MapleCross Nature Reserve at Limehouse Roost

Property Description

Nestled between two previously secured Bruce Trail Conservancy properties near Limehouse, the creation of the MapleCross Nature Reserve at Limestone Roost results in the permanent protection of 9-hectares on the precious Niagara Escarpment.

This nature reserve features a variety of terrestrial and wetland habitats, including mature cedar and sugar maple forests, treed swamp, thicket swamp and marsh. Low profile rock ridges on either side of the Trail inspired the “Limestone” moniker for the property, while “Roost” reflects the multitude of forest and wetland-dependent bird species observed there, including Cedar Waxwing, Pine Warbler, and even a few fledging American Crows.

Inventory of the property is still in progress, but early results show 31 animal species and 101 plant/fungi species. Various Species at Risk have been confirmed on the property including Black Ash, Butternut and the Eastern Wood-pewee. The presence of Spring Peepers has been confirmed in the wetlands.

Securing the Bruce Trail on its Optimum Route between Fifth and Sixth Line has taken over two decades of sensitive and persistent efforts by volunteers and BTC staff. With this final ‘puzzle piece’ in place, an unbroken 4 kilometres of Bruce Trail is now permanently protected on BTC-managed land in the area. Special thanks to MapleCross for supporting this nature reserve at Limestone Roost, and for their ongoing support of our mission.

Content and property pictures courtesy of Bruce Trail Conservancy.