by its large forest complexes and rolling topography, typical of the Oak Ridges Moraine.  Containing Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest, such as the Uxbridge Forest Kames, the site provides one of the healthiest and most diverse sites in  Toronto and Region Conservation's jurisdiction.  There are also numerous Environmentally Significant Areas on the Glen Major Forest and Walker Woods property.  From the upland hardwood forests to the conifer swamps and prairie-like communities, the site contains habitat for 120 different vegetation communities, 573 vascular plant species and 107 different fauna species, including White-tailed Deer, Porcupine, Coyote and Red-shouldered Hawk. 

Greenwood Conservation Area

Greenwood Conservation Area is a multi-use park located within the Town of Ajax and the City of Pickering.  The parking lot is accessed from Westney Rd. The Conservation Area is owned by Toronto and Region Conservation and encompasses approximately 287 hectares (709 acres) of greenspace within the Duffins Creek watershed.  The southern two-thirds of the property is managed for public use by the Town of Ajax.  The area offers a variety of low- and medium-intensity public use opportunities to visitors, including hiking, cross-country skiing, picnicking, summer day camps, fishing, group camping and soccer fields.  Greenwood also is the location for seasonal festivals such as Pumpkinville and Winterfest.  The northern portion, within the City of Pickering, is less developed and contains a small trail system through successional meadows and forests. Greenwood also features conservation opportunities, former aggregate extraction sites, and forest management programs.

The Greenwood Conservation Area property had been used for lumber and for agriculture.  The remains of a Canadian Northern Railway bridge, the Oliver Bangero 'Markham Gang' gravesite and the remains of a dam can be found on the property, which is currently surrounded by agricultural land, greenspace and low-density residential development.

Greenwood's location in the developing southern portion of the Duffins Creek watershed, in close proximity to urban centers, makes it an important area for the provision of greenspace and natural ecosystem services within the surrounding urbanizing environment.  Habitats within Greenwood include mixed upland forests, coniferous plantations, cedar swamps, wetlands, meadows and riparian habitat, including two environmentally significant areas.  Many wildlife species can be found at Greenwood, including White-tailed Deer, Great Horned Owls, Wood Ducks and several species of warbler.

The 25-kilometre network of hiking trails explores all of these habitats and includes interpretive signs that educate hikers about the natural heritage of the site.  Greenwood Conservation Area also contains a vibrant fishery.  It is one of the sites where riparian habitat has been restored as a component of the Atlantic Salmon restoration program.

Heber Down Conservation Area

Heber Down Conservation Area is a 294 hectare (726 acre) property located in the Town of Whitby in the Lynde Creek watershed and owned by Central Lake Ontario Conservation.  Heber Down Conservation Area is located on the former Lake Iroquois Beach Shoreline a natural ridge that provides a scenic lookout toward Lake Ontario.  The Lake Iroquois Beach Shoreline was formed as the last glacier receded from the St. Lawrence Basin about 12,000 years ago.  The Conservation Area is accessed from Country Lane Road (north of Taunton Road) in Whitby.

Heber Down Conservation Area is the legacy of the late Heber Down, known throughout Durham Region's counties as a conservation stalwart and the 'Grand Old Man of Agriculture'.  His donations of land established the Conservation Area in 1965, within and around the original Heber Down Farm which is still visible from Highway 7 today.   Other cultural features of the site include visible remnants of the Canadian Northern Railway bridge built through the Devil's Den gully in 1910. Folklore has it that it was a layover for horse thieves at the turn of the last century.  Locals referred to their excessive noise as likely the devil himself.

The Heber Down Conservation Area is located within the Provincial Greenbelt designated area and is part of the larger Heber Down/Anderson Street Woods Forested area.  This area has a number of designations that include being an Environmentally Sensitive Area and an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI).  These significant natural heritage conditions include continuous forest cover between two branches of the Lynde Creek, local groundwater recharge functions and a high water table.  In addition, the Heber Down Wetland Complex, together with the Whitby / Oshawa Iroquois Beach Wetland Complex, located directly to the east, ensure that significant wetland features are well represented in the area.  Surrounding land use includes hamlets, urban residential, green space, agriculture and transportation corridors.

Given the diversity of the forested and adjacent natural communities, the area supports uncommon vegetation species and provides excellent habitat for a variety of wildlife.  A series of coniferous and deciduous swamps hosts a rich understory of native wildflowers and ferns like sensitive, cinnamon, royal, marsh and ostrich.   A number of fish species are found in the Lynde Creek, including Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout and Redside Dace, a species at risk.  Common mammals include Little Brown and Big Brown Bats, Showshoe Hare and Porcupine.  Birds commonly seen and heard include the Great Horned Owl, Belted Kingfisher and Ruffed Grouse. 

From the central paid parking area, there are three looped trails offering hikers varying degrees of difficulty.  The 2-kilometre Devil's Den Trail loop includes a paved path that winds along the floor of the Lynde Creek valley to the Devil's Den pond.  The 1.5-kilometre Springbank Trail loop has rugged switchbacks that climb the Lynde Creek valley slopes and offer a top of valley experience.  The 2.5-kilometre Railway Trail loop follows the former Canadian Northern Railway and loops through some of the provincially significant wetlands located in the Conservation Area.

Walkers, bird and wildlife watchers, cross country skiers, snowshoers, runners, picnickers, geocachers and anglers frequent Heber Down Conservation Area in all seasons.  A Family Fishing Day is held annually on the second last Saturday in May.

Kendal Crown Lands

The Kendal Crown Lands is a 349 hectare (862 acre) publicly owned property on the Oak Ridges Moraine managed by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and located in the Ganaraska River watershed adjacent to the Village of Kendal in the Municipality of Clarington.  The entrance to the Kendal Crown Lands is from the south side of Regional Road 9 (Ganaraska Road) west of the village.  In addition to the Village of Kendal, the Crown Lands property is bordered by agricultural and rural residential land uses.  The Kendal Crown Lands are located close to the Ganaraska Forest.  Local residents and local Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters clubs have assisted with projects on the Crown Lands over the years.

The North Ganaraska River, one of the headwater tributaries of the Ganaraska River, flows through the eastern portion of the Kendal Crown Lands, providing spawning and nursery areas for migratory Rainbow Trout and habitat for resident Brook and Brown Trout.  Several springs, seeps and small tributary streams found on the property add to this coldwater system. 

A portion of the Kendal Wetland Complex, a Provincially Significant Wetland, is found on the Kendal Crown Lands.  There are two shallow ponds, approximately 1.2 hectares (3 acres) each, found near the parking area that is accessed from Regional Road 9.

Historically, the Crown Lands property was cleared for agriculture, but was abandoned except for pasture land.  A reforestation program began in 1969 and most of the steep-sloped abandoned fields in the east and central portions of the Kendal property were planted with trees and shrubs.  The west upland area is a mature hardwood forest.  Adjacent to the North Ganaraska River in the northeast portion of the property is a natural mixed conifer forest.  Some open fields remain. 

Passive and active recreational uses of the Kendal Crown Lands include hiking, picnicking, cross-country skiing, nature appreciation, hunting and fishing.  There are trails provided, but they are neither marked nor maintained.

Lake Scugog

Lake Scugog is a 68,000 hectare (168,000 acre) body of water that extends from Durham Region into the City of Kawartha Lakes.  Lake Scugog is a shallow lake (average depth 1.4 m; maximum depth 7.6 m) with a shoreline length of 173 km (including Scugog Island).  Port Perry, the main urban centre on the lake, is located at its southwest corner.  The major tributaries of Lake Scugog are the Nonquon River and Blackstock Creek.  The outflow from the lake is through the Scugog River in the City of Kawartha Lakes.  The Lake Scugog watershed is bounded by the Oak Ridges Moraine to the south, the Beaver River watershed to the west, the East Cross Creek watershed to the east and the Mariposa Brook watershed to the north.  The Nonquon Provincial Wildlife Area is a short distance to the west.  Land use adjacent to the lake includes agricultural, urban, rural development, forest, marsh and park.

The present Lake Scugog was created in 1830 by the construction of the Purdy Dam in Lindsay which flooded of a series of small lakes along two channels on either side of Scugog Island. 

The lake is owned by Parks Canada as part of the Trent-Severn Waterway.  Many agencies share management responsibility for Lake Scugog: Trent Severn Waterway, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Scugog Township, Region of Durham, City of Kawartha Lakes, and Kawartha Conservation. Scugog Island contains the Scugog Island Crown Land Property managed by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Boating access to Lake Scugog is possible at one of the five boat launch locations around the lake, including municipal ramps at both Port Perry and Caesarea.  Lake Scugog is an excellent area for fishing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, bird watching, recreational boating, and water sports.

There are five wetlands at Lake Scugog designated as Provincially Significant Wetlands: Osler Marsh, 7 Mile Island Wetland, Nonquon River Mouth Wetland, Newman's Beach Wetland, and North End Scugog Island Wetland Complex.  These wetlands contain important breeding and migratory habitat for waterfowl and shorebirds.  The Nonquon River Mouth Wetland Complex is an important waterfowl staging and feeding area.

Lake Scugog contains a diverse fish population.  Species include Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Walleye and Black Crappie.

Aquatic plants play an integral role in supporting aquatic life in Lake Scugog.  The lake is nutrient rich, which supports increased aquatic plant and algae growth.  Excessive plant growth is the result, in part, of the introduction of invasive species into Lake Scugog, including Eurasian watermilfoil and the zebra mussel.  Milfoil is an aggressive aquatic plant that often becomes dominant in a water body where it has become introduced.  The first milfoil was found in Lake Scugog in 1975, but has declined since 1989.  Trent University and the Scugog Lake Stewards initiated experimental stocking of a milfoil weevil into Lake Scugog in the summer of 2000 to determine if it could be successful in controlling Eurasian watermilfoil .

The Lake Scugog Environmental Management Plan was initiated in 2004 by Kawartha Conservation, in collaboration with the Region of Durham and several other partners.  Research since that time has provided reliable data that identifies quantities and sources of phosphorus and nitrogen that contribute to the lush aquatic vegetation.  The plan is scheduled for completion in early 2010, with early action strategies already being implemented and further actions prescribed to address priority hot spots.

Long Sault Conservation Area

The Long Sault Conservation Area is a 507 hectare (1,253 acre) property located on the provincially significant Oak Ridges Moraine northeast of the village of Enniskillen and owned by Central Lake Ontario Conservation.  Designated as a Natural Core and Linkage Area through the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, this area's large expanse of forest is regionally significant and provides core wildlife habitat where species of concern are known to occur. Much of Long Sault Conservation Area's natural beauty can be seen from any section of the more than 18-km of well marked trails that wind throughout the property. With trails that range in difficulty from gently sloping straight trails, to technical rolling and quickly turning trails, the Long Sault Conservation Area is a favourite destination for many outdoor enthusiasts looking to pursue a number of different recreational and seasonal activities.  Paid parking is provided.

Among the aboriginal inhabitants in the area prior to European settlement was part of the Huron Nation.  They hunted, fished and trapped throughout the area.  Other native groups to inhabit the area prior to European settlement were the Iroquois, Cayuga and the Mississauga First Nations.  The Mississauga First Nations have been documented as having used Bowmanville Creek to fish for Atlantic Salmon and Lake Sturgeon.

During European settlement, the area was cleared of its forest to make way for agriculture.  It is likely that the Long Sault lands were covered by a large tract of old growth forest.  Unfortunately, complete descriptions of the forests in Southern Ontario in general by the European settlers are rare, as many of them regarded forests as an obstacle to cultivation as opposed to an asset that was worthy of describing. The light sandy soils of the Oak Ridges Moraine were highly susceptible to wind erosion, which forced many farmers to abandon their lands.  In order to stabilize the soils, many farm fields were re-forested beginning in the 1930s.  The plantations at Long Sault Conservation Area were planted under a Managed Forest Agreement with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources from 1963 to 1978 as part of the Woodlands Improvement Act. 

Long Sault Conservation Area is named after the tiny village of Long Sault, located historically about 6 kilometres northeast of the existing village of Tyrone.  Long Sault was typical of many villages scattered across Southern Ontario, consisting of a church, a school and a variety of shops and services required by the early settlers.  A number of homesteads and outbuildings remained on the Long Sault lands, completely abandoned when farming was no longer viable.  The buildings have been removed and the former agricultural lands have been allowed to regenerate back to a more natural state. 

Agriculture still exists in areas around Long Sault where new farming techniques including 'no-till' prevent the devastating erosion problems of the past.  An old landfill site located directly east of the main entrance was decommissioned in 1987. Shallow test wells and methane monitoring sites are located at various locations around the old landfill site, in order to ensure that groundwater is not contaminated and public safety is not jeopardized.

Today, the property has vegetation cover that is composed largely of coniferous/deciduous forests and pine plantations.  These forests have been deemed as highly sensitive because of their extensive size and the high degree of diversity found in the area including many uncommon plants. The valleyland to the east and southeast remain largely vegetated and have been designated as a regionally significant Life Science Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest.  The area's groundwater resources are present in the form of springs and seeps that feed the headwaters of the Bowmanville and Soper Creeks.  The tributaries in Long Sault are designated as cold water with excellent water quality attributes and a healthy population of Brook Trout and Mottled Sculpin.

More than 83 bird species migrate through or breed in the area, including six species of hawks, Barred Owl and several songbirds like Nashville Warbler, Indigo Bunting, Chipping Sparrow and Grasshopper Sparrow. Recent field work has determined that remnant tall grass prairie plants are present in some of the non-forested lands.

Lynde Shores Conservation Area

Lynde Shores Conservation Area is a 348-hectare (860 acre) property located along the north shore of Lake Ontario in the Town of Whitby at the bottom of the Lynde Creek watershed.  The Lynde Creek Conservation Area includes Lynde Creek Marsh and the neighbouring Cranberry Marsh as well as adjacent upland to make up one of the largest contiguous areas of the natural waterfront within the Greater Toronto Area.  The Conservation Area is owned by Central Lake Ontario Conservation and is accessed from either Victoria Street or Halls Road in Whitby.  Paid parking is available.

