sign in sign up
<<
Home , Niagara Escarpment, Oak Ridges Moraine

Town of Mono NATURAL AREAS DATABASE – 3 August 2017, V.6 TOWN OF MONO Natural Areas Database

CONTENTS Page Provincial Parks 2 Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest – Life Science 5 Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest – Earth Science 16 19 Heritage Rivers 23 Conservation Areas 24 The following descriptions are taken from original biological and ecological inventory reports, as indicated in cited references, or are edited from the Natural Heritage Information Centre’s Natural Areas Database. Abbreviations include: SAR – Species at risk, identified Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario (COSSARO) S1-S3 species – Species known to occur in Ontario in fewer than 100 populations

1 Town of Mono NATURAL AREAS DATABASE – 3 August 2017, V.6 PROVINCIAL PARKS

HOCKLEY VALLEY PROVINCIAL NATURE RESERVE (373 ha) Provincial Park, Nature Reserve General Description and Landform: Hockley Valley Provincial Nature Reserve contains the North Tributary of the Nottawasaga. The valley runs west-to-east through the rolling hills of the Orangeville . Its lowlands are mixed swamps and lowland forests on gravel and sand . More recent deposits of silt, sand and gravel occur along the Shale formations of the valley. These features combine highly aesthetic and educational values, as well as parts of the provincially significant Cannings Falls Life and Earth Science Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI), both associated with exposures as well of the Niagara . The centre of the Nature Reserve is a deep-cut tributary valley, with a variety of vegetation communities, vascular plant species and wildlife can be found. The site is part of the Parks and Open Space System (NEPOSS) which protects the significant, natural and cultural features along the escarpment, and provides for recreation and appreciation of the features. Representation: Hockley Valley Provincial Nature Reserve is located within Ecodistrict 6-7 and comprises approximately 80 percent of the provincially significant Cannings Falls Life Science ANSI (Riley et al. 1996). : 33 vegetation communities supporting 417 vascular plant species. The park includes two Ontario SAR, and seven S1-S3 species (2 plants, 1 amphibian, 2 fish, 1 mammal, 1 breeding bird). The park includes 80% of the Cannings Falls ANSI. References: Braid, Anne Marie. 1998. Analysis of Baseline Data Collected in the Hockley Valley Nature Reserve SI/MAB Forest Biodiversity Monitoring Plot. Niagara Escarpment Commission. 27 pp + appendices. Brownell, V.R. 1980. A Life Science Inventory and Evaluation of the Scott's Falls Study Area. Environmental Planning Series. OMNR, Parks and Recreation Section, Central Region, Richmond Hill. OFER 8011. ix + 130 pp. + maps. Cuddy, D.G. and W.D. Warren. 1973. A brief investigation of Scott's Falls, . OMNR, Environmental Planning Section, Park Planning Branch, . OFER 7314. Ms, 17pp. Jalava, J.V. 1995. Cannings Falls Site Summary. Pp. 304-307, in, Riley, J.L., J. Jalava and S. Varga. 1996. Ecological Survey of the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve. Vol. I: Significant Natural Areas. OMNR, Southern Region, Aurora. Open File Site Report 9601. v + 629pp. Lindsay, K.M. 1976. Cannings Falls Valley Forests. Pp 305-306 in Cuddy, D.G., K.M. Lindsay and I.D. Macdonald. 1976. Significant Natural Areas along the Niagara Escarpment: A Report on Nature Reserve Candidates and other Significant Natural Areas in the Niagara Escarpment Planning Area. OMNR, Parks Planning Branch, Toronto. Ms, 426 pp . 2005. Hockley Valley: Park Management Plan. Queen's Printer for Ontario. 14 pp

2 Town of Mono NATURAL AREAS DATABASE – 3 August 2017, V.6

MONO CLIFFS PROVINCIAL PARK (732ha) Provincial Park, Natural Environment Mono Cliffs Provincial Park is a 732ha Natural Environment Park in Dufferin County, just north of Mono Centre. The exposure of the Niagara Escarpment and two dolostone outliers along the edge of a meltwater drainage channel (part of the Violet Hill Meltwater Spillway) is one of its outstanding geological, biological and scenic features. The park contains a large part of the only major exposure of the Niagara Escarpment along its central section, between Credit Forks and Lavender Falls. A large (299ha), continuous area has remained in natural vegetation at Mono Cliffs because of the configuration of the escarpment and the outliers. The large forested block surrounding McCarston’s Lake and its headwater wetlands, on the steeply, rolling moraine lands west of the escarpment, is linked to the Niagara Escarpment by a forested re-entrant valley. The forests and wetlands along Sheldon Creek below the escarpment are connected by streams, wetlands and forests to this large natural area. This biological inventory and recent scientific studies at Mono Cliffs confirm the provincial significance of this large continuous natural area and substantiate its highly significant natural and scientific values. It is proposed for protection as a Nature Reserve Zone within the park. At Mono Cliffs, a wide range of escarpment habitats and distinctive vegetation communities are associated with the thinly-soiled, bedrock pavement rim at the cliff-edge, the high and low cliffs and cliff-face fissure systems, the talus slopes and steep bedrock-controlled slopes. These habitats provide specialized niches for an escarpment-related , rich in ferns and fern-allies. Among the 44 species of ferns and fern allies known from the park are species which are restricted to rock habitats in the park, along the Niagara Escarpment and elsewhere in . The White Cedar forests growing on cliff-faces and cliff-edges at Mono Cliffs and along the length of the Niagara Escarpment, are some of the oldest, most intact, old growth forests in eastern North America. At a small sample site within the park, Larson found trees greater than 300 years in age and one tree of 428 years (Larson 1989, 1990, pers. comm.). The forests of Butternut, Basswood and Yellow Birch found on some of the park’s steep talus slopes are notable, as this forest type is known elsewhere along the Niagara Escarpment only from Rattlesnake Point and Mount Nemo (Varga pers. comm.). The flora of the park is diverse, with over 470 species of vascular plants recorded. Of the 26 plant species considered to be significant, three are nationally and provincially rare. The documented consists of 22 species of mammals, 82 species of birds, of which 52 are considered to breed in the park, 19 species of amphibians and reptiles, four species of fish and 12 species of molluscs. Brook Trout reproduce along sections of Sheldon Creek within the park. Mono Cliffs is extremely important for scientific research. In recent years, researchers have conducted at least eight studies of the park’s natural history. Investigations of a deep fissure cave within the park have identified the bones of 12 mammal species, including Pika and Marten (Savage 1990, pers. comm.). These findings are highly significant because Pika and Marten no longer occur in this part of southern Ontario. At present, Pika occur only in western North America, on talus slopes and steep, boulder-covered hillsides. Also of note are the bones of Fowler’s Toad (Bufo woodhousii fowleri) reported from the cave (Savage 1990, pers. comm.). At present, Fowler’s Toad is restricted in Ontario to sites along the shoreline of , although this species is widespread throughout the eastern . Because of its undisturbed condition, McCarston’s Lake has been chosen for paleoecological research. J.A. McAndrews reconstructed the history of the vegetation in the area since glaciation from pollen analysis of the lake sediments underlying McCarston’s Lake. Analysis of the top 8.9 m of lake sediments, the last 9,290 years, shows that there have been forests surrounding the lake of similar composition (Sugar Maple, Beech, Elm, Birch, Ash) over the last 7,600 years (Riley 1993, Jalava and Riley 1995).

