Credit Isobel Ralston
Map provides approximate location.
Barrow Bay Cliffs Nature Reserve
Lion’s Head, ON
Bruce Trail Conservancy – 2019
147 hectares
Property Description
Barrow Bay Cliffs Nature Reserve is a stunning and ecologically vital property in the Bruce Peninsula section between Lion’s Head and Wiarton. Its creation preserves 147 hectares of rugged, natural Escarpment landscape. It secures 1.4 kilometres of the Bruce Trail, while removing close to 8 km of Trail from busy roads.
Ecologically, this acquisition is critical. Much of its expansive acreage is pristine interior forest habitat – “deep woods” which are increasingly rare in southern Ontario where roads and development fragment large tracts into smaller stands. By preserving this important wildlife habitat, we will be providing a refuge for many species which rely on interior forests including American Redstarts, Black-throated Blue Warblers, Black Bears and Fishers.
Equally impressive are the Escarpment rim features at Barrow Bay Cliffs. These provide specialized habitats that support regionally rare species. The 20-metre high cliffs are dotted with American Harebell, Smooth Cliffbrake, and Bulblet Fern. And here you will find one of the signature treasures of the Bruce Trail – Eastern White Cedars. Stunted and tenaciously clinging to the rock face, they are among the oldest North American trees east of the Rocky Mountains.
The creation of Barrow Bay Cliffs Nature Reserve was made possible by the support of MapleCross and many generous individuals and families.
Content and property pictures courtesy of Bruce Trail Conservancy.