The Lynde Creek Marsh is a 130-hectare (321 acre) Provincially Significant Wetland and a regional Area of Natural and Scientific Interest.  Cranberry Marsh, also a Provincially Significant Wetland, is the smallest coastal wetland in Durham Region. At 47 hectares (116 acres) this is a popular wetland for bird watching. Viewing platforms provide numerous opportunities to see species such as Marsh Wren, Blue-winged Teal, Common Moorhen and even the secretive Virginia Rail. Since 1990, the Cranberry Marsh Raptor Watch a group of dedicated monitoring volunteers record the fall migration of thousands of raptors along this part of the Lake Ontario shoreline.

In 2001 a restoration project in partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada was implemented to manage water levels within Cranberry Marsh with the goal to increase bird community diversity and improve wetland vegetation cover.  A water control structure is operated by Central Lake Ontario Conservation which also excludes Common Carp, further protecting the restored vegetation in this wetland.  Both the Lynde Creek and Cranberry Marshes play an important role in the maintenance of water quality and water storage, acting as natural water filters to remove pollutants and sponges to prevent flooding.  They also play an important role in providing habitat for migrating and resident waterfowl and other birds, Lake Ontario fish populations, amphibians, reptiles, insects and mammals. 

Many of the artifacts found near Lynde and Cranberry Marshes indicate the importance of these water resources to prehistoric culture, European settlers and the Iroquois Nation.  A cannonball was found by on the east side of the Lynde Creek mouth, lending some authenticity to legends of minor naval skirmishes during the war of 1812. 

In the last 100 years a number of families took ownership of the land for farming, however they were never very successful.  Cranberry Marsh was drained to provide pasture and grow cranberries.  The last family to live on the land was the LeVay family who lived in a small cottage at the southeast corner of Cranberry Marsh.  They would temporarily drain the marsh to avoid periodic flooding of their cottage, unknowingly maintaining its overall health as a wetland by replicating the dynamic process that supported the integrity of the marsh. 

To the east of Cranberry Marsh, plans for a cottage type community called Eastbourne Estates, were implemented in the 1920's, with about 12 lots developed as a popular summer resort destination.  The Great Depression prevented the balance of the lots from every being developed.  In 1972, Central Lake Ontario  Conservation began the land assembly of the Lynde Shores Conservation Area, purchasing all but seven lots within the original Eastbourne Estates development that still continue today in residential use.  Today the Conservation Area is surrounded by a variety of land uses including urban residential, Provincial Greenbelt, the Waterfront Trail, agriculture, industrial and transportation corridors.

Over three kilometres of hard surfaced trails appropriate for wheelchairs and strollers wind their way through the two wetlands, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the diverse habitat and wildlife that this property offers.  There are 35 species of mammals, 14 species of amphibians and 300 species of birds and waterfowl.  As the Lynde Shores Conservation Area is an Environmentally Sensitive Area, dogs are prohibited and canoeing activities are restricted seasonally.  A canoe launch is available.  Other activities include picnicking and fishing.

McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve

At the Lake Ontario shoreline in the City of Oshawa is the McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve, which is being restored as a natural area by General Motors of Canada Limited.  General Motors owns and operates the 41 hectare (101 acre) Wildlife Reserve.  The naturalization of the McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve is the major role General Motors of Canada has played in the protection of the adjacent Oshawa Second Marsh.  Prior to ownership by General Motors, the property had been a dairy farm.

The McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve is situated at the Lake Ontario shoreline between Darlington Provincial Park on the east and Oshawa Second Marsh on the west. It is joined to both via the Waterfront Trail.   The Reserve is bordered to the north by Highway 401 and the General Motors of Canada Headquarters building.  The property boasts 7-kilometres of walking and cycling trails through its gently rolling terrain.  The main trail of the Reserve and a secondary trail known as the Dogwood Trail (especially designed for the visually impaired) are gravel surfaced and wheelchair accessible.  All other trails are mown grass.  Parking is available in the lots that surround the General Motors of Canada headquarters building.  Access to the reserve is from the parking lots east and west of the building.

Though the McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve does not have any natural history designations, it is considered to be a sensitive area due to its proximity to Oshawa Second Marsh, a Provincially Significant Wetland and a provincially and regionally significant Area of Natural and Scientific Interest.  The Reserve contains shrubby meadow, young deciduous forest woodlots, older trees that are remnants of farm homestead plantings, introduced species and cultivars.  The fauna of the Reserve is shared with the adjacent Oshawa Second Marsh and includes White-tailed Deer, Snapping Turtles, Northern Leopard Frogs, Green Frogs and Monarch butterflies.

Activities at the Wildlife Reserve include walking/hiking, cycling, birdwatching, photography, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and skating.  No dogs are allowed on the Reserve except for certified working dogs used by visually impaired guests.  The Reserve was awarded the Wildlife Habitat Council's 'Wildlife at Work' certification in 2008.

Nonquon Provincial Wildlife Area

The Nonquon Provincial Wildlife Area is a 1,120-hectare (2,800 acre) publicly owned property located in the Township of Scugog 3 kilometres north of Port Perry. Access to the Wildlife Area is from Scugog Line 10 and Old Simcoe Road as well as Scugog Line 12.  Only roadside parking is available.  There are trails in the Wildlife Area but they are neither marked nor maintained.  The Wildlife Area is managed by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Much of the topography of the Nonquon area consists of small ridges ranging in height from one to six metres.  These ridges are separated by low lying hollows.  The Nonquon Provincial Wildlife Area also consists of large woodlot areas progressing into open wetlands that range from one to three kilometres in width.  Some open fields are also present.

The Nonquon River flows through the property for 16.5 kilometres and empties into Lake Scugog after leaving the Provincial Wildlife Area.  Meanders, ox-bow lakes and a wide flood plain characterize this slow flowing river.  Most of the Nonquon Provincial Wildlife Area is within the Nonquon River Wetland No. 7, a Provincially Significant Wetland.  There is also some adjacent agricultural activity.

The Nonquon Provincial Wildlife Area hosts a wide variety of flora and fauna.  The Nonquon River and shoreline provide good nesting cover for waterfowl and excellent habitat for fur-bearers.  Many species of songbirds and shorebirds nest and feed along the river and in the marsh areas.  The drier upland forest supports populations of White-tailed Deer, Snowshoe Hare, Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkey.  The river is used as a spawning area by numerous fish species.

The Wildlife Area is used by the public for hunting, fishing, canoeing and snowmobiling.  Local chapters of the retriever and hunting dog association hold their annual field trials at the property.  The local snowmobile Club maintains the portion of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobiling Clubs provincial trail system that runs through the Wildlife Area.  The property is used by the Durham District School Board as an outdoor education centre (the Nonquon Environmental Education Centre), providing opportunities for students to learn about ecology and the natural environment.

Orono Crown Lands

The Orono Crown Lands is a 425-hectare (1,055 acre) property located in the Municipality of Clarington west of the Village of Orono between Taunton Road and Concession 5.  The property is in the Wilmot Creek watershed.  The Lands can be accessed from Taunton Road and from Ochonski Road.  Parking is available at both access points.  In addition to bordering the village, the Orono Crown Lands are surrounded by agricultural and rural residential land uses.

The Orono Crown Lands are owned by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, which formerly used the property to grow and ship seedling trees and for forest research projects.  In the mid-1950s, seven and a half million seedlings were shipped annually.  Since 2001, the Lands have been managed by the Orono Crown Lands Trust in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.  The Thurne Parks Conservation Area is located a short distance to the south.

A variety of habitat types are present in the Orono Crown Lands: abandoned nursery production beds, natural forested areas, plantations of varying age and species composition, abandoned seed orchards, open fields, an abandoned gravel pit and portions of Wilmot and Orono Creeks. 

The Orono Crown Lands contain 10 plant species that are rare or uncommon in Durham Region, including two prairie grasses (big bluestem and Indian grass) found in only two other locations in the Region.  Great lobelia, rough sedge and silvery glade fern are other rare plants also found on the Orono Crown Lands.

The Orono Crown Lands are used by a variety of breeding birds, including interior, successional and habitat generalists.  Habitat is also provided for migratory birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals.  The Crown Lands are used by White-tailed Deer as they move between core natural areas.

There are 23 area sensitive forest-associated breeding birds on the Orono Crown Lands, including Northern Goshawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Ruffed Grouse, Pileated Woodpecker, Winter Wren and several warbler species.

The section of Wilmot Creek that flows through the Orono Crown Lands is an important spawning and juvenile rearing area for salmon and trout.  Wilmot Creek is part of a program to re-establish Atlantic Salmon in Lake Ontario. 

The lands are suitable for a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, cycling, cross-country skiing, dog walking (dogs must be leashed and feces picked up), bird watching, horseback riding, snowshoeing and tobogganing. There is also an outdoor education centre maintained by the Kawartha-Pine Ridge Board of Education; this allows area students to study the land and participate in educational and physical activities.  The Orono Crown Lands contain a trail system almost 12 kilometres in length, consisting of four loop trails and two-one way trails.

Oshawa Second Marsh

Oshawa Second Marsh is an urban wetland located at the Lake Ontario shoreline in the City of Oshawa.  The property is owned by the City of Oshawa.  It is bordered on the north by Highway 401, on the west by industry and on the east by the McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve.

Oshawa Second Marsh is 123 hectares (304 acres) in size that includes sedge and cattail marsh, wooded swamp, wet meadow and thicket habitat with extensive sections of open water.  The wetland is separated from Lake Ontario by a wooded sandy beach and is bordered by regenerating upland habitat.   These areas make up a dynamic ecosystem that supports a rich and diverse wildlife community.   The Second Marsh Wildlife Area supports 380 plant species, 305 bird species and numerous species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and insects.  Species of note include Little Gull, Least Bittern, Black Tern and yellow lady's slipper.  Oshawa Second Marsh is a Provincially Significant Wetland and a provincially and regionally significant Area of Natural and Scientific Interest.

Oshawa Second Marsh is one of the few remaining Lake Ontario shoreline wetlands adjacent to a sizeable urban centre, which is found to the west and north of the Marsh.  To the east, the Marsh is connected by hiking trails to the McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve.   A series of hiking trails and viewing platforms overlooking Oshawa Second Marsh provide hikers, bird watchers and nature lovers with an opportunity to explore the unique wetland environment.  Interpretive and direction signs have been installed to describe specific features and guide trail users through various habitat areas.  Numerous entrance points provide access to the Marsh trails and road parking is permitted.

During the 1970s and 80s, detrimental changes occurred to the natural function of the Marsh.   Sedimentation, altered drainage patterns, reduced emergent vegetation, high turbidity, the presence of heavy metals in bottom sediments, a decrease in the waterfowl population and a general reduction in biodiversity were some of the problems facing Second Marsh.

The City of Oshawa approved a management plan for Second Marsh that was developed in consultation with a Management Steering Committee with representation from more than 26 organizations and businesses, including Friends of Second Marsh.  In 1993, the Committee received a commitment of $1.3 million from Environment Canada's Great Lakes Cleanup Fund for Phase 1 of the restoration of the Marsh which included the development of walking trails, boardwalks, observation posts and interpretive signage.

In 2002, Ducks Unlimited Canada implemented Phase 2 of the Marsh restoration.  This included re-routing the inflow of Harmony creek around Second Marsh directly into Lake Ontario and closing the existing outlet to Lake Ontario.  The construction of an earthen berm along the west side of the Marsh, and the installation of a two-way pump allows control of water levels in the marsh.  A grilled fish-passage through the berm from Harmony Creek into the Marsh helps to exclude most Common Carp (a non-native fish species) but allows the passage of native fish species.

Currently, a coalition of agencies oversees the management and care of the Oshawa Second Marsh.  Ducks Unlimited Canada is responsible for wildlife and habitat management and restoration of the Marsh.  Central Lake Ontario Conservation and Environment Canada lead the environmental monitoring of the marsh, while Friends of Second Marsh is the lead on education and stewardship. The City of Oshawa is responsible for the operational maintenance function and the overall management of the Marsh.

Petticoat Creek Conservation Area

Petticoat Creek Conservation Area is a multi-use park of approximately 70 hectares (173 acres) in size.  The Conservation Area is owned by Toronto and Region Conservation and is located at the mouth of Petticoat Creek on the north shore of Lake Ontario.  It is located in the City of Pickering at the south end of White's Road and is bordered by residential areas to the north, east and west.  Abundant parking is available in the Conservation Area.  The Waterfront Trail passes through the Conservation Area.  Lakeshore bluffs provide excellent views of Lake Ontario.

Petticoat Creek Conservation Area is designated as an Environmentally Significant Area.  The northern portion of the Conservation Area and the Petticoat Creek valley are densely forested.  There are additional forested areas along the western edges, and more sparse forests in the central areas near the waterfront.  The waterfront woodlots are carpeted with trilliums in the spring.  The remainder of the site is made up of open meadows and fields.  The site provides important habitat for migratory birds and is a key component of a natural corridor that includes  the Petticoat Creek watershed and the waterfront.  Notable flora and fauna include black walnut, horse chestnut, White-tailed Deer, Coyote, Red Fox, Osprey and Red-tailed Hawk.

Petticoat Creek Conservation Area provides a variety of recreational opportunities to local and regional residents and tourists.  The primary feature of the park is an aquatic recreation complex, including the largest outdoor swimming pool of its kind in Ontario.  There are also sheltered picnic areas, numerous trails and public washrooms.  

Port Newcastle Marsh

Port Newcastle Marsh is approximately eight hectares (20 acres) in size and is designated a Provincially Significant Wetland.  The marsh is located within the Town of Newcastle (east of the Samuel Wilmot Nature Area) at the Lake Ontario shoreline.  It is flanked by residential development and a marina has replaced its southern portion.  The owner of the marina also owns the marshlands north of the marina.  There are some private lots on the east side of Graham Creek that extend from Mill Street to the creek.  Since the Marsh is on private property, there are no access points.  The Municipality of Clarington has built an asphalt trail along the west side of Graham Creek that is used by hikers, bikers, joggers and bird watchers.

Graham Creek feeds into the wetland, supplying water that carries some excess nutrients but is quite clear and able to support a highly diverse community of aquatic macroinvertebrates. 

Port Newcastle Marsh has a limited capacity to support breeding bird species because of its small size. Nonetheless the area-sensitive Swamp Sparrow is present. In addition, the wetland supports common marsh users such as Red-winged Blackbird and the Great Egret. 