3 Town of Mono NATURAL AREAS DATABASE – 3 August 2017, V.6

The life and earth science features represented at Mono Cliffs are provincially significant and are protected in the large Nature Reserve Zone within the park. (After Lindsay 1991, pp. i, ii, 6 and 37) References: Cuddy, D.G. 1973. Ecological Assessment of Mono Cliffs Proposed Park, Dufferin County, Ontario. Environmental Planning Series 4(25). Life Science Report. OMNR, Environmental Planning Section, Park Planning Branch. MS, 82 pp. Jalava, J.V. and J.L. Riley. 1995. Mono Cliffs Site Summary. Pp. 289-294, in, J.L. Riley, J.V. Jalava and S. Varga. 1996. Ecological Survey of the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve. Volume I: Significant Natural Areas. OMNR, Southern Region, Aurora. Open File Site Survey 9601. v + 629 pp. Kor, P.S.G. 1991. An Earth Science Inventory and Evaluation of Mono Cliffs Provincial Park. OMNR, Central Region, Aurora, Ontario; Open File Geological Report 9109. iv + 37 pp + map. Lindsay, K. 1973. Natural Features of the Proposed Mono Rocks Provincial Park That Must Be Protected. MS, 5 pp. Lindsay, K.M. 1976. Mono Centre North Escarpment Summary. Pp. 291-293 in Cuddy, D.G., K.M. Lindsay and I.D. Macdonald. 1976. Significant Natural Areas along the Niagara Escarpment: A Report on Nature Reserve Candidates and other Significant Natural Areas in the Niagara Escarpment Planning Area. OMNR, Parks Planning Branch, Toronto. MS, 426 pp. Lindsay, K.M. 1991. Biological Inventory and Evaluation of Mono Cliffs Provincial Park, Dufferin County. OMNR, Central Region, Aurora, Ontario. OFER 9105. vi + 113 pp. + maps. OMNR. 1998. Mono Cliffs Management Plan. OMNR. v + 18 pp. Riley, J.L. 1993. There are bones down there: the prehistoric secrets of Elba Cave. , The Niagara Escarpment Magazine: 11-13. Young, V.H. 1992/1993. Ferns and Fern Allies of Mono Cliffs Provincial Park. Field Botanists of Ontario (FBO) Newsletter 5(3): 6-8. (Winter 1992/1993). Young, V.H. 1992/1993. Ferns and Fern Allies of Mono Cliffs Provincial Park. Field Botanists of Ontario (FBO) Newsletter 5(3): 6-8. (Winter 1992/1993).

4 Town of Mono NATURAL AREAS DATABASE – 3 August 2017, V.6 AREAS OF NATURAL AND SCIENTIFIC INTEREST– LIFE SCIENCES

CANNINGS FALLS (266.8 ha) Life Science ANSI, Provincial Vegetation: Exposed Niagara Escarpment features are restricted to the incised valley in the western half of the site. They include a stretch of south-facing, dry, open cliffs, up to 8 m in height, which have stunted White Cedar and White Birch trees and scattered clumps of Slender Cliff-brake and Blue Grass. Moss-covered open crevices up to 8 m deep occur on the northwest side of this tributary stream; Bulblet Fern is dominant on the moist crevice walls. A small area of boulder talus dominated by White Cedar - Sugar Maple - Yellow Birch is found on the upper slopes, below the crevices. Along the south escarpment brow, there is a conifer-to-mixed rim of Hemlock - White Cedar with scattered Sugar Maple and White Birch, and there is also a stand of White Cedar - Sugar Maple on shallow soils over bedrock north of the falls. Sugar Maple forests are common elsewhere on the valley slopes, with White Ash and Beech often co-dominants or associates, and with White Birch frequently co- dominant in successional stands. Mixed talus and deeper-soiled stands dominated by Sugar Maple and Hemlock are also common on the valley slopes, with talus stands confined to the gorge and often having an important White Cedar component. The mixed stands often have White Birch, Beech, White Cedar, Basswood, Butternut, White Ash, Black Cherry or Yellow Birch as co-dominants or associates. These forests range from mesic to wet-mesic, with occasional open seepy sections dominated by Rough Sedge. White Cedar mixed stands, with Sugar Maple or White Birch as co- dominant or secondary species, are found along the lower slopes, along the stream. White Cedar conifer and mixed swamps, with Basswood, Balsam Fir, Trembling Aspen and Sugar Maple occasionally common, occur along the stream both above the falls, below the falls at the eastern end of the site where the valley bottom widens, and in a wet depression in the northwestern section. There is a small thicket swamp of Red- osier Dogwood, with Slender Willow, Autumn Willow and Pussy Willow also frequent, adjacent to the easternmost White Cedar swamp, and thicket swamps of Speckled Alder occur along the banks of the stream. Other wetlands include two small Common Cattail shallow marshes, a sedge meadow marsh and a Slender Willow thicket swamp. Anthropogenic communities include three human- made ponds with stonewort (Chara sp.) and Small Pondweed, and emergent Reed Canary Grass, and a few conifer plantations and regenerating fields (Jalava 1995). Representation: The Cannings Falls site provides the best representation in the Dufferin Section of incised gorge, ice-contact deposits, waterfalls and stream features. It also includes features moderately representative of escarpment rim, talus, mantled slope and bedrock-based terrace features, as well as uplands and slopes on ice-contact deposits and bottomlands on recent alluvial deposits. These landforms support excellent and highly representative examples of mesic mixed forests, open water river, wet cliffs (spray zone), mixed and conifer rim forests, wet-mesic mixed forests and mixed swamps. The site also has moderate representation of mesic broadleaf forests. The eastern stream tributary includes the longest stretch of rapids and small waterfalls of any stream in the Dufferin Section and, perhaps, beyond. This and a second stream that rises almost entirely in the site extend down to bottomland flats characteristic of a major re-entrant valley. Among provincially significant sites in the Dufferin Section, Cannings Falls provides the best or only representation of Rough Sedge seepage meadow marshes, willow thicket swamps and White Cedar - Yellow Birch treed seepage zones (Jalava 1995). Landform: The Cannings Falls area, including the Hockley Valley Nature Reserve, includes a deeply-cut, east- west trending tributary valley north of the Nottawasaga River, and is located on the north side of the Hockley Valley, a major re-entrant valley of the Niagara Escarpment. Niagara Escarpment exposures of the Amabel Formation occur at the head of the incised gorge, with features that include rim forests, open cliffs, talus slopes, and several sets of continuous rapids and waterfalls that dissect the complete bedrock stratigraphy down to the Queenston Shales. Areas east of the incised gorge comprise the majority of the 5 Town of Mono NATURAL AREAS DATABASE – 3 August 2017, V.6 site, with extensive, rolling valley slope forests occurring on ice-contact deposits over the dolostone terraces of the Manitoulin Formation. High hummocky topography of the Orangeville Moraine occurs at the extreme northeast corner of the site. Bottomland mixed swamps and lowland forests occur on the glaciofluvial outwash of gravel and sand deposited at the base of the meltwater channel and ponding that filled the valley and flowed southwestward through the area and south beyond Orangeville during the period of deglaciation. Sizable recent deposits of alluvial silt, sand and gravel also occur over the shales of the (Jalava 1995). Biodiversity: 33 vegetation community types mapped, supporting 417 vascular plant species, 70 breeding bird species (including 19 forest-interior species), 19 mammal species, 12 amphibian and reptile species. The ANSI supports two Ontario SAR, and three S1-S3 species (one mammal, 1 bird and 1 amphibian). Ecological Functions: The site protects groundwater discharge in seepage areas along the lower valley slopes and the headwaters of two tributary streams of the Nottawasaga River. The downstream location of these two tributaries makes the site particularly important for clearing and cooling runoff from unforested upstream lands. The site is part of a larger natural area extending from just north of the Orangeville Reservoir north to Mono Centre and east beyond the community of Hockley, forming a 10 km natural corridor. This forested corridor includes Glen Cross Upland Forest and Nottawasaga River North sites and covers 23 square km (Jalava 1995). Threats: Stewardship of the site by the province and by the private owners of some of the most significant features is both exemplary and laudable. Cannings Falls itself is protected on private property. Trail impacts are not significant at this time and mountain biking is not permitted (Jalava 1995). The proliferation of trails and access points should be monitored and curtailed, especially in escarpment, slope and stream locations. Any forest management activities should respect the significant natural heritage resources of the site, including its emerging old-growth character. The headwater catchment of one of the two tributary streams occurs almost entirely in about 50 ha of adjacent, Crown-owned regenerating old fields; the addition of these lands to the provincial nature reserve, and restoration of the stream, should be considered. This addition would also add representation of the highest and most scenic moraine lands that rise above the site. The private stewardship of Cannings Falls is exemplary (Jalava 1995). References: Brownell, V.R. 1980. A Life Science Inventory and Evaluation of the Scott's Falls Study Area. Environmental Planning Series. OMNR, Parks and Recreation Section, Central Region, Richmond Hill. OFER 8011. Cuddy, D.G. and W.D. Warren. 1973. A brief investigation of Scott's Falls, Nottawasaga River. OMNR, Environmental Planning Section, Park Planning Branch, Toronto, Ontario. OFER 7314. Ms, 17 pp. Fox, T. 1984. Summary of Ownership, Ministry Program Interests, Planning Status and Management Strategies in Scotts Falls. OMNR, Parks and Recreation Section, Central Region, Richmond Hill. i + 11 pp. Jalava, J.V. 1995. Cannings Falls Site Summary. Pp. 304-307, in, J.L.Riley, J.V. Jalava and S. Varga. 1996. Ecological Survey of the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve. Volume I: Significant Natural Areas. OMNR, Southern Region, Aurora. Open File Site Report 9601. v + 629 pp. Lindsay, K.M. 1976. Cannings Falls Valley Forests. Pp 305-306 in Cuddy, D.G., K.M. Lindsay and I.D. Macdonald. 1976. Significant Natural Areas along the Niagara Escarpment: A Report on Nature Reserve Candidates and other Significant Natural Areas in the Niagara Escarpment Planning Area. OMNR, Parks Planning Branch, Toronto. Ms, 426 pp

