Update to the CNHS Inventory June 2008

City of Windsor Update to the CNHS Inventory June 2008

The Great Lakes Sustainability Fund is a component of the Federal Government’s Great Lakes program. The Sustainability Fund provides resources to demonstrate and implement technologies and techniques to assist in the remediation of Areas of Concern and other priority areas in the Great Lakes. This report was partially sponsored by the Great Lakes Sustainability Fund and addresses environmental issues in the Detroit River Area of Concern in Windsor, Ontario. This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the Sustainability Fund or Environment Canada. TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

I INTRODUCTION ………………………………………………………. 3

II STUDY METHODOLOGY AND CRITERIA ……………………….. 8

III RESULTS ……………………………………………………………….. 13

Site Reports

CNHS #9…………………………………………………………………. 14 CNHS #10………………………………………………………………… 20 CNHS #13………………………………………………………………… 28 CNHS #14………………………………………………………………… 34 CNHS #18………………………………………………………………… 39 CNHS #24………………………………………………………………… 45 CNHS #26………………………………………………………………… 52 CNHS #29………………………………………………………………… 59 CNHS #30………………………………………………………………… 68 CNHS #31………………………………………………………………… 79 CNHS #34………………………………………………………………… 90 CNHS #39………………………………………………………………… 114 CNHS #40………………………………………………………………… 124 CNHS #41………………………………………………………………… 131 CNHS #42………………………………………………………………… 134 CNHS #43………………………………………………………………… 137 CNHS #44………………………………………………………………… 139 CNHS #45………………………………………………………………… 140

REFERENCES ……………………………………………………………………. 143

LIST OF FIGURES Following Page Figure 1.0 All Natural Heritage Features…………………………………… 9 Figure 2.0 Natural Area cover by Subwatershed…………………………… 9 Figure 3.0 Sites Subject to Study…………………………………………… 9

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1.0 City of Windsor Candidate Natural Heritage Site Biological Inventory Update- Evaluation Summary of Significance…………………………………… 13 Table 2.0 Candidate Natural Heritage Site Inventory Update- Status Report 142

APPENDICIES

Appendix A. Section 5 from the City of Windsor Official Plan Appendix B. Biodiversity Conservation Strategy, Greater Detroit River Study Area Appendix C. Suggested Conservation Guidelines for the Identification of Significant Woodlands in Southern Ontario, Criteria and Thresholds for Significance

IntroductionIntroduction I INTRODUCTION

This City of Windsor update to the 1992 Candidate Natural Heritage Site Biological Inventory has been initiated as a part of the City of Windsor Official Plan review process. The information within this document will be utilized as background information in the review and update of the Official Plan. In addition to other Official Plan background studies, the findings of the biological site inventories within this document will assist City Administration and Council with determining appropriate Official Plan land use designations and developing specific policy, as deemed appropriate in the updated Official Plan.

Project Intent and Project Approach

The intent of this study is to inventory and assess the most environmentally significant areas in the City that are not currently protected. This information can be useful to minimize urban development impacts and loss of significant natural features. The approach of this study is consistent with the City of Windsor’s Vision Statement and existing Official Plan, as well as the 2005 Provincial Policy Statement and the goals and objectives of the Essex Region Conservation Authority.

2005 Provincial Policy Statement

The Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) is issued under Section 3 of the Planning Act . It provides direction on matters of provincial interest related to land use planning and development, and promotes the provincial “policy led” planning system. The updating of the CNHS inventory is necessary for the City of Windsor to be consistent with the requirements of the new 2005 PPS and to address Section 2.1 which is the Natural Heritage Section of the Policy Statement. The PPS requires that planning authorities protect significant natural heritage features and areas by restricting development and site alteration which would have a negative impact on their natural features and ecological functions. Part I of the PPS states, “provincial plans and municipal official plans provide a framework for comprehensive, integrated and long-term planning and supports and integrates the principles of strong communities, a clean and healthy environment and economic growth, for the long term.”

City of Windsor Official Plan

The Official Plan for the City of Windsor guides the physical development of the municipality for a twenty-year planning horizon. Based on the requirements in the Planning Act , Official Plans are to be reviewed at intervals of five years or less. The current Windsor Official Plan provides a Vision Statement which states, “Windsor, Canada’s southernmost city and 3

international gateway, is a diverse community of safe, caring neighbourhoods, with a vibrant economy and a healthy sustainable environment.”

In order to achieve a sustainable, healthy environment, the most significant natural heritage features in the City of Windsor need to be protected and linked together to enhance the habitats and biological diversity of the greenway system. The City of Windsor’s Official Plan provides a commitment to the Vision Statement which is reflected in an action strategy centred around four interrelated themes. One of these themes is a sustainable, healthy environment. This theme is interpreted to provide the following.