With macroinvertebrate, bird, and amphibian communities (Northern Leopard Frog, American Toad, Green Frog) in good condition, one would expect the fish community to be in good condition.  Unfortunately, this does not appear to be the case.  The fish community at the Port Newcastle Marsh resembles most other impacted fish communities in Durham Region coastal wetlands in its the deficiency of piscivores.  The wetland appears to support only a few native fish species and low numbers of important species such as Yellow Perch.

Rouge Park

Only a small portion of this 47-square kilometre natural heritage space is in Durham Region, the main area of the park being within the municipal boundaries of the Cities of Toronto and Markham.  The park is entirely within the watershed of the Rouge River.  Included in the park are two National Historic Sites, Toronto's only campground and a variety of ecosystems (forests, wetlands, streams and meadows) joining the Lake Ontario shoreline to the Oak Ridges Moraine.  Rouge Park is the northernmost point of the Carolinian Zone, providing habitat for many southern species of plants and animals.

Partners in managing Rouge Park include the Province of Ontario, the Government of Canada, Toronto and Region Conservation, municipal governments and other agencies.  Toronto and Region Conservation holds most of the Rouge Park lands and has entered into management agreements with the municipalities that assist in maintenance of the lands.  Other owners of Rouge Park lands are the Province of Ontario and the municipalities.  Other partners are the Waterfront Regeneration Trust, Save the Rouge Valley System and the Toronto Zoo.

There is a significant volunteer presence in Rouge Park.  Many restoration projects have been undertaken by volunteers.  Volunteers also assist in monitoring programs.  The Rouge Valley Naturalists offer guided hikes.

The Rouge River was part of a First nations portage route linking Lake Ontario to Lake Simcoe.  The route was later used by European fur traders, explorers and settlers.  An archaeological site, which includes the remains of a 17^th century Seneca village, is part of Bead Hill, a National Historic Site that, due to its sensitivity, is not open to the public.

Rouge Park is within an intensely urban area and is surrounded by urban residential and commercial land uses.  Within Rouge Park are the only working farms in the City of Toronto

The natural habitat in many areas of Rouge Park is being restored by planting of trees and creation of wetlands.  The park also includes agricultural fields that are bordered by hedgerows.  Rouge Park contains 21 Environmentally Significant Areas, two Provincially Significant Wetlands, eight Provincially and Regionally Significant Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest and one Carolinian Canada site.  The nearly 12,000 acres of habitat contained within Rouge Park, including a diverse assemblage of forest, wetland and meadow habitats, provides an essential haven for wildlife at the heart of Canada's largest urban area.

Rouge Park is home to at least 92 regionally rare, one provincially rare and five nationally rare species of plants, including small beggar-ticks, shy bulrush and sharp-leaved goldenrod.  There are at least 58 locally rare animal species, nine nationally rare bird species (including Short-eared Owl, Red-bellied Woodpecker and Chimney Swift), one at-risk fish species (Redside Dace) and four at-risk reptile species (Map Turtle, Blanding’s Turtle, Eastern Ribbonsnake and Milksnake) to be found in Rouge Park.

The ten kilometres of hiking trails found mainly in the southern portion of Rouge Park between Highway 2 and Finch Avenue are used mainly for hiking, nature appreciation and dog walking.  Other uses of the park include canoeing, picnicking, running and photography.  One of the trails, the Mast Trail is a 200 year old logging route.  Access points to the park which include parking are at the mouth of the Rouge River (from the end of Lawrence Avenue in Toronto and on Bella Vista Drive at the end of Rosebank Road in Pickering), from the north side of Highway #2 just west of the Rouge River (at Glen Rouge Campground), from the south side of Twyn Rivers Drive, from Meadowvale Road west of the Toronto Zoo (at the Rouge Valley Conservation Centre) and from the southeast corner of Reesor Road and Steeles Avenue.

Samuel Wilmot Nature Area and Wilmot Creek Marsh

The Samuel Wilmot Nature Area is a 77 hectare (190 acre) property in the Wilmot Creek watershed owned by the Municipality of Clarington and located at the Lake Ontario shoreline within the Town of Newcastle.  Located within the Nature Area is the Wilmot Creek Marsh (a cattail marsh also known as the Wilmot Rivermouth Wetlands), which is surrounded by the natural landscapes of the Nature Area.  At 26 hectares (64 acres) in size, the Wilmot Creek Marsh is a Provincially Significant Wetland and an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest.  Wilmot Creek and one of its tributaries (Foster Creek) flow into the marsh, providing a diversity of habitats.

The Municipality of Clarington manages the Samuel Wilmot Nature Area in partnership with the Samuel Wilmot Nature Area Management Advisory Committee, which is appointed by Clarington Council.  The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources owns the valley land in the Nature Area.  Ganaraska Conservation provides occasional funding assistance.

The Nature Area, which is surrounded by rural and urban residential land uses, provides recreational opportunities for fishing, bird watching, walking and nature enjoyment, as well as the potential for education and interpretation of the area's landscape and settlement history.  In addition to the marsh, the Nature Reserve contains the lower portion of the Wilmot creek valley, woodlands, old fields, a remnant orchard and hedgerows.

The Samuel Wilmot Nature Area has a 3.5-km network of six trails with limestone, woodchip or asphalt surfaces.  The longest trail is the 1.3-km Wilmot Nature Area Waterfront Trail.  The Nature Area is also traversed by the Waterfront Trail.

The Wilmot and Foster Creek valleys support remnant deciduous and mixed forest communities.  The lowland areas support a mix of willow, red ash, red maple, elm and cottonwood.  White birch, red oak, sugar maple and hemlock dominate the upland slopes.  The sparsely vegetated barrier beach supports a community of grasses, shrubs and occasional young trees.  The surrounding tablelands are former agricultural fields.

The terrestrial habitats present support a wide range of resident and migrant species.  The Nature Area provides locally important foraging and staging habitat for migrant birds and bats.  Its location on the north shore of Lake Ontario is of significance to migrant butterflies, hawks and owls.

Wilmot Creek Marsh is abundant in birds that are general marsh users.  In addition, good numbers of area sensitive species such as Virginia Rail and Swamp Sparrow are present in the marsh and the marsh nesting American Coot is common.  The marsh waters sustain one of the best coastal wetland fish communities in Durham Region. Dominated by warm-water species, the fish community is characterized by populations of Yellow Perch and many sunfish species. In addition, this is one of the few coastal wetlands in the region that had an abundance of predatory Northern Pike and Largemouth Bass.

There are parking lots at both the east and west sides of the Nature Area.  The west parking lot is at the southern end of Cobbledick Road.  The east parking lot is at the south end of Toronto Street.  Access to the Nature Area is at the parking lot locations.

Scugog Island Crown Land Property

The Scugog Island Crown Land Property is a 180-hectare (450 acre) property located at the north end of Scugog Island which is in the middle of Lake Scugog.  Access is from Island Road which connects with Highway 7A east of Port Perry.  The road to the Property is closed during the winter.  This publicly owned area is managed by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Most of the Scugog Island Crown Land Property has a gently rolling topography consisting of old farm fields lined with hedgerows located on the slopes of three elongated hills of glacial material (drumlins).  Three sugar maple-beech woodlots exist on these slopes.  An area of swamp and bottomland forest is found at the northwest boundary of the Property.  Much of the shoreline of the Property is vegetated with trees and shrubs.   A small (fpur hectare) tree nursery has grown into a plantation of red pine, European larch and a variety of hardwoods.  An eight hectare white pine seed orchard on the Property provides genetically improved white pine seed for planting in southern Ontario.

Most of the 36 hectare North End Scugog Island West Wetland, a Provincially Significant Wetland, is found within the Scugog Island Crown Land Property.  In 1983, Ducks Unlimited constructed a water control structure at the mouth of the creek that flows through the Property, creating a five hectare pond site designed to improve waterfowl habitat.  Water levels are managed by Ducks Unlimited by agreement with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Activities popular at the Scugog Island Crown Land Property include hunting, angling, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, cycling, picnicking, and nature appreciation.  Bird watchers can observe waterfowl and wading birds at the pond and along the lakeshore.  Forest birds on their annual migration can be found in the Property's woodlots.  Wildlife species present include White-tailed Deer, Ruffed Grouse, Cottontail Rabbit and Wild Turkey.

There is a boat launch ramp at the Scugog Island Crown Land Property that provides access to the lake where anglers can fish for several species including Walleye, Smallmouth Bass and Muskellunge.  Access to Lake Scugog from the Property for ice fishing is also possible.  The trails on the Property are not marked or maintained.  Parking is provided at the boat launch area.

Thickson's Woods Nature Reserve

The 10-hectare (25 acre) Thickson's Woods Nature Reserve is located alongside Corbett Creek Marsh and the west branch of Corbett Creek on the Whitby/Oshawa border, on a low bluff overlooking Lake Ontario.  The woodlot is the last remaining stand of white pines of its size and quantity on the north shore of Lake Ontario, part of a thick forest that once blanketed southern Ontario.  The tallest of its towering pines are 30 metres high and over 150 years old.  The woods, adjacent marshland and lakefront are host to thousands of birds migrating through the area in spring and fall.  In late summer, the woods shelter thousands of Monarch butterflies on their migratory flight south.

In the summer of 1983, concerned naturalists and local residents saved many white pines from logging by purchasing the 6.5-hectare woodlot from the owner.  After five years of fundraising, they paid off the mortgage.  In 2001, the group, now called Thickson's Woods Land Trust, purchased the adjacent 3.5-hectare meadow, paying off the mortgage four years later with donations from hundreds of caring supporters.

Most of the surrounding area to the north and west has been developed over the years from agricultural fields and pastures to factories, warehouses and truck depots.  The Corbett Creek Water Pollution Control Centre lies to the east.  The Waterfront Trail passes through the centre of the Nature Reserve, providing access to trails in both the woods and meadow.  Parking is available along Thickson Road.

Besides the majestic white pines, Thickson's Woods contains many other tree species including black cherry, ironwood, yellow birch, bigtooth aspen, American and blue beech, mountain maple, red oak and butternut.  More than 375 species of vascular plants have been identified in this botanically rich area, including marsh marigold, starflower, may-apple, trillium, 17 grasses and 18 sedges.  Thickson's Woods Nature Reserve is best known for providing a resting spot for migrating birds before or after their long flight across Lake Ontario.  Many birders visit the woods to see warblers, thrushes, orioles, nuthatches, wrens and Great Horned Owls.

Thurne Parks Conservation Area

Thurne Parks Conservation Area is an 18.5-hectare (46 acre) property in the Wilmot Creek watershed owned by Ganaraska Conservation.  It is located in the Municipality of Clarington 1.5 km west of Highway 115/35 and can be accessed off Concession Road 4 east of Pollard Road.  It is surrounded by rural residential and agricultural land uses.

The major natural feature of the Thurne Parks Conservation Area is the valley and floodplain of Wilmot Creek and their associated woodlands.  The presence of the Conservation Area protects the sensitive Wilmot Creek valley and the function of Wilmot Creek as a migratory route for trout and salmon.  White-tailed Deer, Ruffed Grouse and Snowshoe Hare are commonly found in the Conservation Area.

Current public use of the Thurne Parks Conservation Area includes passive recreation (bird watching and nature photography) and angling.  The Conservation Area contains a loop walking trail less than one km in length.  Parking is available on the south side of Concession 4.  The Orono Crown Lands are a short distance to the north.

Toronto Field Naturalist Nature Reserves

The Toronto Field Naturalists own four nature reserves in Durham Region totalling 176 hectares (435 acre).  The Jim Baillie (35 hectares), Emily Hamilton (30 hectares) and Helen and Aarne Juhola (30 hectares) Nature Reserves are located in Uxbridge Township in the Pefferlaw Brook watershed.  The Charles Fell Nature Reserve (81 hectares) is in Brock Township in the Nonquon River watershed.  None of these areas are open to the public.  Access is restricted to naturalists who are members of the Toronto Field Naturalists.  The nature reserves are surrounded by agricultural land and wetland.

The Baillie, Hamilton and Juhola Reserves are part of the Uxbridge Creek Environmentally Significant Area and comprise part of a Provincially Significant Wetland.  The Baillie Reserve contains a very high quality and relatively undisturbed swamp forest with a diverse flora that includes many regionally rare species.  The Hamilton Reserve is about two-third wetland including sedge-meadow, thickets of speckled alder and swamp forest.  The Juhola Reserve is mainly swamp forest.  There have been 89 mushroom, 58 moss, six Equisetum, four clubmoss, 19 fern, 11 conifer, 76 woody and 271 herbaceous angiosperm species identified in the Baillie, Hamilton and Juhola Reserves.

The Fell Reserve contains a Provincially Significant Wetland along the Layton River and is a Durham Environmentally Significant Area.  About one-third of the Fell Reserve is riverine marsh with stretches of open water, one-third is wooded wetland, one-fifth is upland forest and one-tenth is meadow.

Uxbridge Countryside Preserve

The Uxbridge Countryside Preserve is a 57 hectare (140 acre) property consisting of rolling meadowland, woodlands, wetlands and ponds owned and managed by the Town of Uxbridge, with forestry and stewardship technical assistance from the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority.  The Preserve is located on the southern margin of the Town of Uxbridge, in an Oak Ridges Moraine Natural Core Area, near the headwaters of the Uxbridge Brook.  The riparian swamps along two branches of the Uxbridge Brook have been designated Provincially Significant Wetlands.  The Preserve provides passive outdoor recreation as well as diverse wildlife habitat in a semi-urban setting.  It is bordered by a golf course, estate lots and a major shopping complex.

Topography in the Countryside Preserve varies from steep slopes and valleys to flat lands and gently rolling-meadows.  The property's topography offers great variety of both recreational and aesthetic interest.  This property has a 6-km network of sign-posted trails for non-motorized uses such as hiking, bicycling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.   The main public access for the property is provided behind the shopping complex on Highway 47 at Concession 6.   A new trail extension links the Preserve to the Timbers tract of the Durham Forest to the south.