6 Town of Mono NATURAL AREAS DATABASE – 3 August 2017, V.6

GLEN CROSS UPLAND FOREST (81.5 ha) Life Science ANSI, Regional Vegetation: Sugar Maple forests with White Ash a strong secondary component dominate the tablelands and upper slopes. Successional broadleaf stands of Sugar Maple - White Birch and Large-toothed Aspen, as well as a mixed stand of Hemlock - Sugar Maple, also occur on the upper slopes. Meadow marshes of Rough Sedge - Spotted Jewelweed - Ostrich Fern and Narrow-leaved Cattail occur in small depressions on the tablelands. Hemlock mixed forests predominate on the lower slopes, with Sugar Maple, White Ash, Beech and Yellow Birch as secondary species. Bottomlands have mixed forests dominated by White Cedar mixed with Sugar Maple, Balsam Poplar, Yellow Birch and Balsam Fir. Seepage meadows of Fowl Manna Grass and Rough Sedge - Spotted Jewelweed are common at the base of the slopes and on the bottomlands. There is a rocky thicket of Mountain Maple - Alternate-leaved Dogwood along the main stream (Jalava 1995). Representation: The Glen Cross site has moderate representation of mesic broadleaf forests and of the mantled re-entrant valley slopes and ice-contact stratified drift on which they occur. The relative lack of disturbance of many of the Hemlock-dominated mixed stands and mesic Sugar Maple - White Ash stands, the White Cedar mixed bottomland forests and the permanent stream are other noteworthy features of this exceptional small site (Jalava 1995). Landform: The Glen Cross Upland Forest site is a small area of broadleaf and mixed upland forests on the south side of the Hockley Valley, a major re-entrant valley along the Niagara Escarpment. The rolling slopes are mantled with deep, ice-contact stratified drift, consisting mainly of sand and gravel, with some till and silt (Cowan 1976). At the site, these soils mantle the Manitoulin Formation on the upper slopes and the shales of the Queenston Formation on the lower slopes. The site is cut by one major and two minor stream valleys draining north about 1 km to the Nottawasaga River (Jalava 1995). Biodiversity: For a small site, the Glen Cross Upland Forest has a high diversity of 20 vegetation community types. These communities support 202 vascular plant species, including regionally and locally rare species. Thirty-one breeding bird species occur, including ten forest-interior species. Four mammals and three amphibian and reptile species are recorded. The Pickerel Frog is noteworthy (Jalava 1995). Ecological Functions: Groundwater seepage is widespread along the lower slopes. The site protects the headwaters of a tributary of the Nottawasaga River. Glen Cross is a part of the larger natural area defining the Hockley Valley in general, extending from just north of Island Lake north to Mono Centre and east along the Hockley Valley. This area includes natural corridors more than 18 km long east to west, and up to 8 km north to south. It includes the Cannings Falls ANSI, Hockley Valley Nature Reserve, and Nottawasaga River North, and covers 23 square km, providing habitat for species requiring large tracts of relatively undisturbed forest interior. This regional woodland and corridor, and the sites in it, contribute to the healthy hydrogeological condition of the Nottawasaga headwaters (Jalava 1995). Threats: Forests of the southern two-thirds of the site are intermediate-aged, in good to very good condition, with no evidence of recent logging. The northern portion has been selectively logged. Minor rutting and soil compaction by mountain bikes was noted where the crosses seepage areas. The adjacent institutional land use is having minimal impact on the site. Owners are encouraged to continue to treat the natural areas as nature reserve, and recognize the natural heritage values of the site. Facilities there have excellent possibilities for outdoor education and environmental training. Forest management at the site should conserve natural heritage values, including the retention of older, undisturbed forests. It is recommended that boardwalks be built where the Bruce Trail crosses seepage areas (Jalava 1995). References: Cowan, W.R. 1976. Quaternary of the Orangeville Area Southern Ontario. Geoscience Report 141. Ontario Division of Mines, Ministry of Natural Resources. 98 pp. + map.

7 Town of Mono NATURAL AREAS DATABASE – 3 August 2017, V.6

Cuddy, D.G., K.M. Lindsay and I.D. Macdonald. 1976. Significant Natural Areas along the Niagara Escarpment: A Report on Nature Reserve Candidates and other Significant Natural Areas in the Niagara Escarpment Planning Area. OMNR, Parks Planning Branch, Toronto. Ms, 426 pp. Jalava, J.V. 1995. Glen Cross Upland Forest Site Summary. Pp. 283-285, in, J.L. Riley, J.V. Jalava and S. Varga. 1996. Ecological Survey of the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve. Volume I: Significant Natural Areas. OMNR, Southern Region, Aurora. Open File Site Report 9601. v + 629 pp.

HUMBER HEADWATERS (1108.3 ha) Life Science ANSI, Provincial, Candidate Vegetation: Extensive headwater wetlands largely of conifer and mixed organic swamp, including large White Cedar, Balsam Fir and Tamarack stands, with noteworthy fens around Harris Lake. Representation: Best example of headwater swamps in the Albion Hills Lobe of the . (Fieldwork, Varga 2000-02; TRCA ELC vegetation mapping and floral/faunal lists; PSW Harris Complex, OMNR 1987; PSW Ballycroy Wetland Complex, OMNR 1987 - updated by J. Kaiser 2002. Management: Mix of private lands and public lands managed by TRCA.

Reference: OMNR. 2011. ANSI (Area of Natural and Scientific Interest) data class. Data received February 7, 2011 from Land Information Data Subscription Service)