“Windsor values harmony between human activities and natural systems. To achieve a sustainable, healthy environment, the Official Plan will enhance Windsor’s natural environment by conserving the most environmentally significant areas and by encouraging appropriate urban development.”

The preamble to the Environment Section of the City of Windsor’s Official Plan states:

“A healthy and sustainable environment represents a balance between human activities and natural features and functions. In order to attain this balance, Council will enhance the quality of Windsor’s natural environment and manage development in a manner that recognizes the environment as the basis of a safe, caring and diverse community and a vibrant economy.”

City of Windsor Greenway System

The Greenway System is based on the belief that the quality of life within Windsor will be enhanced by the establishment of a linked and continuous network of “green” land uses. This planned network of natural environment and recreational elements will provide a means to establish Windsor as a healthy and liveable city (Policy 5.3.2 City of Windsor Official Plan).

The core natural environment areas within the City provide wildlife habitat for a wide range of animals and plants. However, isolated patches of wildlife habitat are not enough to allow for sustainable, healthy populations. While some species move over agricultural lands, others require vegetated corridors between the core areas. These are essential to allow for migration of wildlife, to provide escape routes, and to foster biodiversity of natural communities and genetic pools. A connected and diverse natural system also provides a scenic landscape with opportunities for extensive trail systems. The outcome of this study will provide baseline information useful for developing and strengthening policies focused on the natural heritage system while integrating recreational elements. In fragmented landscapes such as the Essex Region, the identification of natural heritage systems, and the associated recommendations designed for their protection and restoration, can accomplish the following: 4

1. Maintain or enhance the overall diversity of species; 2. Conserve rare plant communities (e.g. alvars, prairies) and faunal species; 3. Maintain or enhance the long-term health of populations of native species; 4. Represent remaining types of ecosystems and processes; 5. Maintain and enhance natural corridors for wildlife travel and genetic variability; 6. Help protect the quality and quantity of water resources; 7. Establish priorities for restoration, stewardship and acquisition; and, 8. Assist decision makers in making sound, informed decisions on how and where development should occur without compromising the ecological integrity of natural systems. (Central Cataraqui Region Natural Heritage Study, 2006)

This study was not intended to be a complete biological inventory of all natural heritage features within the City limits. Those sites which are under public ownership and currently protected were outside the scope of this study and may benefit from the preparation of comprehensive management plans.

Regional Context

Prior to European Settlement, the Essex Region was dominated by lush natural areas including Carolinian woodlands, wetlands and prairies. Most of the natural areas in the region were historically removed to allow for agriculture and urban development. As well, many of the natural areas which are the subject of this study, have resulted from regeneration from discontinued agricultural uses to prairie and forest communities. Today, the natural heritage system within the region is generally fragmented consisting of “islands of green” or isolated, remnant natural features scattered across the City and County. As demonstrated in this report, some plant and animal species in the region have been classified as “at risk” as there is insufficient and degraded habitat regionally to continue to sustain healthy populations.

City of Windsor Natural Heritage Feature Characteristics

The City of Windsor has a complement of natural heritage features including woodlands and tallgrass prairie communities. Many of these areas are under development pressure due to their urban location. Many of the “at risk” species that are provincially or regionally rare may be preserved through the designation and/or securement of these remnant natural areas.

The City of Windsor is located in the Carolinian Canada forest zone, which is roughly delineated south of a line running from Grand Bend to Toronto. The southerly location and moderate climate of this region is the main reason for such a unique and diverse ecosystem. Although the Carolinian forest zone is quite small in comparison with other vegetation zones, it hosts a greater number of floral and faunal species than any other ecosystem in Canada (Carolinian Canada, 2006). It is estimated that approximately 2200 species of herbaceous plants are found here and there are seventy different species of trees alone. Approximately 400 bird species have been recorded in this zone - over half of the bird species in all of Canada (Carolinian Canada, 2006).

The City of Windsor was the first municipality in the region to undertake the preparation of a biological inventory of candidate natural heritage sites. The City has demonstrated leadership in protecting the natural environment through initiatives such as its Natural Environment Areas Protection By-Law, and the By-Law to Regulate Pesticide Use on Public and Private Lands.