The Uxbridge Countryside Preserve is high in biodiversity that ranges from mammals and birds to salamanders.  Habitats on the property range from conifer plantations and native forests, to forested swamps along the two branches of Uxbridge Brook, to extensive meadows that provide some of the best opportunities in the Region for viewing grassland-dependent songbirds, a guild of birds that is declining throughout North America.  Species requiring open grasslands such as Clay-coloured Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Field Sparrow and Eastern Bluebird can be found breeding in the open meadows of the Countryside Preserve.  The woodlands of the Countryside Preserve support a number of woodland breeding birds including Black-and-white Warbler, Pileated Woodpecker and Red-tailed Hawk.  Mammals found in the Countryside Preserve include White-tailed Deer, Raccoon and several species of mice and voles.

A non-native, or alien, species is a plant, animal or micro-organism that has been moved from its native habitat to an area where it had not previously been found.  Once in this new habitat and free from the natural controls found in their home territories, some of these non-native species become invasive by reproducing aggressively and displacing native species and thus threatening the environment, the economy or human health.

Invasive species are those harmful species whose introduction or spread threatens the environment, economy or human health.  Invasive species are a significant threat to biodiversity, both terrestrial and aquatic.  Native species are increasingly becoming threatened and endangered.  Invasive species are one of the leading causes of these declines in native species, along with pollution and habitat loss.  Invasive species are also a significant threat to the economy and to human health.

In the past, immigrants to North America brought plants with them and some of these plants have since become naturalized and invasive.  The arrival and spread of invasive species continues to be facilitated by human intervention through many means: the horticulture and landscape industries; international trade and import of goods (eg: ballast water in vessels, use of wooden pallets); travel; the aquarium and live food fish trades; unauthorized fish transfers (eg: bait transfers); transport of firewood; movement of seeds in the treads of recreational vehicles and on the soles of shoes, and many other vectors.  We live in a mobile, global society and the spread of invasive species is an unfortunate consequence of our mobility.

It can be extremely difficult and expensive to remove an invasive species once it has become established. Control measures used to combat established invaders are costly and may harm the environment.  Preventing the introduction of invasive species, though difficult,  is less expensive, causes minimal harm to the environment and, if effective, is the best way to prevent long term harm to native ecosystems.

The first step in addressing the invasive species issue is to know that these species are a problem, to learn to recognize them and to avoid using them (eg: when gardening or landscaping).  There is a wealth of information available on invasive species that are, or could become, a problem in Durham Region, as documented below.  If an invasive species is found on private property, there are steps the landowner can take to control or eliminate it.  If an invasive species is found on public property, individuals can inform the agency that controls the property, can volunteer to assist in control measures and can take care to prevent spreading the species to other locations.

Best Management Practices

Preventing the introduction of invasive species is the best way to avoid long-term harm to native ecosystems.  Once established, invasive species can be difficult and expensive to remove, and eradication may be impossible.  The following are some tips on preventing the spread of invasive species.

Horticulture and Landscaping

• Use non-invasive species native to Durham Region when landscaping your property.
• Learn to recognize invasive plants and remove them when found.
• Participate in programs to remove invasive plants from local areas.
• Clean all equipment when moving between properties.
• Monitor bird nesting boxes and remove any nests built by House Sparrows or European Starlings.
• Be aware that packages of “native” grass or wildflower seeds sold through seed catalogues may include seeds from invasive species.

Trade and Import of Goods

• Do not bring fruit, vegetables, plants or animals across international borders.

Aquarium and Live Food Fish Trades

• Do not release any aquatic organism to the wild.
  • Contact a pet retailer for advice and possible return.
  • Give to or trade with another owner.
  • Donate to a local school or aquatic business.
  • Contact a veterinarian for advice on humane disposal.
  • Seal in a plastic bag and dispose in garbage.
  • Know the regulations.  In Ontario it is illegal to possess live Asian Carp, Snakehead, Round or Tubenosed Gobies, Ruff or Rudd.

Use of Live Bait

• Do not release live or dead bait.  Empty a bait bucket on land away from the water before leaving a water body.
• Do not transport live bait between water bodies.

Recreational Activities

• Clean off vehicle treads after off road drives to prevent spreading seeds of invasive plants.
• Clean off shoe treads after hikes to prevent spreading seeds of invasive plants.
• Do not transport firewood away from its site of origin.
• Thoroughly clean boats, boat engines and fishing equipment and other recreational equipment when moving between bodies of water.
• Drain water from motor, live well, bilge and transom wells before leaving a water body.

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters has produced an excellent web site on Ontario invasive species: http://invadingspecies.com.  The web site is the home page for the Invading Species Awareness program, which is a partnership between the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.  The Federation operates an Invading Species Hotline (1-800-563-7711) that can be called to report an invasive species or to learn more about the invaders.

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources has produced a very informative web site on Ontario invasive species: http://www.ontario.ca/invasivespecies.  They have also produced an extensive Field Guide to Aquatic Invasive Species:

http://www.ontariostewardship.org/councils/duff-simcoe/files/invading_species_field_guide.pdf

A website produced by Environment Canada is also very informative: (http://www.hww.ca/hww2.asp?id=220

Citizen participation is required to effectively track, monitor and control invasive species.  The Invasives Tracking System (http://www.comap.ca/its/) is a web based reporting and networking tool to report and view invasive species sighting reports and maps.  It is currently a pilot project limited to the Lake Simcoe basin, but includes limited reports extending across the province.

Most birds in Ontario, including their eggs and nests, are protected by the Migratory Birds Convention Act (Federal) and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act (Provincial).  Non-native invasive species (European Starling and House Sparrow) and not protected in Ontario and can be controlled without a permit.

European Starling

Sturnus vulgaris

The European Starling was first introduced to North America in 1890 in New York City.  It quickly spread across the continent and currently has an estimated population of over 200 million birds.  Starlings are destructive to crops such as strawberries, blueberries, tomatoes, grapes, peaches, apples and cherries.  They are aggressive birds and take nesting cavities that would otherwise be used by native species such as Tree Swallows, Bluebirds and Flickers.

http://www.toronto.ca/trees/pdfs/factsheets/Starlings_fs.pdf

                        photos, description, control

http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/hort/news/tenderfr/tf0905a6.htm

                        description, control

http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Sturnus_vulgaris.html

                        photos, description, distribution

House Sparrow

Passer domesticus

First introduced to North America in the 1850s, the House Sparrow today has a continental population of over 150 million.  House Sparrows aggressively compete with native birds for nesting sites, even killing adult birds, hatchlings and eggs.  House Sparrows also crowd out and compete for food with less aggressive birds.  Native species most affected by House Sparrows include Bluebirds, Tree Swallows and Orioles.

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/House_sparrow/id

                        photo, description, distribution

http://audubon-omaha.org/bbbox/ban/hsbyse.htm

                        control

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

The Mute Swan was introduced to North America in the late 1870s as a decorative bird for parks and private estates.  It is a very aggressive bird that chases away other water birds within its territory and prevents them from nesting there.  Mute Swans have been known to kill adult and juvenile ducks, geese and other wetland birds.  The Mute Swan also competes with native migrants such as the Tundra Swan for food.

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialanimals/muteswan/index.html

                        photos, description

http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7076.html

                        photos, description

Sea Lamprey

Petromyzon marinus

The Sea Lamprey is an eel-like fish that likely was native to Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River and spread from there throughout the Great Lakes following construction of the Welland Canal.  The adult Sea Lamprey is a parasite that attaches to fish with a suction mouth.  A single Sea Lamprey can kill 18 kg of fish during its lifetime.  Sea Lampreys swim up tributary streams to spawn.  Their non-parasitic larvae remain in the streams for 3 to 6 years before transforming into parasitic adults and migrating downstream to Lake Ontario.

http://invadingspecies.com/Invaders.cfm?A=Page&PID=3

                        photo, description, distribution, control

http://www.glsc.usgs.gov/main.php?content=research_lamprey&title=Invasive%20Fish0&menu=research_invasive_fish

                        photos, description, distribution, control

Round Goby

Neogobius melanostomus

The Round Goby was first introduced into the Great lakes in Lake St. Clair in the late 1980s.  It is a small fish, up to 25 cm long that lives on the bottoms of lakes and rivers, typically over rocky and sandy substrates near shore.  The Round Goby can displace small, native, bottom-dwelling fishes and feeds on the fry and fingerlings of native fishes.

http://www.invadingspecies.com/Invaders.cfm?A=Page&PID=8

                        description, distribution, control

http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Newsroom/LatestNews/MNR_E004304.html

                        description, control

http://web2.uwindsor.ca/courses/biology/corkum/goby/goby.htm

                        photos, description

Common Carp

Cyprinus carpio

The Common Carp was introduced into Ontario in the mid-1800s.  It is a large fish, typically 4 to 6 kg, but often larger.  Its feeding and spawning activities impact wetland habitats by stirring up sediment and by uprooting and destroying vegetation.  The muddy water that its activities creates reduces plant growth and reproduction and negatively impacts habitat for other fishes.

http://www.invadingspecies.com/Invaders.cfm?A=Page&PID=20

                        photo, description

http://www.rbg.ca/Page.aspx?pid=332

                        photo, description, control

http://www.on.ec.gc.ca/wildlife/factsheets/fs_carp-e.html

                        control

Asian Carp (Bighead Carp, Silver Carp, Grass Carp, Black Carp)

Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Ctenopharyngodon idella, Mylopharyngodon piceus

There are currently no established populations of Asian Carp in the Great Lakes, but introduction could soon occur from the Mississippi River drainage system through a connection between the two watersheds in Chicago.  Asian Carp are large fish with voracious appetites that, once established, could devastate populations of Great Lakes fishes through competition for food.  It is illegal in Ontario to possess, buy or sell live Bighead Carp, Silver Carp, Grass Carp or Black Carp.

http://www.invadingspecies.com/Invaders.cfm?A=Page&PID=20

                        photos, descriptions, control

http://www.glfc.org/fishmgmt/carp.php

                        photos, descriptions, control

Rudd

Scardinius erythrophthalmus

The Rudd is a large, deep-bodied minnow that can grow up to 35 cm in length.  It was first found in Ontario in the St. Lawrence River in 1990 and has subsequently been found in western Lake Ontario (1997) and in Lake Wilcox north of Toronto (2005).  The Rudd hybridizes with the native Golden Shiner, an important forage fish for many native fishes.  The Rudd competes with native fishes for food and habitat and can degrade shoreline spawning and nursery habitats for native fishes such as Northern Pike by consuming large amounts of aquatic vegetation.

http://www.invadingspecies.com/Invaders.cfm?A=Page&PID=6

                        description, distribution, control

http://www.in.gov/dnr/files/Rudd.pdf

                        photo, description, control

http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/factsheet.aspx?SpeciesID=648

                        photos, description

Garlic Mustard

Allitaria petiolata

Garlic Mustard is an invader of woodlots that displaces native woodland wildflowers.  It is a biennial plant, producing a basal rosette of 3 or 4 leaves in the first year and producing white flowers and seeds in the second year.  New leaves produce a garlic odour when crushed.  Garlic mustard thrives in shade, but can also grow in full sun.

http://www.ontarioinvasiveplants.ca/files/LandownerGuideInvasives_web.pdf        

distribution, photos, description, control

http://www.invadingspecies.com/Invaders.cfm?A=Page&PID=38   

distribution, description, control

http://www.cloca.com/lwc/forests_invasive.php       

photo, description.

http://ontarioweeds.com/weed.php?w=ALAPE         

photos, description.

http://www.lakehuron.ca/index.php?page=garlic-mustard

                        photos, description, control

Giant Hogweed

Heracleum mantegazzianum

Giant Hogweed grows along roadsides, ditches and streams, and invades old fields and open woodlots.  Skin contact with Giant Hogweed followed by exposure to sunlight can cause painful, burning blisters that can cause severe irritation, dermatitis, and develop into purplish or blackened scars.  Temporary or permanent blindness can also result following eye contact.  If a plant is seen, it should be reported immediately to the Regional Weed Inspector (weeds@durham.ca) or the Invading Species Awareness Program hotline at 1-800-563-7711. 

http://www.ontarioinvasiveplants.ca/files/LandownerGuideInvasives_web.pdf        

photo, description, control

http://www.invadingspecies.com/Invaders.cfm?A=Page&PID=31   

distribution, photos, videos, description, control

http://www.ontarioweeds.com/weed.php?w=HERMZ           

photos, description.

http://www.cloca.com/2009/gianthogweed/index.htm           

photos, description, control

http://www.trca.on.ca/gianthogweed/            

photo, description.

http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/ontweeds/giant_hogweed.htm   

photos, videos, description, control

http://www.lakehuron.ca/index.php?page=giant-hogweed-heracleum-mantegazzianum

photos, video, description

Wild Parsnip

Pastinaca sativa

Wild Parsnip grows up to 2 metres in height in abandoned yards, meadows, old fields, roadsides, railway embankments and waste places.  Skin contact with the fruit, flowers or leaves of Wild Parsnip can cause dermatitis and, aided by sunlight, skin inflammation can occur.  Severe cases can lead to blistering and extreme burning sensations.

http://www.ontarioweeds.com/weed.php?w=PAVSA

                        photos, description, distribution

http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/ontweeds/wild_parsnip.htm

                        photo, description

http://www.healthunit.org/hazards/dangerousweeds.html

                        photos, control

Goutweed

Aegopodium podagraria

Goutweed forms dense patches that displace native species and greatly reduce species diversity on the ground.  These patches can also inhibit the establishment of native trees.  Goutweed is most commonly found in old gardens and flowerbeds, around plantings, along roadsides and on untended properties.  It is readily available at many garden centres.

http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/ontweeds/goutweed.htm

                        photos, description

http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/aepo1.htm

                        photos, description, control http://www.isri.ca/Sections/Details/128#../../uploads/Goutweed.jpg

                        photo, description, control

Common Burdock

Arctium minus

Common Burdock is a biennial plant that produces a basal rosette of very large leaves in its first year and a flowering stalk 1 to 2 metres in height in its second year.  The mature plant produces clinging burrs.  Common Burdock is found in waste places, pastures, open woods, roadsides and fencerows.  The large leaves of Common Burdock can shade out smaller plants.  Common Burdock can be a secondary host for pathogens that affect other plants.

http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/ontweeds/common_burdock.htm