8 Town of Mono NATURAL AREAS DATABASE – 3 August 2017, V.6 MONO CLIFFS (286.2 ha) Life Science ANSI, Provincial Vegetation: White Cedar conifer-mixed rim stands occur intermittently along the east-facing escarpment brow, with White Birch as the most frequent secondary species. The main escarpment and the two outliers have extensive cliffs, reaching 30 m in height in the southern and central portions of the site; they support a sparse old-growth forest of stunted White Cedar mixed with occasional White Birch. Also present on the exposed cliffs are patches of Smooth Cliff-brake, Maidenhair Spleenwort, Bulblet Fern and McKay's Fragile Fern. Low, shaded cliffs of less than 3 m in height also occur, with mosses, lichens and herbaceous species common. Well- developed block fracture and fissure crevices are found at eight locations along the cliff- faces, with stunted White Cedar, Yellow Birch and White Birch, Mountain Maple and a variety of herbs growing on ledges and from cracks in the rock-faces. Lush growing herbs, the Marginal and Glandular Wood ferns, Bulblet Fern, Spikenard, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Naked Mitrewort and Jewelweed, occur on the moss- covered crevice floors. Below the cliffs and crevices, there are steep block and boulder talus slopes. Mixed talus forests dominated by White Cedar and White Birch occur at several locations; White Ash and Sugar Maple co-dominate with these species on west and south-facing talus slopes of the north outlier. Broadleaf talus forests of Sugar Maple - Butternut - Basswood - Yellow Birch are found along much of the east-facing slope in the central portion of the site, with the latter co-dominants occurring primarily in areas of open block talus. There is a Sugar Maple - White Ash talus stand on an east-facing slope at the north end of the site. Sugar Maple forests, with Beech, Black Cherry and White Birch as secondary species, dominate the rolling moraine west of the escarpment, the two outliers, and several areas below the escarpment. Stunted successional White Birch - Sugar Maple - Large-toothed Aspen stands occur at the north ends of the two outliers, and two small stands of Butternut - Sugar Maple - Large-toothed Aspen occur at the north end of the site. Dry mesic mixed successional forests dominated by White Cedar and White Birch (and Trembling Aspen at one stand) occur on the east side of McCarston's Lake and on the western edge of the plateau of the south outlier; the same species dominate moister stands along watercourses and wetland edges. Sugar Maple - Hemlock - White Cedar stands occur in three areas on till-mantled escarpment slopes. Mixed Hemlock - Sugar Maple - White Birch - Large-toothed Aspen stands occur adjacent to wetlands at valley-bottom sites. There is a Hemlock - Red Maple - Black Cherry stand on a very gently sloping mesic site at the south end of the site, and a Hemlock - Sugar Maple - White Ash - Beech stand atop the south outlier. A savannah-like hawthorn thicket-field occurs on the steep moraine northwest of McCarston's Lake. A variety of wetlands comprise about 5% of the ANSI. There are small Hemlock - Red Maple - Yellow Birch swamps in depressions west of McCarston's Lake, while below the escarpment, a White Cedar - Balsam Fir - Red Maple - Black Ash - White Birch swamp lines the stream flowing out of the lake. There is a large -fed White Cedar - Hemlock - Balsam Fir - Yellow Birch - Black Ash swamp in the south-central portion of the central outlier valley, a White Cedar - Yellow Birch swamp at the northeast end of the north outlier, and a large mixed and thicket swamp complex dominated by Tamarack - White Spruce - White Cedar - Balsam Fir - White Birch - Black Ash along the east boundary, with Speckled Alder and willows. A thicket swamp and shallow emergent marsh dominated by willows, Red Osier and herbs such as Cyperus- like Sedge, Cut Grass, Water Horsetail, Common Cattail, Boneset and Reed Canary Grass cover the northern third of this wetland. Meadow marsh is frequent along the edges of the numerous streams at the site, and along the shores of McCarston's Lake. There is a small spring- fed Common Cattail marsh at the base of the main escarpment slope in the south end, and emergent marshes of Common Arrowhead occur along the edges of some of the human- and beaver-made ponds in the area, as well as at McCarston's Lake. Aquatic communities occur in the open water of these sites, with Common Duckweed and Chara dominant. Anthropogenic communities include regenerating fields and conifer plantations (Jalava and Riley 1995, Lindsay 1991). Representation: The Mono Cliffs site is highly representative of a diversity of escarpment features, many of them rare in the Dufferin Section, where much of the Niagara Escarpment is buried under glacial and post- 9 Town of Mono NATURAL AREAS DATABASE – 3 August 2017, V.6 glacial sediments. These communities include the best examples in the Dufferin Section of outliers, outlier valley, crevice caves, escarpment rims and open cliffs, and high representation of talus slopes and escarpment crevices. Also present is moderate representation of uplands and bottomlands on outwash deposits, and uplands on moraine. The dramatic coincidence of minor re-entrant valley, cliffs, matching outliers, and meltwater channel is unique in the Dufferin Section. In terms of vegetation communities, the site has the highest representation in the Dufferin Section of successional broadleaf forests and thickets, dry open cliffs, treed cliffs, mixed escarpment rim forest, mesic broadleaf talus, successional mixed talus and mesic conifer talus forests. Also present is moderate to high representation of open water lake, mixed swamp, mesic mixed and broadleaf forests and successional mixed forest (Jalava and Riley 1995). Landform: The Mono Cliffs Provincial Park includes Niagara Escarpment plain, rim and slopes, aligned in a north-south direction, as well as two escarpment outliers that are exposed along the edge of a major postglacial meltwater drainage channel. The site protects the only major exposure of the Niagara Escarpment in this central section, with 6 km of 3-30 m tall cliffs along the main escarpment and the outliers. Extensive boulder and block talus occurs below the cliffs. Seepage is common on the till- mantled slopes at the contact zone between the Amabel dolostone and the Cabot Head shale. Sandy deposits of the Orangeville Moraine occur on the escarpment plain, resulting in rolling and kettle topography. A minor re-entrant valley has McCarston's Lake in its upper reaches, and a stream flows out of that small kettle lake. McCarston's Lake is on the escarpment plain in the western end of the site. At the base of the escarpment slopes, level-to-rolling sand and gravel outwash deposits of the Violet Hill Meltwater Channel predominate. Also present at the site is a series of extensive open crevices and a crevice cave about 25 m deep (Jalava and Riley 1995, Lindsay 1991). Biodiversity: 38 vegetation types represented. Of note is the 25 m deep fissure cave complex and bat hibernaculum rich in ancient bones of vertebrate species such as Pika (dated 8760 yBP), Marten (510 yBP) and 14 other mammal species (Riley 1993). The site supports 472 species of vascular plants, including two nationally, provincially, regionally and locally rare ferns and vascular plant species, as well as a total of 58 locally rare taxa. An exceptional total of 44 species of ferns and fern-allies occur at Mono Cliffs. Fifty-four breeding bird species have been reported at the site, as well as the re-introduced Wild Turkey and 14 forest-interior birds. Twenty-six species of mammals are reported. Twenty-one taxa of amphibians and reptiles have been found. The entire watershed of McCarston's Lake is forested, and the lake contains an important paleoecological record in the pollen in its bottom sediments (Jalava and Riley 1995, Lindsay 1991). The ANSI supports two Ontario SAR, eight S1-S3 species (5 plants, 2 amphibians, 1 snake). Ecological Functions: Numerous springs and seepage zones form the headwaters of the several creeks originating in the site. Tree cover along the streams and on surrounding slopes helps to maintain low water temperatures and low turbidity in the watershed. The site is part of a larger natural area extending west for more than 3 km through the adjacent Dufferin County forest. This area is part of a natural corridor, partly broken by small fields, extending for 8 km north and south along the Niagara Escarpment, and about the same distance eastward towards Sheldon along Sheldon Creek and its southern tributary. Such corridors are important for the movement and range expansions of a variety of plant and animal species, and provide refuge for species requiring large, relatively undisturbed tracts of forest to maintain viable populations. This corridor includes Violet Hill South and contains more than 15 square km of natural area (Jalava and Riley 1995). Threats: With the exception of some escarpment communities, such as the old-growth White Cedar forests along the cliff edge and cliff-face, most of the (site) has been selectively logged or cleared for agriculture in the past. Talus, slope and rim forests on the north and south outliers show signs of past fires. Much of the non-escarpment natural area was accessible to grazing farm animals...until the 1960s when land for the park was acquired. However, in comparison with the (surrounding) landscape...the natural

10 Town of Mono NATURAL AREAS DATABASE – 3 August 2017, V.6 communities at Mono Cliffs remain in excellent condition. Since the park's acquisition in the 1960s, forests have matured, many fields have developed diverse, successional communities which complement these forests, and the removal of grazing from forests and talus slopes has probably increased the frequency of fern and moss communities. Some features are showing the effects of a high level of recreational use, particularly in certain sensitive and highly significant escarpment communities (rim, cliff, cliff-face fissure systems and talus slopes) and along certain sections of official and unofficial trails in sensitive and significant habitats (Lindsay 1991). In general, the relatively undisturbed condition of the McCarston's Lake watershed, one of few natural lakes in the Dufferin Section, is notable, as is the relatively undisturbed condition of the north outlier, north outlier valley and adjacent talus slopes and cliffs. Visitation levels in the park are estimated in excess of 20,000 per year, and recreational pressure on the site's resources continues to be a concern. Mountain biking and, to a lesser degree, equestrian use of escarpment trails are current examples (Jalava and Riley 1995). Rating Comments: Mono Cliffs is highly representative of the central Dufferin section of the Niagara Escarpment. The public lands have benefited from the "protection" approach adopted by park managers. Public use of the site by visitors and by three nearby outdoor education schools has largely followed the environmental user guide that was developed for the park. However, recreational pressures are relatively intense, particularly the proliferation, and compaction of trails, and the rapid expansion of mountain biking at the site. Management plans for Mono Cliffs Provincial Park should ensure that trails and recreational activities do not damage the site's highly sensitive escarpment bedrock, cliff, crevice, talus and wetland communities (Jalava and Riley 1995).

References: Cuddy, D.G. 1973. Ecological Assessment of Mono Cliffs Proposed Park, Dufferin County, Ontario. Environmental Planning Series 4(25). Life Science Report. OMNR, Environmental Planning Section, Park Planning Branch. Ms, 82 pp. Jalava, J.V. 1995. Mono Cliffs Site Summary. Pp. 289-294, in, J.L. Riley, J.V. Jalava and S. Varga. 1996. Ecological Survey of the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve. Volume I: Significant Natural Areas. OMNR, Southern Region, Aurora. Open File Site Survey 9601. v + 629 pp. Lindsay, K.M. 1976. Mono Centre North Escarpment Summary. Pp 291-293 in Cuddy, D.G., K.M. Lindsay and I.D. Macdonald. 1976. Significant Natural Areas along the Niagara Escarpment: A Report on Nature Reserve Candidates and other Significant Natural Areas in the Niagara Escarpment Planning Area. OMNR, Parks Planning Branch, Toronto. Ms, 426 pp. Lindsay, K.M. 1991. Biological Inventory and Evaluation of Mono Cliffs Provincial Park, Dufferin County. OMNR, Central Region, Aurora, Ontario. OFER 9105. vi + 113 pp. + maps. Riley, J.L. 1993. There are bones down there: the prehistoric secrets of Elba Cave. CUESTA, The Niagara Escarpment Magazine: 11-13. Young, V.H. 1992/1993. Ferns and Fern Allies of Mono Cliffs Provincial Park. Field Botanists of Ontario (FBO) Newsletter 5(3): 6-8. (Winter 1992/1993).