Natural Heritage System Concept

“Natural heritage systems are identified to help define integrated networks of conservation lands and waters linked by natural and restored corridors. System definition is a practical technique to define conservation and protection objectives in land-use, watershed and resource planning. They can also define baseline or benchmark landscape systems against which to monitor cumulative effects and assess acceptable levels of landscape change.” (Riley and Mohr, 1994)

The changes to Provincial policies and legislation, including those brought about in the 2005 Provincial Policy Statement (PPS), provides new opportunities for further strengthening the City of Windsor’s environment and open space policies. The new PPS undertakes a “systems approach as a centralized theme”. Undertaking a natural heritage systems approach to planning reinforces the understanding that natural features have strong ecological ties to other physical features and areas in the landscape and encourages biodiversity. The term “natural heritage system” is defined in the PPS as “a system made up of natural heritage features and areas, linked by natural corridors which are necessary to maintain biological and geological diversity, 6

natural functions, viable populations of indigenous species and ecosystems. These systems can include lands that have been restored and areas with the potential to be restored to a natural state”. Therefore the natural heritage system are the core natural features, which in the case of the City of Windsor are prairies and woodlands, which are linked by existing and proposed natural corridors such as shelterbelts hedgerows and watercourses, which will enhance the overall functioning of the system. It is expected that the update to the Candidate Natural Heritage Site Inventory will result in additional gains to the overall natural heritage system.

According to the Natural Heritage Reference Manual regarding the creation and protection of the natural heritage system, “in planning areas where there is little natural cover left, the emphasis should be on protecting most of the remaining natural areas.” Prior to the 2005 Provincial Policy Statement, the City of Windsor recognized the value of a natural heritage system concept as the Official Plan includes Greenway System policies.

StudyStudy Methodology Methodology && Criteria Criteria II STUDY METHODOLOGY AND CRITERIA

The study area encompasses 233 ha of natural areas (see Figures 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0). The study area lands consist of mixed land uses which are predominantly residential with some industrial, commercial and open space as well as agricultural properties in the lands that were annexed from the Town of Tecumseh in 2003.

At the outset of this project, the study team agreed that all remaining natural areas not under public ownership within the City with a minimum size of 2 ha would be included for the biological inventory. Some sites were excluded due to previous studies and designations and Windsor Port Authority lands were also excluded. The areas which were identified as Candidate Natural Heritage Sites (CNHS) in 1992 retain the same site numbers. The new Sandwich South sites (2003 annexed lands) have been added to the list. Aerial photography from 2004 was used to confirm the status of sites and delineate the current boundaries of existing natural features.

The field biologists were led by Mr. Gerry Waldron and were given aerial photographs of each of the CNHS sites to conduct biological surveys. Mr. Waldron conducted vegetation analyses utilizing the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources’ Ecological Land Classification (ELC) protocols.

Since the 1950s, there has been substantial work done across Canada to develop a standardized, ecological approach to land-unit description and classification. In Ontario this integrated approach to surveying and classifying vegetation communities is called the Ecological Land Classification System (ELC). This classification scheme identifies recurring recurring ecological land patterns on the landscape in order to reduce complex natural variation to a reasonable number of meaningful ecosystem units. Ontario has adopted this land classification approach. The intent of the provincial ELC program is to establish a comprehensive, consistent province-wide approach for ecosystem description, inventory and interpretation. The key focus of the ELC is to improve our ability to manage both natural resources and the information about those resources (Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority, 2006).

In the early summer of 2006, field biologists undertook the initial biological inventories of each of the sites which included the determination of the spring flora and an examination of standing water for amphibian breeding. In mid summer, field biologists undertook additional faunal surveys, including wildlife and amphibian inventories. All sites were visited again in the late summer in order to document late flowering species and woody vegetation (trees and shrubs). During the late summer surveys, Mr. Gerry Waldron prepared a written description and ELC community mapping for each of the CNHS’s based on ELC characterization.

City of Windsor CNHS Update 2007 LAKE ST C LAIR Figure 1.0 - All Natural Heritage Features

r side D River

R W E a l IV k R H e O r T t o I S u R te w O t e d o a R d l an l r T y e d W L E t t A J e a D e v u Areas of Natural or Scientific Interest A Rd f z e seh f v cum e o e Te r n s

o P Envionmentally Significant Areas n R

B K l W v d A Natural Heritage Sites Subject to Study t Y S

h City of Other Woodlots c i w d n Municipal Boundary a Windsor S

Sites that qualify as more than one Significant Natural Heritage Feature have been categorized based on their highest Natural Heritage Significance