                        photos, description

http://www.ontarioweeds.com/weed.php?w=ARFMI

                        photos, description

http://www.invasiveplantcouncilbc.ca/resources/weed-of-the-week-burdock

                        description, control

http://www.invasiveplants.ab.ca/Downloads/FS-CommonBurdock.pdf

                        photos, description, control

http://www.coastalinvasiveplants.com/article/89-burdock-species

                        photo, description, control

Canada Thistle

Cirsium arvense

Contrary to its name, Canada Thistle is a European native.  It is a tall, erect perennial that grows up to 150 centimetres tall.  Canada Thistle grows in a wide variety of habitats, but does best in disturbed areas.  Canada Thistle can crowd out native species.

http://www.ontarioweeds.com/weed.php?w=CIRAR

                        photos, description, control

http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/ontweeds/canada_thistle.htm

                        photos, description

http://www.invasivespeciesmanitoba.com/site/index.php?page=canada-thistle

                        photos, description, , control

Common Teasel

Dipsacus sylvestris

Common teasel is a biennial plant.  It produces a large rosette of leaves in its first year and an erect stem up to 2 metres tall in its second year.  Common Teasel is found in waste areas, meadows, roadsides, and sometimes in cultivated land.  It usually grows in moist areas and on coarse soils.

http://www.ontarioweeds.com/weed.php?w=DIWSI

                        photos, description

http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/ontweeds/teasel.htm

                        photos, description

http://dnr.wi.gov/invasives/fact/teasel_com.htm

                        photo, description, control

Japanese Knotweed

Polygonum cuspidatum

Japanese Knotweed displaces native species by forming large, dense clumps up to 3 metres tall.  It is most commonly found on roadsides, streambanks, woodland edges and around old buildings.

http://www.uoguelph.ca/pdc/Factsheets/PDFs/123JapaneseKnotweed.pdf

                        description, control

http://www.invadingspecies.com/Invaders.cfm?A=Page&PID=39

                        description, distribution

http://ontarioweeds.com/weed.php?w=POLCU

                                photos, description

Dame’s Rocket

Hesperis matronalis

Dame’s Rocket produces a profusion of blue flowers on a stem up to 140 centimetres high.  It commonly grows in damp soil along roadsides, rivers, fencerows and ditches, and in waste areas, forests and orchards.  When it becomes established, it can crowd out native wildflowers.

http://www.ontarioweeds.com/weed.php?w=HEVMA

                        photos, description

http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/ontweeds/dames_rocket.htm

                        photos, description

http://ontariowildflowers.com/main/species.php?id=208

                        photos

http://dnr.wi.gov/invasives/fact/dames_rocket.htm

                        photos, description, control

Reed Manna Grass

Glyceria maxima

Reed Manna Grass is a perennial grass that has been invasive in Ontario for over 50 years.  Its first North American record was in Cootes Paradise at the west end of Lake Ontario.  It is an aggressive plant capable of forming dense stands in wetlands that displace native seed producing plants.  It can grow 2.5 m in height.

http://www.invasive.org/gist/alert/alrtglyc.html

                        photos, description, control

http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/factsheet.aspx?SpeciesID=1120

                        photos, distribution, description

Common Reed

Phragmites australis

Common Reed is a tall perennial grass that can grow up to 5 m in height.  The plume of flower spikes at the top can be 15 to 30 cm long.  It is commonly found in marshes, roadsides, ditches, fields, and along the edges of lakes and ponds.

http://www.invadingspecies.com/Invaders.cfm?A=Page&PID=41

distribution, description, control

http://www.lakehuron.ca/index.php?page=common-reed

photo, description, control

http://ontariograsses.com/main/species.php?id=3015

                        photos

http://www.conservationhalton.on.ca/uploads/Viewpoints/Fact%20Sheet%20Phragmites%20Common%20Reed%20Grass.pdf

photos, description, control

Yellow Iris

Iris pseudacorus

Yellow Iris grows up to 1 metre tall in shallow waters along the shores of rivers, ponds and wetlands  It competes with native shoreline vegetation, including native iris species.  Yellow Iris reduces wildlife habitat by displacing Arrow Arum, an important food plant for waterfowl.

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/herbaceous/yellowiris.html

                        photo, description, control

http://www.hort.uconn.edu/cipwg/pdfs/yellow_flag.pdf

                        description, control

Purple Loosestrife

Lythrum salicaria

Purple Loosestrife forms a dense monoculture, replacing native plant species and the habitat for fish and wildlife.  It is typically found in wet areas such as marshes and damp roadsides, but can invade drier sites.  Biological control through release of insects that are the plant’s natural enemy in its native habitat have been effective in controlling large infestations.

http://www.invadingspecies.com/Invaders.cfm?A=Page&PID=7

photos, distribution, description, control

http://ontarioweeds.com/weed.php?w=LYTSA

photos, description.

http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/ontweeds/purple_loosestrife.htm

photo, description.

http://www.ontariowildflowers.com/main/species.php?id=76

photos, distribution, description

Eurasian Watermilfoil

Myriophyllum spicatum

Eurasian Watermilfoil is one of the most widely distributed non-native aquatic plant species in North America.  It forms dense mats that block sunlight for plants below the surface.  It is spread by anglers, boats and aquarium plant commerce.

http://www.invadingspecies.com/Invaders.cfm?A=Page&PID=12

distribution, description, control

http://www.rspee.glu.org/recherche_espece/fiche_espece.php?recordID=9&lan=en

                        photos, description

European Frog-bit

Hydrocharis morus-ranae

European Frog-bit has not yet been reported in Durham Region.  It is commonly found in eastern Ontario, with isolated populations found just east of Lake Simcoe.  It is a free-floating aquatic plant that reduces native plant biodiversity by forming dense mats of floating vegetation that prevent sunlight from reaching aquatic plants below.

http://www.invadingspecies.com/Invaders.cfm?A=Page&PID=11

                        description, distribution, control

http://www.orwl.ca/documents/Conservation/Invasive_Species_Docs/frogbit-WC.pdf

                        photo, description, control

http://www.in.gov/dnr/files/EUROPEAN_FROG-BIT.pdf

                        photos, description, control

Fanwort

Cabomba carolineanum

Fanwort has not yet been reported in Durham region.  It has been found northeast of Peterborough.  It is a submerged aquatic plant that forms dense stands that crowd out native plants, clogs streams and interferes with recreational uses.  Decay of its dense mats can cause oxygen depletion in water.

http://www.invadingspecies.com/Invaders.cfm?A=Page&PID=10

                        photos, description, distribution, control

http://peconicestuary.org/InvCabomba.html

                        description, control

http://www.umext.maine.edu/onlinepubs/PDFpubs/2522.pdf

                        photos, description, control

Flowering Rush

Butomus umbellatus

Flowering Rush is a perennial aquatic shoreline plant that grows on wet soil, in shallow water or submerged.  It is able to displace native shoreline vegetation.  When submerged, it can interfere with boating and other recreational activities.

http://www.invadingspecies.com/Invaders.cfm?A=Page&PID=9

                        description, control

http://www.invasivespeciesmanitoba.com/site/uploads/pdf/fs_flowrush.pdf

                        photos, description, distribution, control

http://www.seagrant.umn.edu/ais/floweringrush

                        photo, description, control

Water Soldier

Stratiotes aloides

Water Soldier is an aquatic plant that has been identified at two isolated locations two kilometres apart on the Trent River.  Water Soldier is commonly sold in the aquarium and water garden industry.  It can form dense populations that crowd our other aquatic plants.  The leaves of Water Soldier have small serrated spines that can cut swimmers.

http://www.invadingspecies.com/Invaders.cfm?A=Page&PID=43

                        photos, description, distribution

Water Chestnut

Trapa natans

Water Chestnut is an aquatic plant that forms dense continuous mats of floating vegetation that clog waterways and ponds.  It disrupts and replaces native aquatic plant communities, but provides little or no value to wildlife.  It has been found in a bay of the the Ottawa River in Canada, but is found at many location in New York State.

http://www.waterchestnut.org/Assets/PDF/wcfactsheet.pdf

                        photos, description, distribution, control

http://umaine.edu/publications/2535e/

                        photo, description, distribution, control

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/invasivetutorial/water_chestnut.htm

                        photos, description, distribution

Hydrilla

Hydrilla verticillata

Though not yet found in Ontario, Hydrilla is an aggressive invasive species that is moving north and has reached Pennsylvania and New York State.  Hydrilla is a submerged aquatic plant that can grow 2.5 centimetres per day.  It can form dense mats near the water surface that block sunlight needed by native plants and can impede recreational access.

http://www.ppdl.purdue.edu/PPDL/pubs/hydrillafactsheet.pdf

                        photo, description, control

http://www.miseagrant.umich.edu/species/plants/hydrilla.html

                        photos, description

http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?fr=1&si=272

                        photos, description, control

Red-Eared Slider

Trachemys scripta elegans

This common household pet is found in local waters due to releases by pet owners.  It competes with native turtles for food and basking sites and displaces these native turtles from nesting and over-wintering sites.

http://www.torontozoo.com/adoptapond/turtles.asp?tr=10

                        description, control

http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/factsheet.aspx?SpeciesID=1261

                        photo, description, distribution

Exotic pests have been impacting forest tree species in Ontario since the late 1800s, with such species as American chestnut, American elm, butternut and American beech having been reduced to remnant species by introduced diseases.  The trend is continuing.

The Asian Long-horned Beetle is native to Asia.  It attacks and kills a variety of hardwood trees, including maples, poplars, willows, birches and mountain ash.  It was first found in North America in New York in 1996.  It was first found in the Toronto area in an industrial park bordering Toronto and Vaughan in 2003.  This area has been under Canadian Food Inspection Agency quarantine since that time, with extensive eradication efforts undertaken.  So far, no new infestations have been discovered and eradication efforts appear to have been effective.  The Asian Long-Horned Beetle has not yet been identified in Durham Region.  It has no known natural enemies in Canada.  The only way to combat it is to identify, cut down and burn or chip infested trees and to extensively survey other trees in the area.  New infestations can be created by transportation of infected wood (wooden pallets, firewood) from infested areas.  Further information on the Asian Long-horned Beetle can be found at:

http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Forests/2ColumnSubPage/STEL02_166979.html

http://www.invadingspecies.com/Invaders.cfm?A=Page&PID=25

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/pestrava/anogla/asialonge.shtml

The Emerald Ash Borer arrived in North America in 2002 when it was identified in Michigan in the United States.  It soon became established in Windsor in Ontario.  This native of Asia arrived in wooden packaging material.  It is now found throughout Essex County and part of Chatham-Kent in southwestern Ontario.  In 2010, it was identified at one location in Leeds and Grenville in eastern Ontario.  In 2007, the Emerald Ash Borer was found in Toronto in the vicinity of Sheppard Avenue East and Highway 404.  Subsequent investigations have identified other infestations including the Birchmount Road and Highway 401 area, Military Trail and Kingston Road area and, in early 2009, a significant infestation in the Morningside Avenue and Sheppard Avenue area, all in eastern Toronto.  The Emerald Ash Borer was identified in Pickering in 2008.  The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has instituted a quarantine zone encompassing the entire City of Toronto, City of Hamilton, Halton Region, Peel Region, York Region and Durham Region.    The Emerald Ash Borer is a significant threat to all species of native ash trees.  It has already killed several hundred thousand ash trees in Essex County.  The spread of Emerald Ash Borer is greatly facilitated by human intervention through movement of infested firewood and other ash products.  Intensive efforts are underway to prevent the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer east of Essex County.  Further information on the Emerald Ash Borer can be found at:

http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Forests/2ColumnSubPage/STEL02_166994.html

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/pestrava/agrpla/agrplae.shtml

http://www.invadingspecies.com/Invaders.cfm?A=Page&PID=26

Early detection and prompt control action is crucial to prevent the Asian Long-horned Beetle and the Emerald Ash Borer from becoming established and spreading.  Signs and symptoms of trees infested by either of these forest pests should be reported to either the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (1-800-667-1940), the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (1-800-442-2342 or www.inspection.gc.ca), the Invading Species Hotline (1-800-563-7711) or your local municipal parks or forestry department.

The Ontario Invasive Plant Council (www.ontarioinvasiveplants.ca) is a non-profit multi-agency organization that was founded in 2007 to foster a coordinated provincial response to the threat of invasive plants in Ontario.  Members of the Council represent conservation authorities, academic institutions, aboriginal organizations, stewardship networks, private consultants, industry, environmental non-government organizations and all levels of government.  The council’s web site contains links to a large amount of information on invasive plants.

http://www.ontarioinvasiveplants.ca/files/LandownerGuideInvasives_web.pdf

http://www.creditvalleyca.ca/invasives/InvasiveSpeciesCards.pdf

http://www.toronto.ca/trees/pdfs/Fact_3_Controlling_Invasive_Plants.pdf

Information on management of weeds in all crop and agricultural situations can be obtained at:

http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/pub75/pub75toc.htm

Ontario Nature has published an 8 page guide for gardeners that identifies problem species to avoid and identifies non-invasive alternatives.

http://www.ontarionature.org/discover/resources/PDFs/id_guides/natural_invaders.pdf

Regulation 63/09 under the Ontario Pesticides Act banned the use of herbicides for cosmetic use in Ontario.  There are provisions in the Regulation for allowable use for natural resource management, including control of invasive plants under certain circumstances.  An application must be made to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.  Details can be obtained at:

http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Biodiversity/2ColumnSubPage/270465.html

There are 486 invasive plants in Canada, 441 of them are found in southern Ontario.  The following are some of the invasive plants of importance to Durham Region.  Some are already present in Durham Region; others are nearby and could soon spread into Durham Region.  The links for each species provide information as indicated.