11 Town of Mono NATURAL AREAS DATABASE – 3 August 2017, V.6

NOTTAWASAGA RIVER NORTH (62.2 ha) Life Science ANSI, Regional Vegetation: Sugar Maple forests predominate on the uplands and upper-valley slopes along the northern edge of the site and in a small raised area in the south-central portion. In one area successional mixed forests dominated by Large-toothed Aspen occur, with White Cedar and Sugar Maple as secondary dominants. Broadleaf and mixed forests occur on the upper terraces of the Nottawasaga River valley, with the most frequent associations being Sugar Maple - Large-toothed Aspen - White Birch and White Cedar - White Birch - Sugar Maple. The east end of the site has a steep terrace slope forest of Hemlock - Sugar Maple and along the southern boundary there is a valley slope conifer forest of White Cedar. Middle terraces have mixed forests dominated by Hemlock, White Cedar and Sugar Maple. On a lower slope on the south side of the Nottawasaga River, there is a seepage slope meadow marsh of Rough Sedge - Bulblet Fern - Mountain Maple - Alternate-leaved Dogwood with an open canopy of White Cedar - Yellow Birch. The bottomlands have mixed and conifer forests of White Cedar - White Ash, a successional broadleaf stand of Trembling Aspen – Balsam Poplar, and mixed swamps of White Cedar - White Spruce - Black Ash, with Balsam Fir occasionally also a dominant. Other communities on a broad bottomland terrace in the western portion of the site include a small Common Cattail shallow emergent marsh and a successional broadleaf to mixed swamp dominated by Balsam Poplar, Trembling Aspen and Black Ash, with Red Maple, Yellow Birch, White Birch, White Elm, Red Ash, White Cedar and Balsam Fir also common. The edges and gravel bars of the Nottawasaga River support meadow marshes of Tall Goldenrod - Spotted Joe-Pye-Weed (Jalava 1995). Representation: This Nottawasaga River site is highly representative of valley bottomland features on outwash deposits and on more recent alluvial deposits in the Dufferin Section of the Niagara Escarpment. In comparison with the Lowlands, recent alluvial deposits are less extensive and older outwash deposits are more extensive. The site also has moderate representation of semi-mature conifer bottomland forests and successional mixed forests, and an abrupt cross-section of forest types from those on upland moraine (350 m asl) down to those in the riparian bottomlands (285 m asl) (Jalava 1995). Landform: This Nottawasaga River site contains a relatively small area of mixed and broadleaf slope and bottomland forests, through which the Nottawasaga River flows in a north-easterly direction. The site is situated on the Queenston shale plain, on and below the mantled slopes of the Hockley Valley, a major re- entrant valley of the Niagara Escarpment. The small uplands at the north edge of the site (at 337-351 m asl) are the southern edges of the Singhampton - Gibraltar where they are truncated by the valley. Recent deposits of silt, sand and gravel comprise the bottomlands; the bottomlands here and upstream were deposited, at least in part, in a proglacial Hockley Valley lake that filled the valley ca. 13,700 years ago. Glaciofluvial outwash sand forms the terraces that flank the river. The leading edges of gravelly higher outwash terraces occur along the southern edge of the site. Ice-contact stratified drift of sand and gravel with some silt and till form the low, rolling slopes on the north side of the site (Jalava 1995). Biodiversity: Nottawasaga River North supports 16 vegetation community types and 248 vascular plant species, including 1 regionally rare species and 12 locally rare species. Thirty-four breeding bird species have been recorded, 12 of them forest-interior species (a high total for a small area). Four herp and four mammal species have been recorded in the vicinity as incidental observations (Jalava 1995). Ecological Functions: The site sustains excellent tree cover along the Nottawasaga River, and groundwater discharge is evident along the valley slopes in several locations. The site is a small part of a larger natural area defining the Hockley Valley in general, and extending from just north of the Orangeville Reservoir north to Mono Centre and east along the Hockley Valley, forming an east-west natural corridor more than 18 km long. This area includes Cannings Falls (Hockley Valley Nature Reserve) and Glen Cross Upland Forest, and covers 23 square km, providing habitat for a diversity of species requiring large tracts of relatively

12 Town of Mono NATURAL AREAS DATABASE – 3 August 2017, V.6 undisturbed forest interior to maintain viable populations. This regional woodland and corridor, and the sites in it, contribute to the healthy hydrological condition of the Nottawasaga headwaters (Jalava 1995). Threats: The site's forests are generally intermediate-aged, with widespread younger successional stands. A high-quality semi-mature bottomland stand of White Cedar - White Ash is present, with cedars up to 60 cm dbh. Recent selective logging is restricted to a small area in a Sugar Maple stand on the upper slope in the north- central portion of the site. In the bottomland forest in the southwest part of the site, a trail network is quite heavily used, with the understorey cleared and sod planted in a few areas. Overall, the site has had little recent disturbance (Jalava 1995). Rating Comments: The Nottawasaga River North is especially notable for its variety of bottomland terrace and valley slope forests on recent alluvial deposits and on outwash deposits along the Nottawasaga River. Forest management within the site should incorporate its natural heritage values, including the retention of older, undisturbed forests (Jalava 1995). References: Cuddy, D.G., K.M. Lindsay and I.D. Macdonald. 1976. Significant Natural Areas along the Niagara Escarpment: A Report on Nature Reserve Candidates and other Significant Natural Areas in the Niagara Escarpment Planning Area. OMNR, Parks Planning Branch, Toronto. Ms, 426 pp. Jalava, J.V. 1995. Nottawasaga River North Site Summary. Pp. 286-288, in, J.L. Riley, J.V. Jalava and S. Varga. 1996. Ecological Survey of the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve. Volume I: Significant Natural Areas. OMNR, Southern Region, Aurora. Open File Site Report 9601. v + 629 Ontario Herpetofaunal Summary. 1992. Ontario Herpetofaunal Summary database to 1992. OMNR, Aylmer District, Aylmer.

13 Town of Mono NATURAL AREAS DATABASE – 3 August 2017, V.6

VIOLET HILL SOUTH (119.7 ha) Life Science ANSI, Regional Vegetation: A narrow band of escarpment plain forest is dominated by Sugar Maple on deeper soils, with occasional successional stands of White Cedar, Large-toothed Aspen and White Birch at the south end of the site. Along the escarpment rim, conifer stands of White Cedar and mixed stands of White Cedar - White Birch are frequent, with a broadleaf stand of Sugar Maple also present. At the south end, there are moist open cliffs up to 6 m high dominated by Bulblet Fern and shrubs of Mountain Maple. Extending in a south- to northeast-facing arc across the southern half of the site, outlier talus blocks (occurring mainly in the south-facing portion) and intermittent cliffs form a rich, extensive complex of Mountain Maple open crevices and White Cedar conifer rims. Upper, north-facing slopes at the south end have White Cedar conifer talus, White Cedar - White Birch mixed talus and Basswood - Yellow Birch broadleaf talus. White Cedar - White Birch mixed talus predominates on south-facing slopes, while the northeast-facing upper slopes in the south-central portion of the site have talus dominated by White Birch and White Ash - Basswood interspersed with Mountain Maple talus thickets. Below these communities, on deeper soils, Sugar Maple - White Ash forests predominate, with occasional Trembling Aspen and Balsam Poplar successional stands. Mixed swamps and wet-mesic successional forests of White Cedar occur at the base of the slopes throughout the northern section and also at the south end; secondary species in these stands include, in order of frequency, Balsam Fir, Yellow Birch, White Birch, Balsam Poplar, Trembling Aspen and Red Ash. Mixed forests also occur on lower slopes, with Hemlock and/or White Cedar dominant, mixed with broadleaf species such as Sugar Maple, Basswood, Yellow Birch or White Birch. There is a rich broadleaf swamp of Red Maple in the northern portion, and there is a small seepage swamp of Yellow Birch at the base of the escarpment slope near the centre of the site (Jalava 1995). Representation: The Violet Hill South is the best example of an escarpment promontory in the central Dufferin section of the Escarpment, and is moderately representative of an undisturbed incised gorge with an array of escarpment communities such as rim, cliff, talus, mantled slope, bedrock terrace. The site also has moderate representation of uplands, valley slopes and bottomlands on outwash deposits mixed with till, occurring on the Manitoulin Formation terrace and on the Queenston Formation. The site has moderate-to-high representation of mixed swamp and talus thicket communities, and moderate representation of mesic broadleaf forests, successional mixed forests, crevices, talus seeps and mesic conifer talus forests (Jalava 1995). Landform: The Violet Hill South area includes a narrow corridor containing a small incised escarpment valley, escarpment plain, rim and slope forests, as well as forests and swamplands on mantled slopes and valley bottomlands. Niagara Escarpment features occur primarily in the incised valley and along east- and north-facing slopes in the southwestern portion of the site, with the dolostone caprock of the Amabel Formation being exposed as cliffs and broken-away talus slopes. The southeastern section of the site, occurring below the main escarpment slopes, consists of fine sandy loam materials over outwash gravels deposited on a broad terrace of the Manitoulin Formation in the proglacial Violet Hill Meltwater Channel. The slopes and bottomlands of the northern half of the site are composed of a complex of stony loam till soils of the Dumfries Series and fine outwash sands of the Hillsburgh Series deposited on the shale plain of the Queenston Formation. This area has been slightly incised by three small streams which join and flow eastward out of the site as Sheldon Creek (Jalava 1995). Biodiversity: The site has a high diversity of 37 vegetation types. These communities support 233 vascular plant species, including two S1-S3 species and 9 locally rare species of plants. Forty-nine bird species have been recorded during breeding season, including 14 forest-interior species. Six mammals and 3 amphibian and reptile species have been recorded as incidental observations (Jalava 1995).