W D a o l u k e g r H a d l R n R u l sio d ivi r A D Y o n v A e

d C W R h K u n R r e P c

d h l y a a R d w M b i j d O a R Caban

0 1.25 2.5 5

Kilometers HWY # 401 1:60,000 Town of LaSalle Town of Tecumseh

Airphoto copyright the Corporation of the County of Essex/City of Windsor, 2004

Source: SUPERTOM D:\PROJECTS\rebecca\Windsor Planning\Windsor - CHNS - Figure 1 - Oct 2 2006.mxd TD 5/16/2008 City of Windsor CNHS Update 2007 LAKE Tecumseh Arrea Drraiinage ST C LAIR Land Arrea:: 531 ha Figure 2.0 - Subwatershed Areas Nattuall Herriittage Coverr:: 4 ha ((0..8 %))

r side D River

ER W IV a l R k H e T O I o r t O S u w R te e R t a d T do l n l r a e d E y L W t D t A J a e e u v A e f z Rd f o v seh e Windsor Area Drainage e cum r n Windsor Area Drainage Te s P Natural Heritage Sites Subject to Study o n R K B W l Land Arrea:: 4678 ha v Other Woodlots d A t Y S Natual Heritage Cover: 133 ha (2.8 %) Natual Heritage Cover: 133 ha (2.8 %) h City of Subwatershed Boundary c i w d n Municipal Boundary a Windsor S Liittttlle Riiverr Subwatterrshed Sites that qualify as more than one Significant Land Arrea:: 6490 ha Natural Heritage Feature have been categorized Nattuall Herriittage Coverr:: 140 ha ((2..2 %)) based on their highest Natural Heritage Significance

WY EXPR W W C RO E D a l o k u e H g r

u a R Rd r l ion o l d is Div Y n A

A d v C e W R h

u K n r R e c P d h l

y a R a M d w b i j O a Rd Turrkey Crreek Subwatterrshed Caban

Land Arrea:: 6112 ha Nattuall Herriittage Coverr:: 725 ha ((11..9%)) 0 1 2 4

Kilometers

HWY # 401 1:60,000 Town of LaSalle Town of Tecumseh

Airphoto copyright the Corporation of the County of Essex/City of Windsor, 2004

Source: SUPERTOM D:\PROJECTS\rebecca\Windsor Planning\Windsor - CHNS - Figure 2 - Oct 11 2006.mxd TD 5/16/2008 City of Windsor CNHS Update 2006 LAKE ST C LAIR Figure 3.0 - Sites Subject to Study

de Dr iversi R Sites

!9 # 9 6.26 ha # 33 76.40 ha 13 ! # 10 4.86 ha # 34 42.40 ha R W E a l IV k R H e O r # 13 6.54 ha # 39 40.32 ha T t o I S u R te w O t e d o a R d l an l r T y e d W L # 14 2.76 ha # 40 6.29 ha E t t A J e a D e v u A Rd f z e seh f v cum e o e Te r n s # 18 2.21 ha # 41 2.58 ha

o P n R

B K l W v # 24 7.49 ha # 42 3.70 ha d A t Y S

h City of 10 # 26 6.51 ha # 43 2.79 ha c i ! w d n a Windsor # 29 21.10 ha # 44 0.68 ha S 29 18 ! ! !14 # 31 15.01 ha # 45 0.90 ha !30 Natural Heritage Sites Subject to Study !26 !39

W Other Woodlots D a o l u k e g r Municipal Boundary H a d l R n R u l sio d ivi r A D Y o n v A e 40 34 d C W Sites that qualify as more than one Significant R ! h ! K u 41 n R r ! Natural Heritage Feature have been categorized e 45 P c

d h ! l y based on their highest Natural Heritage a a R d w M 44 Significance b i ! j d 43 O a R ! Caban !24

31 ! 0 1.25 2.5 5 !42 Kilometers HWY # 401 1:60,000 Town of LaSalle Town of Tecumseh ¤

Airphoto copyright the Corporation of the County of Essex/City of Windsor, 2004

Source: SUPERTOM D:\PROJECTS\rebecca\Windsor Planning\Windsor - CHNS - Figure 3 - Oct 11 2006.mxd TD 10/11/2006 Each of the sites were visited the same number of times for this undertaking. A complete floral and faunal inventory was produced for each of the sites documenting all rare species. As well, the locations of significant species including rare trees were obtained utilizing a global positioning system (GPS) and these locations were plotted on each CNHS map.

Ten evaluation criteria were developed by the study team. Other natural heritage inventories completed across the Province were reviewed in order to assess the current standards for natural heritage inventories and evaluations. The first five criteria are based directly on the significant natural heritage features defined by the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS).