Zebra and Quagga Mussels

Dreissena polymorpha, Dreissena rostriformis bugensis

These invaders, which are very similar in appearance, were first introduced to North America in the Great Lakes in the 1980s.  They are now very common in the Great Lakes and are also found in some inland lakes and rivers.  They are responsible for massive changes to Great Lakes ecosystems through their filtering of water while feeding and displacement of native forage species.

http://www.invadingspecies.com/Invaders.cfm?A=Page&PID=1

                        description, distribution, control

http://nas.er.usgs.gov/taxgroup/mollusks/zebramussel/

                        photos, description, distribution

http://www.great-lakes.net/envt/flora-fauna/invasive/zebra.html

                        photo, description, distribution, control

Spiny Water Flea and Fishhook Water Flea

Bythotrephes longimanus, Cercopagis pengoi

The Spiny Water Flea was first recorded in the Great Lakes in 1982. It is common in Lake Ontario and has been found in Lake Simcoe and many other inland lakes.  The less abundant Fishhook Water Flea has been found at several locations in Lake Ontario.  These zooplankton species are 1 to 1.5 cm long.  They have the potential to negatively impact fish populations through displacement of the native zooplankton forage base and the fact that they are too large to be consumed by small fish.  They can also significantly foul fishing lines.

http://www.invadingspecies.com/Invaders.cfm?A=Page&PID=2

                        description, distribution, control

http://www.invadingspecies.com/Invaders.cfm?A=Page&PID=13

                        description, distribution, control

http://www.protectyourwaters.net/hitchhikers/crustaceans_spiny_water_flea.php

                        photo, description, distribution, control

Rusty Crayfish

Orconectes rusticus

The first record of Rusty Crayfish in Ontario was in the Kawartha Lakes in the 1960s.  They are now found throughout southern Ontario.  Their feeding habits degrade aquatic plant beds that are critical habitat for aquatic invertebrates and juvenile fish.  They compete with juvenile native fishes for food, and eat the eggs and young of native fishes.

http://www.invadingspecies.com/Invaders.cfm?A=Page&PID=4

                        description, distribution, control

http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/aquatics/rustycray.shtml

                        photo, description, distribution, control

http://www.seagrant.umn.edu/ais/rustycrayfish

                        photo, description, distribution, control

Bloody Red Shrimp

Hemimysis anomala

The Bloody Red Shrimp was first identified in Lake Ontario in 2006.  This predator has a broad prey range and will compete with young fish and native zooplankton for food, thus adversely impacting native populations.  The Bloody Red Shrimp can grow to more than 1 cm in length and forms dense swarms that show a reddish colouration.

http://www.invadingspecies.com/Invaders.cfm?A=Page&PID=32

                        photo, description, distribution, control

http://www.glerl.noaa.gov/pubs/brochures/hemimysis.pdf

                        photos, description, control

Norway Maple

Acer platanoides

Commonly used for city tree plantings, Norway Maple invades natural areas and threatens native forest habitat due to its ability to grow in deep shade and to form dense growths that prevent natural regeneration of native trees.  Mature trees form a canopy so solid that herbaceous growth below it is prevented, resulting in bare ground subject to erosion.

http://www.ontarioinvasiveplants.ca/files/LandownerGuideInvasives_web.pdf

                        photos, description, control

http://www.invadingspecies.com/Invaders.cfm?A=Page&PID=37

                                distribution, description, control

http://ontariotrees.com/main/species.php?id=2059

                        photos, description

ManitobaMaple

Acer negundo

Manitoba Maple is a native Canadian tree species that has extended its range due to human activities.  It grows quickly and produces seeds readily in a variety of disturbed habitats, especially in and around urban areas.

http://www.toronto.ca/trees/pdfs/Fact_3_Controlling_Invasive_Plants.pdf

                        photo, description, control

http://www.creditvalleyca.ca/invasives/InvasiveSpeciesCards.pdf

                        photos, description

http://nativeplants.evergreen.ca/search/view-plant.php?ID=00017

                        photos, control

http://www.mapleleavesforever.com/manitoba.asp

                        photos, distribution, description

Common and Glossy Buckthorn

Rhamnus cathartica, Rhamnus frangula

Common Buckthorn grows in a variety of habitats, including open woods, thickets, exposed rocky sites, fencerows, abandoned fields and road edges.  Glossy Buckthorn grows in wetter, less shaded habitats.

http://www.ontarioinvasiveplants.ca/files/LandownerGuideInvasives_web.pdf        

distribution, description, control

http://www.invadingspecies.com/Invaders.cfm?A=Page&PID=35   

distribution, description, control

http://www.ontariotrees.com/main/species.php?id=2022

                        photos, description

http://www.ontariotrees.com/main/species.php?id=2023

                        photos, description

Amur, Morrow and Tatarian Honeysuckle

Lonicera maacki, Lonicera morrowii, Lonicera tatarica

These deciduous shrubs can grow up to 5 metres in height and can form a dense layer that crowds and shades out native plant species.  They are most commonly found in woodlot understories and along marsh edges.  They can be confused with native bush honeysuckles.

http://www.ontarioinvasiveplants.ca/files/LandownerGuideInvasives_web.pdf

                        photos, description, control

http://www.invadingspecies.com/Invaders.cfm?A=Page&PID=40

                        photo, description

Autumn and Russian Olive

Elaeagnus umbellate, Elaeagnus augustifolia

These deciduous shrubs can grow up to 6 metres in height.  They are most commonly found in pastures, fields, grasslands sparse woodlands and along streams and roadsides.  They can quickly colonize infertile soils, outcompeting native plants that grow more slowly, and can grow thickly enough to crowd out native plants.

http://umaine.edu/publications/2525e/

                        photos, description, control

http://www.ohiodnr.com/dnap/invasive/7russianolive/tabid/2002/Default.aspx

                        photos, description, control

Black Locust

Robina pseudoacacia

Black Locust is a deciduous tree that grows up to 25 metres in height.  It is found most commonly in disturbed habitats such as pastures, thickets, old fields and roadsides, but is also found in open woodlands, forest openings and forest edges.  It may grow in dense stands where it shades out the seedlings of native trees.

http://www.treecanada.ca/tree-killers/black-locust.htm

                        photos, description, control

http://www.invasive.org/browse/subinfo.cfm?sub=3350

                        photos, description

http://dnr.wi.gov/invasives/fact/black_locust.htm

Vines and Creeping Groundcovers

Dog- strangling Vine

Vincetoxicum nigrum

Dog-strangling Vine forms dense colonies that overwhelm other ground vegetation in a wide variety of habitats, including ravines, waste areas, fence lines, travel and utility corridors and hillsides.  Dog-strangling vine grows best in open, sunny areas, but grows very well in filtered shade.

http://www.ontarioinvasiveplants.ca/files/LandownerGuideInvasives_web.pdf        

distribution, photos, description, control

http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/stdprodconsume/groups/lr/@mnr/@forests/documents/document/260834.pdf            distribution maps, photos, description, control

http://www.invadingspecies.com/Invaders.cfm?A=Page&PID=36   

distribution, description, control

http://www.cloca.com/lwc/forests_invasive.php       

photo, description.

English Ivy

Hedera helix

English Ivy is an evergreen ground cover or climbing vine found in open woodland, forest openings and forest edges.  It can displace native understory species and can slowly kill trees by shading as it grows through the branches.

http://www.treecanada.ca/tree-killers/english-ivy.htm

                        photos, description, control

http://www.goert.ca/documents/Best_Practices_for_Ivy_revised.pdf

                        control

http://www.invasive.org/species/subject.cfm?sub=3027

                        photos, description

Kudzu Vine

Pueraria montana

The Kudzu Vine has not yet been reported in Durham Region.  It is well established in the United States and is moving north.  It has been reported in Ontario at only one location, Leamington in southwestern Ontario in 2009, but with improving growing conditions due to the warming climate, it can be expected to appear in Durham.  The Kudzu Vine can kill trees due to its prolific growth rate of up to 0.3 metres per day.

http://www.invadingspecies.com/Invaders.cfm?A=Page&PID=44

                        photos, description, distribution

http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/pumo1.htm

                        photos, description, control

http://www.ipaw.org/invaders/OIPC_Un-wanted_Kudzu.pdf

                        photos, description, distribution, control

Periwinkle

Vinca minor

Periwinkle is an invasive creeping evergreen groundcover that grows best in moist and shady conditions.  It is common along roads and in lawns, cemeteries and forest understories.  Its dense growth can smother native ground vegetation.

http://www.conservationhalton.on.ca/ShowCategory.cfm?itemid=3645&subCatID=1184

                        photos, description, control

http://www.in.gov/dnr/files/Periwinkle.pdf

                        photos, description, control

http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/pubs/midatlantic/vimi.htm

                        photo, description, control

Background

Waste management is probably the most publicized and well-known environmental concern in Durham Region and the Greater Toronto Area.  Waste is produced in private residences, and in industrial, commercial and institutional operations.  Traditionally, a wide variety of materials entered the waste stream in Durham Region and was disposed of in landfills.

In the late 1980s, recycling initiatives began as a result of diminishing landfill capacity and environmental problems with landfills.  In 1989, the Ontario government set provincial targets for waste reduction of 25% by 1992 and 50% by the year 2000.

The Recycling Council of Ontario (https://www.rco.on.ca) was established in 1978 to facilitate the marketing of the newspapers, glass and metal cans that, at that time, were collected in community recycling depots.  Today, the Council builds awareness of waste issues and opportunities to reduce and eliminate waste.  It provides the public with recycling information and resources and develops stewardship programs.

The Compost Council of Canada (http://www.compost.org) was formed in 1992.  It is a national non-profit organization that advocates organic residuals recycling and compost use.

Waste Diversion

Durham Region met the 1992 provincial waste diversion target, reaching the division rate of 25% by the end of 1993.  It was projected, however, that even with the full support of residents, business, industry and local government that the next 25% reduction would be a serious challenge.  With a change in provincial government and a weakened environmental mandate, support for the 3Rs (reduce, reuse recycle) waned.  By the mid-1990s, there was a lack of political will and the necessary leadership to move the issue of responsible waste management forward.  Many municipalities, including Durham Region, failed to meet the 50% waste reduction target by the year 2000.  As of December  2000, Durham Region still had only a division rate of 30% with its Blue Box, Yard Trimmings Collection and Reuse programs.  A new goal was established – a 50% diversion rate by the year 2007 or earlier.

Significant progress in waste diversion was made.  The introduction of the Green Bin in Durham Region in July 2006, coupled with an increase in Blue Box pickup frequency for recyclables in 2009, led to a 39% decrease in tonnage sent to landfill compared to July 2005.  In 2008, 50% diversion was achieved: 23% Blue Box, 20% Food Waste and Leaf/Yard Waste Composting and 7% other (deposit, return and reuse programs).

The 4 Rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover

It is important that we learn to manage our resources rather than discard them as waste.  Everything we buy has resources embedded in it:  the materials that make it up, the energy used to produce it.  Resources need to be reused and recycled as many times as possible to ensure their continuing availability and the sustainability of society.

Traditionally, waste management has been thought of as having 3Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle.  Recover is a fourth R that completes the picture.

The 4Rs, in order of their importance, are:

Reduce           

• Buy less.
• Get maximum use from what you buy to reduce the need to buy replacement products.
• Do not buy unnecessary products (eg: bottled water).
• Do not buy overpackaged products.
• Do not buy products in non-recyclable packaging.
• Buy in bulk to minimize packaging.

Reuse              

• Give or sell items to others rather than putting them in the waste stream.
• Repair products rather than buy replacements.
• Use rechargeable batteries.
• Use reusable cloth shopping bags.
• Participate in the Paint Reuse Program at Durham Region’s Waste Management Facility.

Recycle           

• Learn which materials are recyclable in Durham Region and put only these materials in your Blue Box.

Recover          

• Recover energy, heat and metals from waste materials that cannot be recycled or reused.                    

The order of these practices is very important.  Recover is the last of the four, after reduction, reuse and recycling have been practiced to the fullest extent possible.  The truly sustainable practice is to reduce.  More energy and resources can be saved overall when products do not have to go through the waste hierarchy of reuse, recycling and recovery since all of these processes require energy and resources.

Durham Region’s Long Term Waste Management Strategy Plan

The anticipated closure of the Keele Valley Landfill Site in 2002 highlighted the need to secure a long term solution for waste disposal and management.  In response, a Long Term Waste Management Strategy Plan was initiated by Durham Region in June 1998.  The Primary objective of the Strategy Plan was to “develop a long term waste management strategy to investigate technically feasible waste reduction and waste disposal opportunities in an environmentally and financially responsible manner”.  Components of the planning process included establishing a Steering Committee and an Advisory Committee, involving residents, and the hiring a study consultant. The process involved a review of technical reports, tours of waste processing facilities in other jurisdictions and public information meetings.

The Advisory Committee was active over a period of 10 months and in June 1999 presented its final report to the Steering Committee. The report included 27 recommendations on waste diversion, Blue Box recycling, yard waste composting, garbage bag limits and other related matters.  The Strategy Plan was approved by the Regional Municipality of Durham in 1999.

The major components of the approved Strategy Plan were to:

• Divert at least 50% of the residential waste stream from disposal by the year 2007,
• Secure an alternate source for the disposal of residential waste, when the City of Toronto’s Keele Valley Landfill closes,
• Implement an integrated residential waste management system for the collection, processing and disposal of Blue Box recyclables, food and yard waste compostables, residual garbage waste, and special waste, and
• Consider an Energy from Waste type facility for the disposal of  garbage waste.

Prior to the implementation of the Long Term Waste Management Strategy Plan, many of the Region`s municipalities managed waste-related collection programs and disposal.  Between 2002 and 2006, waste management responsibilities were transferred to the Region.  The Region phased in a standard level of service in all area municipalities which now includes the following residential curbside waste services and facilities:

Blue Box Recycling

• Weekly collection of recyclables
• Operation of a Materials Recovery Facility

Green Bin Composting

• Weekly collection of kitchen food waste
• Operation of a Composting Facility

Leaf and Yard Waste Composting

• Seasonal yard waste and Christmas tree collection

Garbage Waste

• Biweekly collection of garbage waste (four bag limit)
• Biweekly collection of bulky/metal goods on a call-in basis
• A program to establish a future residential waste disposal capacity.

Recycling

Blue Box recycling began across Durham Region in 1988.  The program applies to single family homes, apartment buildings with less than six units and small businesses receiving municipal garbage collection.  The Regional program has two streams: containers and paper fibre products.  These product streams must be separated using two recycling containers and are collected weekly.  The lists of materials that are acceptable and unacceptable in Durham Region’s Blue Box recycling program, and other useful Blue Box program information, can be found at: http://www.durham.ca/works.asp?nr=departments/works/waste/bluebox.htm&setFooter=/includes/wasteFooter.inc

Blue Box recycling is also available to apartment buildings with more than six units and townhouse complexes that receive municipal garbage collection services.  Further information is available at: http://www.durham.ca/works.asp?nr=departments/works/waste/aptrecycle.htm&setFooter=/includes/wasteFooter.inc

A wide variety of materials are acceptable in the Region’s Blue Box recycling program.  However, many types of material are not acceptable for reasons such as lack of local markets and high residue rates which would result in landfill waste.  An example of a material type with a high residue rate is the clam shell packaging used for fresh produce.  The efficiency and effectiveness of Durham Region’s recycling program is maximized if non-recyclable materials are not put into the recycling stream.

