Woolwich Reservoir

This 12 kilometre walking trail, established by the Elmira Lions Club, provides a fine opportunity to explore the natural history of the Woolwich Reservoir and surrounding area. A sign at the head of the trail on Homer Schwindt's farm, at the north end of Snyder Avenue, portrays the trail route and other pertinent information. The trail crosses private farm lands before continuing on to form a loop around the Woolwich reservoir. The reservoir has a good reputation for attracting waterfowl, especially shorebirds, which can be viewed during migration in spring and fall. Another highlight along the trail is a maple sugar bush characteristic of much of the forest in the northern half of the Region. The Floradale Community Park is at the northernmost extreme of your hike. Here picnic tables are available for a refreshing halfway point meal. Description courtesy of - http://www3.sympatico.ca/tgrignon/

Second Marsh Wildlife Area

The SECOND MARSH WILDLIFE AREA is a 123 ha coastal wetland located in the southeast portion of Oshawa, (Regional Municipality of Durham), Ontario, Canada. The combination of Second Marsh with the adjacent areas of McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve and Darlington Provincial Park represents nearly 400 hectares, one of the largest publicly accessible waterfront spaces available in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). It is located on the north shore of Lake Ontario in a major urban center, and is unique in being the largest remaining wetland in the GTA. The Second Marsh Wildlife Area is host to marsh, swamp, wet meadows, a barrier beach and woodlot habitats. Within the Marsh, you will find sedges and cattails as well as thickets and open water. At the north end of the Marsh, a swamp and wet forest known as the Ghost Road Bush provides additional food and cover for certain wildlife. Together, with wet meadows and the surrounding uplands, this dynamic ecosystem supports a rich and diverse wildlife community. These habitats provide food and cover for over 380 plant species, 305 bird species, numerous species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and hundreds of species of insects. Second Marsh is not only the largest remaining urban wetland in the GTA but the largest between the Niagara Peninsula and Presqu'ile as well. It is a valuable resource to the Oshawa area and contributed greatly to the city winning the highest level award from the 2001 to 2005 Communities in Bloom competitions.