In developing the criteria, the project study team decided to exclude cultural assessments of the natural areas due to the subjectivity of these criteria. Interesting cultural features associated with the natural heritage sites are described in the comments section of each site report, rather than as a separate criterion. The following ten criteria were developed by the project steering committee in order to evaluate the 18 natural heritage sites:

Evaluation Criteria No.1 Significant Wetland - These areas are seasonally or permanently covered by shallow water, as well as lands where the water table is close to or at the surface. In either case the presence of abundant water has caused the formation of hydric soils and has favoured the dominance of either hydrophytic plants or water tolerant plants. Provincially Significant Wetlands are identified by the Ministry of Natural Resources utilizing evaluation procedures as established by the Province. For this study, sites with greater than 50% wetland indicators will be identified for subsequent application of the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System by a certified wetland evaluator in consultation with the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Evaluation Criteria No.2 Habitat of Threatened and Endangered Species - Endangered Species are defined as species facing imminent extinction or extirpation in Ontario that are listed or categorized as an Endangered Species in the Ministry of Natural Resources Official Species At Risk List. Threatened Species are defined as a species that is at risk of becoming endangered in Ontario if limiting factors are not reversed and is listed or categorized as a Threatened Species on the Ministry of Natural Resources Official Species At Risk List.

The habitat for these species are defined as portions of natural areas that are necessary for the maintenance, survival, and/or the recovery of naturally occurring or reintroduced populations of endangered species or threatened species, and areas of occurrence that are occupied or habitually occupied by the species during all or any part(s) of its life cycle. For this study, the presence of SAR and their habitats will be assessed and verified through the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Evaluation Criteria No.3 Significant Woodlands - woodlands are natural areas where the native trees have a minimum tree cover of 50%. For this region, due to the limited amount of forest cover, the Provincial Natural Heritage Reference Manual recommends that woodlands of 2 hectares in size or larger should be assessed for significance. Woodlands are considered continuous even when bisected by public roads. Smaller woodlands may be considered significant, regardless of the benchmark size if they exhibit composition, age, or quality that is uncommon in the municipality or the region. For this study, Significant Woodlands will be assessed utilizing criteria provided in the Suggested Conservation Guidelines for the Identification of Significant Woodlands in Southern Ontario provided from Ontario Nature, Federation of Ontario Naturalists.

Evaluation Criteria No.4 Significant Wildlife Habitat - are areas where plants, animals and other organisms live, and find adequate amounts of food, water, shelter and space needed to sustain their populations. Specific wildlife habitats of concern may include areas where species concentrate at a vulnerable point in their annual life cycle; and areas which are important to migratory or non-migratory species. For this study, Significant Wildlife Habitat will be assessed utilizing the guidelines provided in the Significant Wildlife Habitat Guideline Manual produced by the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Evaluation Criteria No.5 Significant Valleylands - are areas that occur in a valley or other landform depression that has water flowing through or standing for some period of the year. These features often link or border natural areas and provide ecological functions such as habitat (including refuge), corridor, or buffering from adjacent impacts. An attempt has been made by ERCA to identify potential Significant Valleyland features based on 2004 Aerial Photography as well as guidelines provided in the Natural Heritage Reference Manual . For this study, areas not yet identified by ERCA will be evaluated for significance, based on the following features:

a) more or less continuous natural areas providing connections within the watershed; b) contains a diversity of native species, natural communities and landscapes; c) provides ecological functions such as habitat, passage, refuge, hydrological flow, and buffering from adjacent areas.

Evaluation Criteria No.6 Ecological Function - are the natural processes, products or services that living and non-living environments provide or perform within or between species, ecosystems and landscapes. These may include biological and physical interactions. For this study, linkage, hydrological flow, ground water recharge, water retention and water purification will be considered components determining ecological function.

Evaluation Criteria No.7 Diversity - Areas may be considered diverse if they support many species and associations, and a heterogeneous physical structure. Areas of high diversity contain several types of natural communities and will often encompass a spectrum of topography, soil types, moisture regimes and structure. Structural diversity

is created by multiple horizontal layers within the community, edge and the presence of dead timbers both standing and fallen. Typically, documentation of the vegetation communities within a site utilizing ELC protocols would serve as an appropriate guideline. Significant earth science features are distinctive and unusual from a local perspective, or are rare from a national/provincial perspective. For example, they may include soil types, boulder fields, water worked moraines, eskers, glacial overflow channels, iceberg signatures or glacial lake shorelines. For this study, three or more communities, or two communities with a significant earth science feature, will be considered a diverse site.

Evaluation Criteria No.8 Significant Species - These are species which are designated “rare” on the Ministry of Natural Resources NHIC database (those listed as S1 to S3). The area has not only valid documented occurrence of a rare species, but also has been identified as providing the elements critical to the life cycle of the designated species.

Species with an “RE” are considered rare in the Essex Region. Normally, such a species occurs at 5 or fewer recent stations in the Essex Region. A station is a population of the species which is at least one kilometre distant from any other populations (of the same species).

Species with an “RO” are considered rare in Ontario. Following the “RO” designation is a Provincial Rank which begins with an “S” followed by a number (S1, S2,...etc.) These ranks are used by the Natural Heritage Information Centre to set protection priorities for rare species and natural communities.