14 Town of Mono NATURAL AREAS DATABASE – 3 August 2017, V.6

Ecological Functions: The Violet Hill South includes naturally vegetated headwaters and upper sections of several tributaries of Sheldon Creek, and a section of Sheldon Creek itself. There is groundwater discharge at seepage areas along the lower escarpment slopes and the site contributes to the excellent hydrological condition of the Sheldon Creek. The site is also an important link in a generally continuous corridor extending along the Niagara Escarpment from Mono Cliffs Provincial Park to the Boyne River. This corridor stretches for more than 15 km and includes the Mono Cliffs and Boyne Valley. It is also a portion of the east-west Sheldon Creek valley corridor (Jalava 1995). Threats: The majority of the site's forests and swamp forests are intermediate-aged and relatively undisturbed. Some light selective logging has taken place in the northwestern portion. Several wide trails have been cut through forests in the steep valley in the east-central portion and also in the northwestern end; they cross streams and seepage areas. Escarpment plain forests in the southwestern portion of the site are heavily grazed. Because of the site's narrow and irregular shape, edge effects are pronounced in many areas. The site's least disturbed areas are the mixed swamp forests in the north-central portion and the rugged upper escarpment slopes in the south (Jalava 1995). Rating Comments: The Violet Hill South was initially identified as a provincial ANSI (Cuddy et al. 1976) but was subsequently recommended as regional ANSI (Jalava 1995). The site contains a variety of escarpment features and communities on escarpment and outwash channel deposits representative of the Dufferin section but these features and communities are more significantly represented at Mono Cliffs and elsewhere. Private landowners should be aware of the sensitivity of steep slope, wetland and primary bedrock communities to trail and road construction, artificial ponds and grazing. Forest management at the site should encourage the maintenance of natural heritage values, including the retention of older, undisturbed forests. A number of natural heritage stewardship awards have been presented to the private landowners of this site (Jalava 1995).

References: Cuddy, D.G. 1976. Violet Hill South Escarpment. Pp 295 in Cuddy, D.G., K.M. Lindsay and I.D. Macdonald. 1976. Significant Natural Areas along the Niagara Escarpment: A Report on Nature Reserve Candidates and other Significant Natural Areas in the Niagara Escarpment Planning Area. OMNR, Parks Planning Branch, Toronto. Ms, 426 pp. Jalava, J.V. 1995. Violet Hill South Site Summary. Pp. 295-298, in, J.L. Riley, J.V.Jalava and S. Varga. 1996. Ecological Survey of the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve. Volume I: Significant Natural Areas. OMNR, Southern Region, Aurora. Open File Site Report 9601. v + 629 pp.

15 Town of Mono NATURAL AREAS DATABASE – 3 August 2017, V.6 AREAS OF NATURAL AND SCIENTIFIC INTEREST – EARTH SCIENCES

CALEDON MELTWATER DEPOSITS (210.1 ha) Earth Science ANSI, Provincial

Representation: Cataract-Caledon ANSI contains Late Wisconsinan, Port Bruce , Violet Hill Meltwater Channel deposits. This is one of three sites chosen to represent the Violet Hill Meltwater System (NHIC Earth Science Database, 1998).

Landform: Meltwater channel deposits of well sorted sand and gravel on upper portion of Hockley Valley, , from which meltwaters from north ( lobe) spilled southward to the watershed (through Cataract-Caledon) (NHIC Earth Science Database, 1998).

References: ESOFR 7501 Cowell and Woerns (NHIC Earth Science Database, 1998) Varga, S. and K. Mewa. 1998. List of Provincial and Regional Earth Science ANSIs in the . Aurora District, OMNR. AreaID 4105

CANNINGS FALLS (17.3 ha) Earth Science ANSI, Provincial

Representation: The bedrock exposure is considered to be the best and most continuous along the central portion of the Niagara Escarpment. It is also one of the only such complete sections here, since the central escarpment is buried by a pervasive and generally deep mantle of glacial sediment, making the Cannings Falls site particularly significant. The Cannings Falls site is considered one of three key sites or nodes which represent the overall character of the bedrock exposed on the Niagara Escarpment (the others are the gorge of the , and Rocky Bay (the "Clay Cliffs"), on the ) (Kor 1991). Landform: A small tributary valley through the Niagara Escarpment above the Nottawasaga River north of Orangeville exposes a near-complete section of Upper through Middle Silurian bedrock in waterfall, streambed and valley outcrops. The following units are represented at the site (up section, from oldest to youngest): Queenston, Whirlpool, Manitoulin, Cabot Head, Fossil Hill and Amabel Formations. The geology here reflects deposition of clastic (southeast source) and carbonate (northwest source) sediments over a rise in the Precambrian basement called the Algonquin Arch, hence the generally thin depth of the total section. Although it is not a type section, the site is well known to geologists and is recognized as a key area in describing the depositional environments along the Niagara Escarpment. Bedrock exposures and access is generally good, imparting high scientific, interpretative and educational values (Kor 1991).

References: Kor, P.S.G. 1991. An Earth Science Inventory and Evaluation of the Cannings Falls Area of Natural and Scientific Interest. OMNR, Central Region, Aurora. Open File Geological Report 9110. iv + 30 pp. Area ID 10345