In 2007, Durham Region opened its new Material Recovery Facility on Garrard Road in Whitby to accommodate the increased amounts of recyclable materials being collected.  An older facility had reached its capacity.  The Facility is owned by Durham Region and is privately operated.  The Facility has the capacity to process 115,000 tonnes of recyclable materials per year. The Material Recovery Facility uses automated optical plastic sorting systems that are the first of their kind in Canada.  The materials are sorted, baled and shipped to end markets, usually local, for recycling and re-manufacturing.  The Materials Recovery Facility has room to expand for both increased collection rates and population growth. 

Recycled materials are used in the following ways:

• Aluminum cans  → new food and beverage cans
• Steel cans → new steel cans
• Newspaper → newsprint and stationery
• Mixed paper → boxboard and egg cartons
• Glass bottles and jars → new glass containers, road base material, filtration media
• Plastic soft drink and water bottles → tote bags, food and beverage containers, carpets

The Ontario Deposit Return Program provides an opportunity for residents and businesses to return wine, beer and spirit containers to The Beer Store for a refund of the deposit paid when the product was purchased.  Details can be obtained at: http://www.bagitback.ca.

In 2005, a white agricultural bale wrap recycling program was begun. The program was established in co-operation with the Durham Agricultural Advisory Committee, Think Plastics Inc. and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture.  Durham Region has a no-cost contract with Think Plastics Inc. for the collection, transportation and processing of the agricultural bale wrap material into plastic lumber (baleboard).

Drywall, wood, metal, styrofoam, vehicle tires and election signs are some of the materials that can be taken for recycling to three Durham Region waste management facilities located in Oshawa, Port Perry and Brock Township.  The addresses, phone numbers, location maps and hours of operation of the three facilities are available at: http://www.durham.ca/works.asp?nr=/departments/works/waste/wastedisposalsites.htm&setFooter=/includes/wasteFooter.inc

Organic Waste

Compostable organic materials make up approximately one-third of the residential waste stream. Composting is, therefore, an integral part of any waste reduction program. Durham Region promoted backyard composting for many years and sold over 40,000 composters in the mid-1990s.  Residents with backyard composters are encouraged to continue using them and can obtain composting tips at: http://www.durham.ca/works.asp?nr=/departments/works/waste/backyardcompost.htm&setFooter=/includes/wasteFooter.inc

However, some organic waste items cannot go into a backyard composter (eg: bones, meat, fish, dairy products, paper waste).  Inclusion of these materials would encourage vermin and larger animals and odour since the backyard composter lacks the oxygen and temperature conditions required for proper decomposition.  These items are acceptable in the regional Green Bin program.

In 2003, Durham Region initiated the Green Bin organics program in Brock, Scugog, Uxbridge and Clarington.  The program was extended across the Region in 2006 with a weekly collection schedule.  Durham Region collects Green Bin contents in all municipalities except Oshawa and Whitby where pickup is done by the local municipality.  The Green Bin organics program applies to private residences and to small businesses receiving municipal garbage collection.  The purpose of the program is to divert organic material from the waste stream and turn it into compost.  In 2008, Durham Region collected 49,660 tonnes of Green Bin organics and leaf and yard waste for composting, which represented 21% of the total waste stream for that year.

The lists of materials that are acceptable and unacceptable in Durham Region’s Green Bin program, and other useful Green Bin program information, can be found at: http://www.durham.ca/works.asp?nr=/departments/works/waste/foodwaste.htm&setFooter=/includes/wasteFooter.inc

Durham Region collects leaf and yard waste in all municipalities except Oshawa and Whitby where pickup is done by the local municipality.  Brush. leaf and yard wastes are collected in kraft paper yard waste bags, loose or tied and bundled.  Christmas trees are collected separately.  Information on leaf and yard waste collection, including lists of materials that are and are not collectible, can be found at: http://www.durham.ca/works.asp?nr=/departments/works/waste/yardwaste.htm&setFooter=/includes/wasteFooter.inc

Durham Region banned grass clippings from yard waste collection in 1995.  Grass clippings have a high oxygen demand, become anaerobic very quickly and then emit strongly unpleasant odours when in piles.  The clippings are difficult to process in a composting facility.  Thus, Durham Region encourages grasscycling - leaving grass clippings where they fall. When the clippings decompose, they provide nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium for the grass and are therefore an important food source.  Also, it is a significant waste of tax dollars to collect a natural resource which is best left on the lawn.

Garbage Waste

Materials that are not reusable, recyclable or suitable for the organic waste stream go into garbage waste.  Garbage collection is every two weeks with a four bag limit.  Garbage bag tags are required on any bag over the four bag limit and must be purchased.  Collection is done by Durham Region except in Oshawa and Whitby where it is done by the local municipality.  Further information is available at: http://www.durham.ca/works.asp?nr=/departments/works/waste/garbage.htm&setFooter=/includes/wasteFooter.inc

Municipally collected garbage is sent to a landfill in New York State.

Household Hazardous Waste

Paints, solvents, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and a whole array of cleaning products are among a lengthy list of products that result in household hazardous waste. They can broadly be defined as products labeled as corrosive, flammable, explosive or poisonous.  They require special precautions for storage, collection, transportation, treatment and disposal in order to prevent harm to the environment. Households make up the largest single group of hazardous waste generators in Canada. The over 200,000 households in Durham Region present a very serious disposal issue. There were 1,185 tonnes of hazardous waste collected in Durham Region in 2010. 

Durham Region residents can take their household hazardous wastes to three Durham Region waste management facilities, located in Oshawa Port Perry and Brock Township.  There is no fee for shipments containing only household hazardous wastes.  The addresses, phone numbers, location maps and hours of operation of the three facilities are available at: http://www.durham.ca/works.asp?nr=/departments/works/waste/wastedisposalsites.htm&setFooter=/includes/wasteFooter.inc

Electronic Waste

Biosolids

Biosolids are a recyclable byproduct of the sewage treatment process.  Biosolids contain nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and trace elements) and organic matter which are depleted in agricultural soils by continuous cropping, weather and erosion.  They are stabilized solids in which complex organics have been reduced to simpler compounds, odours have been significantly reduced and pathogens have been destroyed.  The average household produces 1.2 m³ of biosolids per year.  A description of biosolids management in Durham Region can be found at: http://www.durham.ca/print.asp?nr=/departments/works/sewer/biosolids/biosolidsindex.htm

The Durham Region Biosolids Management Program applies 1,000 to 5,000 dry tonnes annually, depending on weather conditions and land availability.  Land application of biosolids is regulated by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.  Biosolids produced at sewage processing plants are regularly analyzed to ensure that they conform with provincial standards.  Only farm fields meeting requirements on location, soil quality, slope of land, proposed crops and distance from residences, wells and watercourses are submitted to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment for approval.  Durham Region monitors spreading operations daily.

Landfills

Energy from Waste

Future Outlook

In addition to participating in the Blue Box and other waste management program, we each need to practice reduce and reuse strategies as much as possible.  We also need to buy products that contain recycled materials to help ensure that there are strong markets for the materials that are collected and processed in recycling programs.

Durham Region is a leader in waste diversion in Ontario and is recognized in North America for outstanding waste management achievements. Durham Region received the Recycling Council of Ontario Platinum Municipal Diversion Award in 2011 in recognition of waste minimization and diversion efforts.  In 2009, the Region won the Solid Waste Association of North America Gold Award for the new Material Recovery  Facility.  Durham Region recognizes that there are opportunities to further reduce the amount of waste going to landfill by actively seeking out waste reduction and composting technologies that are producing results elsewhere.

One option to substantially reduce waste is to implement a “user pay” system. Sidney Township reports that user pay systems have significantly contributed to the minimization of waste in more than 40 municipalities in Ontario since 1991. The Town of Georgina in York Region is one example.

The Town of Georgina implemented a user pay waste management system in January 1997 that requires all bags and cans set out for curbside collection to be tagged in order to be collected. The system applies to every household and business that receives curbside waste collection. The exceptions to this program include twice yearly amnesty days where up to five waste items may be set out for collection without tags. The cost of each tag is $1.00 and they are available at local retail and municipal locations. As a result of the user pay system, the amount of waste by weight going to landfill per household has been reduced by 36 per cent since 1996. During the same three year period, blue box recyclables collected by weight increased by 39 per cent. By 1998, the Town reached a 56 per cent waste diversion rate, well above the 50 per cent provincial target. The user pay system is also reported to have reduced the cost of waste management services in the Town by more than $650,000 a year.

Durham Region currently has a partial user pay system.  Residents using a waste management facility are charged for garbage waste.  Also, residents who put out extra garbage bags on a collection day pay a fee of $1.50 for each additional bag through a bag-tag system.

Future waste volume reduction in Durham Region will require a multi-level approach.  Manufacturers need to reduce the amount of packaging that encloses their products and to use packaging that is recyclable.  Consumers need to be more selective in their purchases, buying less, trying to buy products with minimal packaging and avoiding products with excessive or non-recyclable packaging.

Waste management costs can be reduced if less waste is put out for pickup.  A reduction in the amount of garbage produced per household would allow a reduction in the limit of four garbage bags every two weeks.  Expansion of recycling programs to accept a wider variety of materials, provided markets are available, would further reduce the amount of garbage produced.

History of Recycling in Durham Region

1976

• A group of Whitby and Oshawa residents, concerned about reusable and recyclable resources going to landfill, initiated Save the Environment Please (STEP) and operated a Saturday morning drop-off depot in the parking lot of the Oshawa Centre for newspapers, glass bottles and jars, and food and soft drink cans.

1978

1979

1980

1981

1982

• The City of Oshawa agreed to expand the newspaper collection program city-wide. The program became operational by 1984.

1983

1984

• A Durham Region Recycling Committee was set up to share ideas and provide joint advertising to encourage residents to recycle. The Committee consisted of representatives from the Towns of Ajax, Pickering, Whitby and Newcastle, and the City of Oshawa, and from Durham Recycling Centre Inc. and Ajax/Pickering Recycle.
• The Town of Newcastle (now the municipality of Clarington) agreed to be included in Durham Recycling Centre Inc’s newspaper curbside collection program.
• A pilot project to add glass bottles and jars, and steel and aluminum food and soft drink cans to the curbside collection program was initiated in an area of Oshawa and at the Newcastle Works Department depots.
• Ajax/Pickering Recycle initiated a pilot project for bi-weekly curbside collection of newspapers in south Pickering. Depots were placed in rural communities and at apartments for newsprint, and fine paper was picked up from local businesses.
• Ajax residents received monthly curbside newspaper pick-up from a private hauling firm, T.Puckrin & Son Waste Disposal Ltd.
• The Town of Whitby hired a student to study recycling possibilities.

1985

• Ajax/Pickering Recycle merged its curbside program in Pickering with Durham Recycling Centre Inc. to centralize recycling programs in Durham, providing a more cost-effective operation.
• The Towns of Ajax and Whitby also joined with Durham Recycling Centre Inc. to provide curbside recycling.

1986

• The Region of Durham was approached to provide support for a Region-wide recycling program.

1987

1988

1989

• The Ontario Ministry of the Environment announced a diversion target of 50% by the year 2000.

1990

• The Region of Durham took over operation of the Material Recovery Facility from Durham Recycling Centre Inc. and contracted out the collection of recyclables to the private sector.
• The Region began to offer composters to Durham residents at a subsidized price.

1991

1992

• The Durham Region Works Department conducted a backyard composting study of 1,100 Pickering homes. Seventy-five percent of the households accepted a free composter and agreed to participate. The study concluded that use of the composters resulted in a 15% reduction of waste going into landfill from that area.
• Durham Environmental Network releases A Household Guide to Waste Reduction and Recycling.

1993

• The Region added telephone books, corrugated cardboard and plastic soft drink (PET – polyethylene terephthalate) bottles to the list of materials acceptable in the Blue Box.
• Recycling collection was changed from weekly to bi-weekly to save on costs. This was an innovative and controversial move at the time, but proved to be cost-effective and has not resulted in any reduction in recycling efforts by residents.
• 48 “Igloo” drop-off recycling depots were set up to service rural communities and apartments. Newspaper Igloos are set up at the GO Train Stations. Most are sponsored by local organizations or businesses.
• Three regional transfer stations (Blackstock, Oshawa and Port Perry) began collecting  Blue Box recyclables plus batteries, concrete, drywall, old clothing, propane cylinders, scrap metal, tires (4 at a time), waste oil, white goods (large appliances), wood and yard waste.
• The provincial Government made curbside recycling mandatory for municipalities over 5,000 population.
• The Durham Region composting site expanded to accept grass clippings.

1994

• The provincial government passed new 3R regulations requiring all apartments, townhouses and condominiums to recycle Blue Box materials as of March 1, 1995.
• It was to be the responsibility of the building owners to implement the program. It was unclear what role municipal government will play in the collection and processing of these recyclables.
• New 3R regulations required the Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (IC&I) sector (including office buildings, restaurants, manufacturers, schools, hospitals and hotels) to prepare waste audits and work plans by September 3, 1994 and source separation programs by March 3, 1995.
• Residents were encouraged to leave grass clippings on their lawns rather than send them to the regional composting site.
• Durham Region proposed to re-study the Pickering neighborhood that participated in the 1992 composting study to see whether the families are still diverting at least 15% of their garbage from landfill.

1995

• The Igloo recycling depots were removed from service. They were deemed too messy, aesthetically unpleasant and improperly used.
• Aluminum foil pie plates and  (#1 Recyclable) plastic bottles are added to the list of recyclables acceptable in the Blue Bin.