“S1" Critically Imperiled- Critically imperilled in Ontario because of extreme rarity or because of some factor(s) making it especially vulnerable to extirpation from the province. Typically 5 or fewer occurrences or very few remaining individuals.

“S2" Imperiled- Imperiled in Ontario because of rarity or because of some factor(s) making it vulnerable to extirpation from the province. Usually between 6 to 20 or few remaining individuals.

“S3" Vulnerable- Vulnerable in Ontario either because rare and uncommon or found only in a restricted range (even if abundant at some locations), or because of other factors making it vulnerable to extirpation. Typically 21 to 100 occurrences.

“S4" Apparently Secure- Uncommon but not rare, and usually widespread in Ontario. Possibly of long-term conservation concern. Usually more than 100 occurrences.

For this study, any natural area containing an S1 to S3 species will be considered as fulfilling the Significant Species criteria.

Evaluation Criteria No.9 Significant Communities - Significant communities contain an assemblage of plants and animals which are either unique or unusual in the local, provincial, or national context. These communities may be geographically isolated from other occurrences in the region or elsewhere in Ontario/Canada. For this study, ELC protocols will be used for typification with cross-referencing to the NHIC rarity database. Any communities currently listed as S1 to S3, (see evaluation criterion #8 for definitions) will be considered a significant community.

Evaluation Criteria No.10 Condition - To meet this criterion, the area will be relatively undisturbed by grazing, tillage, compaction, cutting and clearing, artificial drainage, stormwater flow, extraction, spraying of pesticides, trails, debris, and aggressive, introduced (exotic) species. If disturbed by one or more of the above, the area should have the potential to regenerate naturally or to be restored. Windthrow, disease and fire are considered to be natural disturbances which may be necessary to maintain the integrity of the ecosystem. For this study, the natural feature should be relatively undisturbed to those human impacts listed above or exhibit sufficient regeneration to be considered naturalized (at least ten years after suspected disturbance).

Criteria Scoring If the site fulfills any one of criteria #1 through #5, the site shall be considered significant through Provincial standards. For the remaining five criteria, (#6 through #10), satisfying a minimum of two criteria shall be sufficient to consider the site as significant.

ResultsResults

III RESULTS

Table 1.0 summarizes the biological inventory and assessment results.

Individual site reports are included in this section. A complete floral inventory has been provided for each of the site reports. Those species which are completely capitalized are non- native or exotic species.

Table 1.0 City of Windsor Candidate Natural Heritage Site Biological Inventory Update-Evaluation Summary of Significance

Evaluation Description CNHS #34 CNHS #31 CNHS #30 CNHS #29 CNHS #10 CNHS #26 CNHS #24 CNHS #9 CNHS #18 CNHS #13 CNHS #39 CNHS #40 CNHS #14 CNHS #41 CNHS #42 CNHS #43 CNHS #44 CNHS #45 Criteria

Site Name Tall Grass St.Clair South CNR Shaughness Northwood Roseland Schiller's Walker Lassaline Airport Sundrop Walkerside Fairbairn KOA Ireland Farm Wagon Baseline Prairie College Cameron Vanderwater y Cohen Grove Wooods Bush Junction Wildlife Woodlands Bend Farm Woods Woods Campground Woods Wheel Woods Heritage Prairie Natural Yard Woods Woodland Habitat Woods Park Area Dominant Fresh-Moist Dry-Fresh Black Pin Oak Mineral Pin Oak Mineral Hawthorn Pin Oak Mineral Silver Maple Fresh-Moist Oak- Fresh-Moist Hawthorn Green Ash Fresh Moist Ash Swamp White Silver Maple Mineral Cultural Mineral Cultural Mineral Cultural Mineral Cultural Poplar Deciduous Oak Deciduous Deciduous Deciduous Cultural Deciduous Mineral Maple Deciduous Shagbark Cultural Mineral Lowland Oak Mineral Mineral Woodland Woodland Woodland Woodland ELC Forest/ Fresh- Forest Type Swamp Type/ Swamp Type / Savannah Type Swamp Type Deciduous Forest Type Hickory Savannah Type Deciduous Deciduous Deciduous Deciduous Ecosite Ecosite Ecosite Ecosite Vegetation Moist Tall Grass Gray Dogwood Mineral Cultural Swamp Type Deciduous Forest Swamp Type/ Forest Type Swamp Type Swamp Type Community Prairie/ Fresh Cultural Thicket Thicket Ecosite Type Silver Maple Moist Pin Oak Type Mineral Type Tall Grass Deciduous Woodland Swamp Type/ Mineral Cultural Thicket Ecosite