16 Town of Mono NATURAL AREAS DATABASE – 3 August 2017, V.6

MONO CLIFFS PROVINCIAL PARK (384.3 ha) Earth Science ANSI, Provincial Representation: The park was identified as having provincially significant earth science representation of the outliers associated with the Niagara Escarpment. Also significant are the portion of the Orangeville Moraine and the Violet Hill meltwater channel represented in the park. Of particular significance is McCarston's Lake and its immediate vicinity, notable for an extensive and scientifically interesting organic record. Two levels of the Violet Hill spillway are represented, the result of two periods of use by glacial meltwater flow (Kor 1991). Landform: Mono Cliffs Provincial Park incorporates an unusually well-exposed portion of the central Niagara Escarpment area. High vertical bluffs of the Silurian Amabel Formation dolostones of the main escarpment face overlook a strong secondary scarp of poorly exposed Manitoulin and Whirlpool Formation sediments, as well as a number of exposures of the underlying Ordovician Queenston Formation shale. The exposed cliffs, almost 30 m high in places, exhibit crevice caves, and their lower portions are mantled by massive talus slopes. Two lozenge-shaped outliers parallel the escarpment edge, the result of differential erosion of surrounding rock. The northern outlier particularly displays deep crevice caves. The two outliers flank a re- entrant valley which locally breaches the escarpment face and is predominantly mantled in glacial drift. Above the escarpment is the hummocky kame and kettle topography of the Orangeville Moraine. One large water-filled kettle, McCarston's Lake, contains an extensive post-glacial organic record. Below the escarpment, at the eastern edge of the park, a low hummocky topography defines the position of the Singhampton-Gibraltar Moraine. Immediately below the escarpment, a gently rolling to flat topography is attributed to two levels of the Violet Hill meltwater channel which drained glacial meltwaters from areas to the north, along and between the Niagara Escarpment and the ice front, which stood at the Singhampton-Gibraltar Moraine complex immediately to the east. The upper (older) meltwater channel level was responsible for removing glacial sediment adjacent to the escarpment and exposing the rock cliffs evident in the park. It also partially excavated glacial sediment between the two outliers and the main escarpment face. The lower (younger) channel level illustrates a slight widening of the channel to the east. The meltwater channel may have indirectly contributed to the formation of extensive crevice systems in the park by clearing and defining cliff edges, thereby undermining them by exposing the softer sediments underlying the Amabel (Kor 1991). Threats: Present levels of development and use do not pose a threat to the integrity of the geological features of the park. The extreme sensitivity of the life science values associated with the crevice caves precludes the presentation here of their exact location. Potential future development of park facilities are recommended to be placed on the level ground of the Violet Hill meltwater channel in the east-central portions of the park (Kor 1991). References: Kor, P.S.G. 1991. An Earth Science Inventory and Evaluation of Mono Cliffs Provincial Park. OMNR, Central Region, Aurora, Ontario; Open File Geological Report 9109. iv + 37 pp + map. Lindsay, K.M. 1988. Trail Plans for Mono Cliffs Provincial Park, Dufferin County, Ontario. Parks Section, OMNR, Huronia District and Mono Cliffs Outdoor Education Centre, North York Board of Education.

17 Town of Mono NATURAL AREAS DATABASE – 3 August 2017, V.6

PRIMROSE-BOYNE VALLEY (1328.4 ha) Earth Science ANSI, Provincial Representation: This area is identified as having provincially significant earth science representation of the "type" area of the Orangeville Moraine and the Violet Hill meltwater channel, as well as good representation of a portion of the Singhampton-Gibraltar Moraine complex (Kor 1991). Landform: The Violet Hill Channel - Boyne Valley ANSI is located in an area of confluence between the late glacial Simcoe sub lobe (from the northeast) and Lobe (from the northwest) ice. This area of the escarpment, marked by a minor re-entrant valley through which the Boyne River now flows, marks the chaotic junction of the deposits of these ice lobes, the Orangeville Interlobate Moraine to the west and a complex of the Singhampton-Gibraltar Moraine to the east. Separating these major ice- contact bodies of sediment is the Violet Hill meltwater channel, which drained meltwaters from the north between the Niagara Escarpment and the stagnating Singhampton-Gibraltar Moraine position. Two levels of the meltwater channel, representing two periods of use, are represented in the area. Ice-contact stratified drift is interbedded with glaciofluvial and minor glaciolacustrine sediments within the moraines, while sand and gravel dominate the flat-bottomed meltwater channels. Minor bedrock exposure in the re-entrant valley occurs where the Boyne River has cut through the thick glacial sediment cover. The ANSI overlaps with Boyne Valley Provincial Park. The ANSI overlaps with Boyne Valley Provincial Park. (Kor 1991) The two large moraines, the Orangeville and Singhampton, are separated by a major meltwater channel, the Violet Hill Spillway. Type locality of the Orangeville Moraine and the Violet Hill Spillway meltwater channel (Provincial Parks Earth Science Database, 1998). Threats: Though generally quite resistant to most existing land use, the removal of aggregate poses a danger to landform integrity and should be discouraged in the ANSI. Present rural land uses, such as grazing and farming, should be encouraged (Kor 1991). Land Use Comments: Agriculture, mining, recreation (Provincial Parks Earth Science Database, 1998). References: Cowell, D.W. and N.M. Woerns. 1976. Earth Science Candidate Nature Reserves in the Niagara Escarpment Planning Area. Environmental Planning Series, VII (2). OMNR, Parks Planning Branch, Division of Parks, Toronto. ESOFR 7609. 165 pp. Kor, P.S.G. 1991. An Earth Science Inventory and Evaluation of the Violet Hill Channel-Boyne Valley Area of Natural and Scientific Interest and Boyne Valley Provincial Park. OMNR, Central Region, Aurora, Open File Geological Report 9111. iv + 31 pp + map. Tracey, A.G. 1971. Brief Notes on the Geomorphology of Primrose and Adjacent Area. Department of Lands and Forests, Parks and Recreation Branch.

18 Town of Mono NATURAL AREAS DATABASE – 3 August 2017, V.6 WETLANDS – PROVINCIAL AND OTHER

CARDWELL WETLAND (139.7 ha) Wetland, Other General Description: A non-Provincially significant wetland complex, made up of 10 individual wetlands, composed of two wetland types (87% swamp and 13% marsh) (Smith and Daniels, 1987); Biodiversity: Regionally Significant Species (Smith and Daniels, 1987); Mink Frog, Bullfrog, Brook Trout Ecological Functions: Nesting colonial waterbirds-feeding area (Smith and Daniels, 1987); Winter cover for wildlife-local significance for Deer (Smith and Daniels, 1987); Waterfowl production-local significance (Smith and Daniels, 1987); Significant for fish spawning and rearing-Brook Trout (Smith and Daniels, 1987); Rating Comments: Second Edition- Non-Provincially Significant- Biological Component score = 178, Special Features Component score = 95, Total sore = 521, Class 5 (Smith and Daniels, 1987). References: Smith, D. and P. Daniels. 1987. Wetland Data Record and Evaluation- Cardwell Swamp. Second Edition. July 29 and August 12, 18 & 19, 1987. OMNR. MS. 22 pp + 3 pp supplement.

ELBA-CAMILLA WETLAND COMPLEX (1045.1 ha) Wetland, Provincial General Description: A Provincially significant wetland complex, made up of five individual wetlands, composed of two wetland types (91% swamp and 9% marsh) (Smith et al., 1987) Biodiversity: Breeding or Feeding Habitat for a Provincially Significant Animal Species (Smith et al., 1987): Northern Harrier (field obsv.); Regionally Significant Species (Smith et al., 1987): Cooper's Hawk, Bullfrog, Mink Frog, Brook Trout Ecological Functions: Nesting of colonial waterbirds- active feeding area (Smith et al., 1987);Winter cover for wildlife- local significance for Deer (Smith et al., 1987); Waterfowl production - local significance (Smith et al., 1987); Significant for fish spawning and rearing- present- Brook Trout (Smith et al., 1987); Rating Comments: Second Edition- Provincially Significant- Biological Component score = 171, Special Features Component score = 195, Total score = 654, Class 2 (Smith et al., 1987). References: Smith, D., P. Daniels, and K. McDonald. 1987. Wetland Data Record and Evaluation- Elba Complex. Second Edition. July 15- 17, 20- 22, 1987. OMNR MS. 22 pp + 4 pp supplement.

20 Town of Mono NATURAL AREAS DATABASE – 3 August 2017, V.6

GLEN CROSS WETLAND SWAMP (117.4 ha) Wetland, Other General Description: A Non-Provincially significant wetland complex, made up of three individual wetlands, composed of two wetland types (98% swamp and 2% marsh) (Smith and Daniels, 1987). Biodiversity: Regionally Significant Species (Smith and Daniels, 1987); Brown Trout (T. Browning- MNR) Ecological Functions: Nesting of colonial waterbirds- active feeding area (Smith and Daniels, 1987); Winter cover for wildlife- local significance for Deer (Smith and Daniels, 1987); Significance for fish spawning and rearing- present (Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout) (Smith and Daniels, 1987); Rating Comments: Second Edition- Non-Provincially Significant- Biological Component score = 176, Special Features Component score = 70, Total score = 514, Class 5 (Smith and Daniels, 1987). References: Smith, D. and P. Daniels. 1987. Wetland Data Record and Evaluation-Glencross Swamp. Second Edition. August 20 & 22, 1987. OMNR. MS. 22 pp + 1 p supplement.

