MapleCross Nature Reserve – Featherstone

Property Description

The MapleCross Nature Reserve – Featherstone property (80 hectares) was purchased to support the Ontario Kirtland’s Warbler Restoration Initiative. This initiative is a collaborative effort to restore 400 hectares of grassland and pine-oak savannas across the Oak Ridges Moraine, thereby providing habitat for the globally-rare Kirtland’s Warbler and numerous other species at risk in Ontario. 

Fire suppression and land conversion severely impacted Kirtland’s Warbler and other species adapted to fire ecosystems. By 1971, only 201 pairs remained globally. Conservation efforts in Michigan, including controlled burns and strategic planting of Jack Pine forests, have been instrumental in their recovery. Today, there are over 5,000 Kirtland’s Warblers worldwide, all within North America. 

This property of mostly large, open farmland presents an excellent opportunity for large-scale restoration. It is located in the Municipality of Port Hope in Northumberland County. Key ecological features include: the Oak Ridges Moraine; the Ganaraska Forest and the Garden Pitted Outwash Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI); a Highly Vulnerable Aquifer and a Significant Groundwater Recharge Area; one provincially significant wetland and three unevaluated wetlands; a cold water stream with a well-vegetated riparian zone; dry glacial sands suitable for restoration of the pine-oak savanna community. 

These features and planned restoration will provide habitat for existing species at risk reported within 2 km of the property, including those Threatened (Barn Swallow, Bank Swallow, Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, Eastern Whip-poor-will, Grasshopper Sparrow, Eastern Hog-nosed Snake) and those of Special Concern (Golden-winged Warbler, Snapping Turtle, Midland Painted Turtle, Monarch Butterfly).

Content and property pictures courtesy of  Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust.

.