Canterbury Hills - An Unique Carolinian Forest Environment
Parts of southwestern Ontario form the northernmost edge
of a rich and diverse deciduous forest that extends deep into Kentucky,
Tennessee
and the Carolinas, from which this forest takes its name.
Carolinian forest in Canada is unfortunately known more for the forces that threaten it than for its incredible biological diversity. Over two centuries of settlement, forest clearing and urban development have spared less than 5% of the original Canadian Carolinian woodland, with much of this fragmented into isolated woodlots of questionable long-term viability. Located on 29 hectares (72 acres) in the Dundas Valley, Canterbury Hills is blessed to be situated in this unique forest environment which constitutes less than 1% of Canada!
A typical Carolinian forest could be roughly divided into three areas with certain tree species (of which a few are listed here) found most commonly is each area:
 |
Area 1 - Swamp Forest
- could contain silver maple, swamp white oak, Carolinian water
ash, sycamore, |
 |
Area 2 - Mesic Forest - would support red oak, black cherry, white ash, tulip tree, beech, sassafras, etc. |
 |
Area 3 - Dry Forest - includes white oak, witch hazel, flowering dogwood, white pine, blue beech, aspen, etc. |
Canterbury
Hills property is primarily in Areas 2 and 3, and contains all the trees
mentioned in those areas above, including the sycamore. In addition, our
site supports some of the maples, basswoods, walnut, birches and evergreens
more commonly found in northern forests. In fact, well over thirty native
trees have been identified on the site. The next time you're here, see
how many you can locate!
Heritage Forest Project
Canterbury Hills is committed to the long-term preservation
of our Carolinian forest environment. A professional managed forest study
was done in 2000 and we have adopted the recommendation of that report.
In recent years, a dedicated group of volunteers (called Canterbury Hills
Associates), under the direction of Lois Cudmore, our 'resident volunteer
botanist', have reintroduced a number of Carolinian trees to our property,
including tulip, shag bark hickory, honey locust, Kentucky coffee and
redbud trees.
Over the past few summers, university student naturalists have developed
a Carolinian interpretive trail with the help of Human Resources Development
Canada. In the spring of 2002, a gazebo will be completed which will serve
as the interpretive centre for our Heritage Forest. Very shortly, a tree
nursery will be opened up on the property where we hope to grow native
Carolinian trees from seed, and eventually plant these saplings out into
the forest.
Adopt-a-Tree Program
You can be an active partner in our Carolinian Heritage
Forest Project by participating in our Adopt-a-Tree program. We have many
unique trees - large and small - that need a "parent". There
are over 30 different species to select from. Some of our trees have been
adopted in memory of loved ones. Others have been adopted to mark the
birth of a child, or the anniversary of a significant family event. These
'orphans' can be supported by a donation of $50 per tree by adults or
$10 per tree by children. Just contact us and we will be glad to 'introduce'
you to your tree. Each adopting 'parent' will receive a tax receipt and
a certificate for framing. In addition, you will have your name put in
our Adopt-a-Tree registry book that is on permanent display at Bagnall
Lodge.