Total Area 42.4 ha 15.01 ha 76.4 ha 21.1 ha 4.86 ha 6.51 ha 7.49 ha 6.26 ha 2.21 ha 4.74 ha 40.32 ha 6.22 ha 2.76 ha 2.52 ha 3.25 ha 2.79 ha 0.68 ha 0.95 ha (ha) 1 Significant Wetland 2 Habitat of Threatened and √ √ √ √ Endangered Species 3 Significant Woodland √√√√√√√√√√√√√√ 4 Significant Wildlife √ Habitat 5 Significant Valleyland √ 6 Ecological Function √√√√√√√√√√√√ 7 Diversity √√√√√√√√√√√√ √

8 Significant Species √√√√√√√√√√√√√√√√√√ 9 Significant Communities √ √ √ √ √ √

10 Condition √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

No. of Evaluation Criteria Fulfilled (out of 10) 877666555444331111

Windsor Candidate Natural Heritage Site #9 ‘Schiller’s Bush’

1. Site Location Municipality: City of Windsor Location: south of Tranby Avenue and east of Lauzon Parkway (Forest Glade Planning District) ARN: 373906030003001, 373906030012700, 373906030012800, 373906030009100 PIN: 015642255, 015642237, 015642901, 015642236, 015642145, 015642174 UTM Zone 17N: 340100.1663, 4687120.132

2. Size 7.0 hectares (17.3 acres)

3. Ownership Private

4. General Description Schiller’s Bush, as this area is known, is a much reduced natural area that has been depleted through decades of residential and industrial development; however, since 1992 no further reduction has occurred. On the west side the site is bordered by the rear yards of homes along Isabelle Court and Isabelle Place. The north and northeast is bordered by industries along Tranby Avenue and Brady Boulevard. Lauzon Parkway forms the southeast border and Canadian National Railway tracks run along the south. The unopened ROW’s of three streets and alleys run through the area. The north of the site is a mix of swamp woodland and wet to moist meadow; the south is a hawthorn-dogwood thicket. The woodland that forms the central portion was formerly ash-dominated. There are ephemeral ponds and pits and mounds on the site as well as areas of fill, a dug pond and open drains associated with former agriculture and the railroad verge. Soils are classified as Brookston Clay.

5. Evaluation Criteria Fulfilled Evaluation analyses have determined that the natural heritage feature has fulfilled the following 5 out of 10 evaluation criteria.

Evaluation Criteria Fulfilled 1. Significant Wetland 2. Habitat of Threatened and Endangered Species 3. Significant Woodland 4. Significant Wildlife Habitat 5. Significant Valleyland 6. Ecological Function 7. Diversity 8. Significant Species 9. Significant Communities 10. Condition

Criterion No. 3 – Significant Woodland The mature woodland exceeds two hectares in area. Ash species form a dominant component within sections of the woods, especially to the south where much of the tree canopy has been destroyed by Emerald Ash Borer.

Criterion No. 6 – Ecological Function This site is one of the larger woodland patches available to songbirds migrating along the Detroit River - Lake St. Clair corridor although its distance from the shoreline (1.8 km.) reduces this value. Additionally the site is a habitat node along the linkage provided by the naturalized railroad verge running east-west just to the south. The verge although interrupted by busy multilane roads links to CNHS #13 in the west and CNHS #3 and the Little River corridor to the east. Water is retained on the site and released to drains flowing to the Little River

Criterion No. 7 – Diversity Although a level site, diversity is provided by the variously aged woodlands and thickets. This is enhanced by a shallow pond, ephemeral ponds, adjacent meadow and wetland vegetation in the wet meadow and railside swale. Additionally, the site has standing and fallen deadwood and ten large oak trees between 50 and 98 cm. dbh.

Criterion No. 8 – Significant Species The following seven significant plant species were observed: Swamp Agrimony, Agrimonia parviflora S3S4 Shellbark Hickory, Carya laciniosa S3 Pumpkin Ash, Fraxinus profunda S2 Pin Oak, Quercus palustris S3 Shumard Oak, Quercus shumardii S3 SC Prairie Rose, Rosa setigera S3 SC Tall Ironweed, Vernonia gigantea S3

The above species are widespread within the CNHS with the exception of Pumpkin Ash which has been destroyed in sizes larger than that of seedlings. Tall Ironweed is restricted to open areas and woodland and thicket edges.

No significant fauna was observed.

Criterion No. 10 – Condition The site is a repository for debris generated in the surrounding residential and industrial areas but the greatest recent disturbance has been the destruction of elm and ash trees from disease and borer infestation. Parts of the site have been buried under fill and exotic species present a challenge but overall, given the urban context, the condition remains relatively good.

