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Explore the Oak Ridges Moraine and each of our special and unique properties by clicking on the municipalities!

Township of Adjala/Tosorontio

Adjala Forest

There is a ridge that runs through this property and provides an interesting contrast between the damp forest at the base and the mature upland forest at the top.  Along the slope is a healthy collection of forest wildflowers including hepatica, bellwort, trilliums and ferns.  Slowly, the landscape seems to transform towards the summit as the forest understory opens up to a stunning view, with deer silently making their way through the trees.  There is a magical feeling here.  It is easy to see why these donors felt so strongly about protecting it.

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Farmland

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Working farmland and headwater streams can go together!  We’ve been able to protect both through a partnership with our sister Land Trust, the Ontario Farmland Trust.  The horses roam in pastures, the crops grow in working fields, and the forests and buffers protect the Headwater streams that eventually become the Nottawasaga River.  Hundreds of trees and shrubs have been planted along the stream to ensure good water quality as it moves through the property.  Glacial Erratic boulders can be found throughout the property, echoing back to the initial forming of the Oak Ridges Moraine.

Tottenham Treasure

This property is home to a gorgeous mixed deciduous forest. It’s dominated by maple and beech, as well as hemlock, cherry, and ash on the site and boasts interior forest habitat. The mature tree canopy is truly impressive. This property provides a home for a variety of plant species including wood fern and white baneberry. A number of bird species breed here including the Eastern Wood Pewee and Wood Thrush, both Species at Risk. This property is part of the Innisfil Creek watershed. Development and urban sprawl continue to destroy forest habitats across the region. The protection of this site through a conservation easement will help ensure that all these species continue to have a safe place to call home.

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monitoring

Monitoring Our Moraine
 

We are deeply grateful to our donors who have entrusted us to protect their properties forever. As part of our promise, we monitor each property on an annual basis, look for changes in the habitats and we also record species sightings.

This vital data helps identify priority habitats, informs conservation recommendations and allows us to plan stewardship projects to protect our most vulnerable Moraine residents. And, with permission of landowners, we share our data with Ministry of Natural Resources Natural Heritage Information Centre to update the provincial records.

Wild and At-Risk Species of the

Oak Ridges Moraine

 

Our Moraine is home to a stunning and diverse array of wild and at-risk species. Protecting land on the Moraine means protecting habitats where they thrive.

 

This includes common wild species you love, including the White-tailed Deer, Hairy Woodpecker, and Green Frog.

And it also includes at-risk species, including the endangered Butternut, threatened Meadowlark and species of special concern Monarch Butterfly.

Our Starcliffe Nature Reserve has been certified as a Monarch Waystation, meaning it provides crucial habitat for migrating butterflies. For years, our volunteers have been hand-pulling garlic mustard, an invasive species, to help ensure the milkweed plants in the meadow continue to thrive and provide nourishment for our Monarchs.

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