LAUREL COMPLEX (350.4 ha) Wetland, Provincial General Description: A Provincially significant wetland complex, made up of four individual wetlands, composed of two wetland types (95% swamp, 5% marsh) (Smith and Daniels, 1987). Biodiversity: Breeding or Feeding Habitat for a Provincially Significant Animal Species (Smith and Daniels, 1987): Pied-billed Grebe and Northern Harrier; Regionally Significant Species (Smith and Daniels, 1987): Mink Frog (field obsv.); Other species noted (Smith and Daniels., 1987): American Woodcock, American Bittern and Great Blue Heron Ecological Functions: Nesting of colonial waterbirds- active feeding area (Smith and Daniels, 1987). Winter cover for wildlife -local significance for Deer (Smith and Daniels, 1987). Threats: One or several singular or localized disturbances- roads, drainage (Smith and Daniels, 1987). Rating Comments: Second Edition- Provincially Significant- Biological Component score = 167, Special Features Component score = 215, Total score = 682, Class 2 (Smith and Daniels, 1987). References: Smith, D. and P. Daniels. 1987. Wetland Data and Evaluation Record - Laurel Wetland Complex. Second Edition. June 29,30 and July 1, 1987. OMNR. MS. 22 pp + 2 pp supplement. The Corporation of the County of Dufferin. 1995. Our Forest - Our Future; Dufferin County Forest Management Plan 1995-2015. The Corporation of the County of Dufferin.

21 Town of Mono NATURAL AREAS DATABASE – 3 August 2017, V.6

ORANGEVILLE WETLAND COMPLEX (281.8 ha) Wetland, Provincial General Description: A Provincially significant wetland complex, made up of five individual wetlands, composed of three wetland types (0.2% , 41.2% swamp and 58.6% marsh) (Hooper et al., 1985). Biodiversity: Breeding or Feeding Habitat for a Provincially Significant Animal Species (Hooper et al., 1985); Northern Harrier; Regionally Significant Species (Hooper et al., 1985); Osprey, Water Smartweed Ecological Functions: Nesting of colonial waterbirds- active feeding area (Hooper et al., 1985); Winter cover for wildlife- local significance for Deer (R. Toth- MNR) (Hooper et al., 1985); Waterfowl staging- regional significance (Hooper et al., 1985); Waterfowl production- regional significance (Hooper et al., 1985); Significance for fish spawning and rearing- present (baitfish) (R. Toth- MNR) (Hooper et al. 1985) Rating Comments: Second Edition- Provincially Significant- Biological Component score = 205, Special Features Component score = 250, Total score = 813, Class 1 (Hooper et al., 1985). References: Hooper, G., D. Kennedy, and S. Coulter. 1985. Wetland Data Record and Evaluation- Orangeville Reservoir. Second Edition. September 12, 16-17 & 19, 1985. Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority. MS. 22 pp + 1 map + 6 pp supplement.

VIOLET HILLS WETLAND COMPLEX (314.9 ha) Wetland, Provincial General Description: A Provincially significant wetland complex, made up of 11 individual wetlands, composed of three wetland types (0.07% fen, 93.75% swamp and 6.18% marsh) (Smith and Daniels, 1987). Biodiversity: Breeding or Feeding Habitat for a Provincially Significant Animal Species (Smith and Daniels, 1987): Northern Harrier); Regionally Significant Species (Smith and Daniels, 1987): Mink Frog, Bullfrog, Brook Trout, Black Duck, Osprey and Common Loon Ecological Functions: Nesting of colonial waterbirds- active feeding area (Smith and Daniels, 1987). Winter cover for wildlife- local significance for Deer (Smith and Daniels, 1987). Significance for fish spawning and rearing- Brook Trout (Smith and Daniels, 1987). Threats: One or several singular or localized disturbances- roads (Smith and Daniels, 1987). Rating Comments: Second Edition- Provincially Significant- Biological Component score = 173, Special Features Component score = 190, Total score = 684, Class 2 (Smith and Daniels, 1987). References: Smith, D. and P. Daniels. 1987. Wetland Data Record and Evaluation- Violet Hills Complex. Second Edition. July 3, 6-9, 1987. OMNR, Huronia District. Ms, 22 pp + 3 pp supplement

22 Town of Mono NATURAL AREAS DATABASE – 3 August 2017, V.6 CANADIAN HERITAGE RIVERS

HUMBER RIVER (Mono portion of total of 121,099.5 ha) Canadian Heritage River General Description: The 100 km has headwaters in the ancient rocks of the Niagara Escarpment and the glacial hills of the Oak Ridges Moraine, both in the Town of Mono. The river is protected and restored as a vibrant with the help of many individuals, groups and agencies who share a common vision of a healthy Humber. Representation: The Humber was recognized internationally as a finalist of the Thiess Services River Prize, Australia, recognizing excellence in river management. The Humber Report Card was selected for the Ontario Professional Planners Institute Outstanding Planning Award that recognizes excellence in planning at the provincial level (Canadian Heritage Rivers System, 2004). Landform: The watershed has its headwaters in the springs along the Niagara Escarpment and the Oak Ridges Moraine, then flows south across the high-quality agricultural lands of the South Slope and Peel Plain, and the ancient Lake Iroquois shoreline. Along its course, it drops over 350 metres in elevation, entering Lake Ontario at (Canadian Heritage Rivers System, 2004). Biodiversity: Brook Trout still thrive in the river's clear headwaters. Its wetlands still ring with the choruses of birds and frogs. Crossing the transition zone between the -St. Lawrence Forest Region to the north and the Carolinian or Deciduous Forest Region to the south, the Humber contains species and typical of both. The Oak Ridges Moraine (ORM), one of southern Ontario’s outstanding physiographic features, was formed during the Wisconsinan glaciation between two converging lobes of ice, and then revealed about 13,000 yBP as the ice melted, depositing sand and gravel between them. The ORM, which spans the Humber via the Towns of Mono and Caledon, King Township and the Town of Richmond Hill, comprises over a quarter of the area of the watershed and forms the headwaters of the Humber River. Niagara Escarpment - the main branch of the Humber flows from the Niagara Escarpment which has been designated a World Biosphere Reserve by United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Brook Trout - The high quality aquatic habitat in the Humber supports more than 50 species of fish. The presence of Brook Trout in the headwaters of the Humber is indicative of high quality cold water habitat. Red-Shouldered Hawk - the presence of the nationally vulnerable Red- Shouldered Hawk in the watershed is indicative of the Humber’s high quality forest and wetland habitats (Canadian Heritage Rivers System, 2004). Management Organization Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Land Use Comments: The land uses in the Humber watershed vary from century farms in its northern reaches, to dense residential and industrial development in Brampton, Mississauga, Toronto and . Approximately 45% of the watershed is urban or urbanizing and 55% of the watershed is rural. A significant amount (approximately 46%) of the land base remains in agricultural use for livestock and cash crops on the Oak Ridges Moraine, South Slope, and Peel Plain in the Towns of Mono, Caledon and Vaughan and in King Township. (Canadian Heritage Rivers System, 2004). Rating Comments: The Humber River was officially designated a Canadian Heritage River at a plaque unveiling ceremony in Toronto on Sept 24, 1999 (Canadian Heritage Rivers System, 2004). References: Canadian Heritage Rivers System. n.d. "Humber River Fact Sheet". Acc. 05/01/2004. Ms, 7pp + map

23 Town of Mono NATURAL AREAS DATABASE – 3 August 2017, V.6 CONSERVATION AUTHORITY AREAS

ISLAND LAKE CONSERVATION AREA (332 ha) Credit Valley Conservation – Conservation Authority Area General Description: Island Lake Conservation Area is located in the rolling hills of Dufferin County in the Towns of Orangeville and Mono. Its 332 hectares of wetland, forest and meadows play an important role protecting the headwaters of four rivers: the Credit, Nottawasaga, Grand and Humber. Part of a six kilometre long series of vibrant wetlands and a source of upwellings of water from underground, this area feeds cool, clean naturally-filtered water to these regionally important river systems. Island Lake Conservation Area encompasses wetlands that make up part of the provincially significant Orangeville Wetland Complex and act like a filter purifying water and soaking up nutrients (CVC). Representation: The wetlands act like a filter, purifying water and soaking up nutrients (CVC). Management Organization Credit Valley Conservation Authority Land Use Comments: Located at the west end of the lake, the dams control water flow into the Credit River. Controlling the amount of water flowing into the river improves the water quality thereby enhancing the health and beauty of the Upper Credit watershed. Island Creek Conservation Area offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors including fishing, wading, boating, hiking, picnicking, volleyball, ice-fishing, skating, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing (CVC).

References: Credit Valley Conservation (CVC). 2004. Ken Whillans Resource Management Area. Mississauga, Ontario. Available http://www.creditvalleycons.com/emjoying/kenwhillans.html (Accessed Feb 28, 2008). Credit Valley Conservation Authority (CVCA). 2004. Island Lake. www.creditvalleycons.com/recandleisure/islandlake.htm

24