1998

1999

• Pickering Council passed Waste Management By-law #5422/98 to accept a combined maximum of six receptacles or items of garbage for collection and mandatory recycling.
• Durham Environmental Network released its updated second edition of A Household Guide to Waste Reduction and Recycling.
• Pickering Council reduced the maximum number of combined garbage bags and items that can be put out for garbage pick-up from six to four. Additional bags are “red-tagged” indicating why they were not picked up.
• The Town of Ajax began a 2-year pilot program to increase the amount of residential leaf and yard waste materials collected at the curb for composting.
• Durham Region approved in principle the Long Term Waste Management Strategy Plan.

2000

• Pickering allowed a maximum of 4 garbage bags and 1-2 loose items per pick-up. Pickering anticipated enforcing its mandatory recycling when the 4 bag limit becomes more acceptable.
• Durham Regional Council enacted By-law 33-2002 assuming all waste management powers for four municipalities: Uxbridge, Brock, Clarington and Scugog.
• Durham Region accepted electronic equipment for recycling at its Waste Management Facility in Oshawa. Equipment is shredded and separated into various material streams such as steel, aluminum, copper and plastic. These materials are then reused for other products. Equipment accepted included: personal computers and monitors, printers, scanners, modems, radios, stereos, VCRs, electronic games, video game consoles, electronic cash registers and calculators. TVs, electrical typewriters, power tools and electric motors were not accepted.
• Durham Region initiated three residential curbside waste composition studies in Courtice, one in April, one in September and a third in December.
• Durham Region began a composting pilot program in Courtice (May to December). This program gathered kitchen organics and yard trimmings for composting. 23% of 1,400 homes targeted participated.
• The Town of Ajax leaf and yard waste pilot project ended with an additional 443 tonnes of organic material collected in the first year and 497 tonnes in the second year.

2003

• Durham Region added the following materials to the Blue Box recycling program:
  • All plastic bottles with a twist off top;
  • Empty metal paint cans;
  • Empty aerosol cans;
  • Gable top milk and juice containers; and
  • Aseptic cartons, known as drinking boxes.
• Durham Region successfully introduced its new expanded Blue Box recycling program and Green Bin composting program to the 42,000 households in Clarington, Brock, Scugog, and Uxbridge.  Two local contractors collected, processed and disposed of all residential waste and provided a curbside collection service four days a week, Tuesdays to Fridays.  With the introduction of food waste composting, the weekly garbage bag limit was reduced from four bags to three bags.  Garbage and food waste were collected and placed in separate compartments within the collection vehicle.  Bulky goods and white goods were collected separately for disposal or re-use.  Leaf and yard wastes were collected in kraft paper yard waste bags, loose or tied and no plastic bags were permitted.
• Garbage bag tags became mandatory for pickups over the four bag limit in local municipalities.

2004

• Durham Region added plastic “tubs and lids”, such as margarine, yogurt, and ice cream containers, to the Blue Box program.
• The Ontario Ministry of the Environment announced a 60% diversion target by 2008.
• Durham Region developed the Terms of Reference for an Energy from Waste project.

2005

• Durham Region introduced a program for recycling of agricultural bale wrap
• Durham Region assumed waste collection for the City of Pickering under By-law 23-2004

2006

• The closure of the Michigan border at the end of 2010 to garbage waste being sent to landfill was announced.
• Durham Region launched a region-wide Green Bin program.
• A new 68,000 sq. ft. Material Recovery Facility was constructed in Durham Region.
• Durham Region assumed waste collection for the Town of Ajax under By-law 53-2005.
• Durham Region partnered with Miller Waste for composting of leaf and yard waste and kitchen organic waste.

2009

• Weekly Green Bin and bi-weekly garbage collection introduced Region-wide.
• Durham Region conducted clear bag pilot study in Courtice.

2010

• Durham Region introduced Big Blue (a larger Blue Box to collect more recyclables).
• Durham Region conducted a pilot study for recycling of mattresses and poly styrene.
• Ontario Ministry of the Environment approved the Environmental Assessment for the Energy from Waste facility.

2011

• Ontario Ministry of the Environment issued the Certificates of Approval for air, waste and water for the Energy from Waste facility.
• Durham Region initiated investigations into reuse centres, porcelain recycling and anaerobic digestion technology.

History of Landfills in Durham Region

Early 1960's

• Metropolitan Toronto acquired three abandoned gravel pits in Pickering for the purpose of long-term waste disposal until the year 2000.  The sites were referred to as Brock West (just north of Highway 2, west off Brock Road North), Brock North and Brock South (both just south of the rural hamlet of Greenwood).

1973

• Metropolitan Toronto prepared the Brock West site.
• Citizens form the Group Against Garbage to fight the Brock West landfill and successfully stop the use of Brock North and Brock South.

1975

• Brock West was forecast to be used for only five years, closing in 1980.

1976

• Cartwright landfill was closed.

1980

• Oshawa and Whitby landfills were closed.

1982

• Metropolitan Toronto announced that the Brock West will continue to be used until a capacity of 15 million tonnes is reached, forecast to occur in 1990.

1985

• Strong odours were experienced for several miles in every direction around the Brock West landfill. Pickering Council was divided over plans to serve injunctions or revoke Metro's licences. Local residents formed Dump Metro, which replaced the disbanded Group Against Garbage.  Two Pickering councillors became actively involved in the new environmental group.

1986

• A methane gas retrieval system was installed at Brock West landfill.

1987

• Darlington landfill was closed.
• Residents from Pickering and Ajax formed a third environmental group called Pickering-Ajax Citizens Together for the Environment.  This group is formed in response to Metro's plans for a landfill in the environmentally sensitive area of Greenwood.
• Metropolitan Toronto announced a waste disposal crisis, but continued to divert only 1-2 per cent of its garbage through recycling.

1988

• Metropolitan Toronto was fined by the Ontario Ministry of Environment after a methane gas explosion at Brock West destroyed a weight station and injured one worker.
• Metropolitan Toronto actively looked for a new landfill site and was denied its request to circumvent or fast-track the lengthy Environmental Assessment process by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment.
• Metropolitan Toronto identified a potential new landfill site in the rural hamlet of Whitevale, referred to as “PI”. Pickering-Ajax Citizens Together for the Environment fought this new landfill, as well as the Brock West landfill.

1989  

• Durham Region initiated an Environmental Assessment process to find a long-term landfill site for Durham-only garbage.  The Durham Region Waste Management Master Plan process resulted in the formation of a group called the Public Liaison Committee which provided an opportunity for citizens to formally assist and comment on the process and to educate other residents of their role in the Master Plan process.

1990

• As a result of the Durham Region Waste Management Master Plan process, five candidate landfill sites were announced and meetings were held with local landowners. The meetings were attended by residents angry that their land could become a landfill site.
• In November, the provincial government was defeated.  The new Minister of Environment put an immediate halt to the Durham Master Plan process and placed the “PI” site back on the list, one day after promising that it would be deleted.

1991

• The Public Liaison Committee disbanded in late 1990 and some members reorganize as Durham Environmental Network.
• The Ontario government introduced the Interim Waste Authority, a provincial Crown agency charged with the responsibility of finding landfill sites for the Regions of Durham, York and Peel, and Metropolitan Toronto.  This process replaces the Durham Master Plan process.
• The life expectancy of the Brock West landfill was extended to 1996 due to the extensive settling and decomposition of materials.
• A more sophisticated and expanded methane gas retrieval system was installed at Brock West by the Eastern Power Development Co. Electricity was produced on site and sold to Ontario Hydro.  Brock West produced enough power for a town the size of Ajax.
• Recycling efforts and the recession contributed to a 31 per cent reduction of garbage going into Brock West.

1992

• Scugog landfill was closed.
• The Mayor's Citizen Task Force was created by Pickering Council to help inform local residents about the landfill issue.  A storefront public awareness centre was set up in the Pickering Town Centre.
• The Interim Waste Authority announced 17 candidate sites for a landfill to receive Durham-only garbage and shortlisted it to five after preliminary site visits.  Of the five sites, four were located in Pickering, three on the provincially-owned lands around Whitevale and one, “EEI I”, adjacent to the Brock West landfill.  The fifth site was in the Municipality of Clarington.

1993

• Demands from Pickering Council and Pickering-Ajax Citizens Together for the Environment to close the Brock West landfill intensified.  Pickering claimed that Metropolitan Toronto had exceeded the authorized quantity of garbage for the site and that leachate was threatening local water supplies.
• The Interim Waste Authority announced that site “EEI I” had been chosen as the new landfill for Durham Region. The site covered 90 hectares and was expected to last 20 years.

1994

• The Interim Waste Authority provided intervenor funding of $160,000 to Pickering-Ajax Citizens Together for the Environment and $85,000 to Pickering to aid them in their efforts to seek a fair environmental assessment of the “EEI I” site.
• Pickering initiated a legal suit against Metropolitan Toronto to close the Brock West landfill.

1995

• Scott landfill, in Brock Township, was closed.
• Durham Region Council passed a resolution that no new landfill will be located in Durham Region.

1996

• The Household Hazardous Waste depot on Valley Farm Road in Pickering was closed.

1997

• The Brock West landfill was closed.

2002

• The Keele Valley landfill was closed.  Durham Region began shipping garbage waste to Michigan.

2006

• Michigan announced closure of the Canada/USA border by December 31, 2010 to shipments of garbage waste from Ontario.

2010

• Durham Region began shipping garbage waste to Modern Landfill in New York State.

Coming Soon....

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Ajax Citizens for the Environment

Sherry Brown

905-428-3879

Brock Land Stewards

Don Whitcombe

705-426-4431

CAW Durham Region Emvironmental Council

Dave Renaud

1425 Phillip Murray Ave Oshawa, ON L1J 8L4

905-723-1187

905-436-9515

Keepitgreen@cawdrec.com

Citizens Alliance of Uxbridge

Wynn Walters

553 Old Stoufville Road Uxbridge, ON L9P 1R4

905-649-3330

Wwalters@netcom.ca

Citizens for Carruthers Creek

Greg Lang

1144 Shoal Point Road Ajax, ON L1S 1E2

905-683-4830

Durham Action Network

Durham Chapter of Canadian Organic Growers

Vincent Powers

905-263-9907

Durham Environmental Advisory Committee

Jonah Kelly

605 Rossland Road East, Whitby, ON L1N 6A3

905-668-4113 

deac@durham.ca

www.durham.ca

Durham Land Stewardship Council

Carol Seysmith

50 Blooming-ton Rd. W. Aurora, ON L4G 3G8

905-713-7375

carole.seysmith@ontario.ca

Durham Region Field Naturalists

Otto Peter

905-725-0982

Petero@idirect.com

Frenchman's Baywatch

Marilyn Hedge

905-420-7667

Friends of Altona Forest and Petticoat Creek

Kathleen Murray

905-509-2311

Friends of Second Marsh

Chris Conti

206 King Street East Box 26066 RPO King Street Oshawa, ON L1H 1C0

905-723-4762

cc.secondmarsh@rogers.com

Friends of the Farewell

Libby Racansky

3200 Hancock Rd. Courtice, ON L1E 2M1

905-436-2376

Sracansk@netrover.com

Green Door Alliance

Lorne Almack

905-649-2202

Lorhoda@netcom.ca

Nuclear Awareness Project

Irene Knock

Box 104, 34 Church Street Uxbridge, Ontario, Canada L9P 1M6

905-852-0571

Oshawa Creek Alive

Lisa Aintablian

16 Simcoe St. South Oshawa, ON L1H 4G2

905-435-0364

Pickering Naturalists

Michelle Farrel

Box 304, Pickering ON L1V 2R6

905-831-1639

Pickering Rural Association

Fred Beer

4945 Westney Road Claremont, ON L1Y 1A2

905-649-3876

Pickering Waste Reduction Committee

Larraine Roulston

527  Broadgreen Street Pickering, ON L1W 3E8

905-420-5625

Roulstonlp@sympatico.ca

Pickering/Ajax Citizens Together for the Environment

David Steele

966 Timmins Garden Pickering, ON L1W 2L2

905-837-0117

Dj.steele@utoronto.ca

Port Darlington Community Association (PDCA)

Mavis Carlton

119 Cove Road Bowmanville, ON L1C 3K3

905-623-3869

Pdcamcc@web.net

Port Granby Monitoring Committee

Harvey Thompson

4720 Concession 6 Newtonville, ON L0A 1J0

905-983-9555

Protect the Ridges

Deb Vice

4220 Townline Rd. North R. R. 2 Blackstock, ON L0B 1B0

905-655-5045

Themomma@idirect.com

Save Lynde Marsh

Barb North

271 Madawaska Avenue Oshawa, ON L1J 1E6

905-728-6943

Save the Ganaraska Again

Elva Reid

4237 Ganaraska Road R. R. 1, Kendal ON L0A 1E0

905-983-9667

Redwing@osha.igs.net

Save the Oak Ridges Moraine Coalition

Debbie Crandall

Box 533 Bolton, ON L7E 5T4

905-880-3465

Dcrandall@stormcoalition.org

www.stormcoalition.org

Save the Rouge Valley System Inc.

Maryam Nassar

50 Bloomington Rd. West Aurora, ON L4G 3G8

905-713-6038

905-713-6028

Rougepark@rougepark.com

Scugog Green Team

Jmcneill@web.net

Scugog Shores Millennium Committee

Barbara Karthein

264 Portview Rd. Port Perry, ON L9L 1B4

905-985-2263

Bkarthein@yahoo.ca

Second Chance Wildlife Sanctuary

Joyce Smith

850 Antonio St. Pickering, ON L1W 1T3

905-649-8282

South Lake Simcoe Naturalists

Paul Harpley

Box 1044 Sutton West ON L0E 1R0

905-722-8021

Harpley@ils.net

Thickson's Woods Heritage Foundation

Margaret Carney

Box 541, Whitby ON L1N 5V3

905-725-2116

Nature@thicksonswoods.com

Udora and Area Concerned Citizens

Gerry Brouwer

10666 Ravenshoe Road R. R. 2, Uxbridge ON L9P 1R2

705-228-8004

Gbrouwer@sympatico.ca

Udora Campaign Against Malathion Spraying

Tammy Lomas-Jylha

50 York St. General Delivery Udora, ON L0C 1L0

705-228-8006

Uxbridge Conservation Association

Dave Martin

Box 1722, Uxbridge ON L9P 1N8

905-852-3044