6. Comments Before development engulfed this area, Schiller’s Bush would have been a pastured woodlot – the large trees are relicts from this period. No cutting has occurred on the site for several decades. This had allowed the woodlands to mature and tree canopies to close until recent epidemics of disease and infestation destroyed the dominant elm and ash. Similarly formerly cleared areas have grown to thickets and thickets have succeeded to young woodlands. Some of this succession was ash dominated so ash mortality has resulted in a stagnation or reversal of succession. The ‘deciduous plantation’ noted in the 1992 study has devolved into a CUM1-1, Dry-Moist Old Field Meadow Type due to the destruction of the tree seedlings due, most likely, to rodents. The dogwood thickets of 1992 are increasingly dominated by hawthorns and so now form a mix of CUT1-1, Gray Dogwood Cultural Thicket Type (although Rough-leaved and Silky Dogwood are also common here) and CUS1-1 Hawthorn Cultural Savannah Type. None of these vegetation community types has an assigned S-rank. As recently as 1992, the woodland was dominated by ash species; now these are all destroyed creating an abundance of dead and soon to fall deadwood. With the ash and most of the elm component gone, the ELC classification is FOD9-2, Fresh- Moist Oak-Maple Deciduous Forest Type (no S-rank). Many of the larger oaks in this type are Shumard Oaks (S3 SC). Because of succession to a Silver Maple dominated swamp, the wetlands in the northwest corner can be grouped under SWD3-2, Silver Maple Mineral Deciduous Swamp Type (S5).

7. Floral Inventory

Surveyors: G. Waldron, P. Hurst Field Dates: Oct.7, Nov.14, 2001, Mar. 30, May17, 18, 2002, Sept.19, 2006 STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX ABUTILON THEOPHRASTI Velvetleaf Acalypha rhomboidea Three-seeded Mercury Acer x freemanii Freeman's Maple 16

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX Acer negundo Manitoba Maple Acer saccharinum Silver Maple Agrimonia gryposepala Tall Agrimony S3 S4 Agrimonia parviflora Swamp Agrimony ALLIARIA PETIOLATA Garlic Mustard Ambrosia trifida Giant Ragweed Apocynum cannabinum Hemp Dogbane ARCTIUM MINUS Common Burdock Asclepias syriaca Common Milkweed Aster ericoides Heath Aster Aster lanceolatus Eastern Lined Aster Aster lateriflorus Side-flowering Aster Aster novae-angliae New England Aster Aster pilosus var. pilosus Hairy Aster BARBAREA VULGARIS Yellow Rocket Bidens frondosa Common Beggar-ticks Bidens tripartita Swamp Tickseed Carex blanda Woodland Sedge Carex radiata Radiate Sedge S3 Carya laciniosa Shellbark Hickory Carya ovata Shagbark Hickory CICHORIUM INTYBUS Chicory Cicuta maculata Water Hemlock Circaea lutetiana Enchanter's Nightshade CONVALLARIA MAJUS Lily-of-the-valley Cornus amomum Silky Dogwood Cornus drummondii Rough-leaved Dogwood Cornus foemina Gray Dogwood Crataegus mollis Downy Hawthorn Crataegus punctata Dotted Hawthorn DACTYLIS GLOMERATA Orchard Grass DAUCUS CAROTA Wild Carrot Euthamia graminifolia Grass-leaved Goldenrod Fragaria virginiana Wild Strawberry Fraxinus pennsylvanica Red Ash S2 VU Fraxinus profunda Pumpkin Ash Geum canadense White Avens Glyceria striata Fowl Manna Grass Iris virginica Southern Blue Flag Juncus dudleyi Dudley's Rush Juncus torreyi Torrey's Rush Leersia virginica White Grass LONICERA MAACKII Amur Honeysuckle LONICERA TATARICA Smooth Tartarian Honeysuckle 17

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX Lycopus uniflorus Northern Bugle Weed MELILOTUS ALBA White Sweet Clover MORUS ALBA White Mulberry Oenothera biennis Common Evening Primrose Oxalis stricta Yellow Wood-sorrel Parthenocissus inserta Thicket Creeper PASTINACA SATIVA Wild Parsnip Phragmites australis Reed;Giant Bulrush Phytolacca americana Pokeweed Poa compressa Canada Bluegrass Poa pratensis Kentucky Bluegrass Populus deltoides Cottonwood Populus tremuloides Quaking Aspen Potentilla anserina Silverweed Prunella vulgaris ssp. lanceolata Heal-all Prunus virginiana Choke Cherry Pycnanthemum virginianum Common Mountain Mint Quercus bicolor Swamp White Oak S3 Quercus palustris Pin Oak Quercus x schuetteu Schuett Oak S3 SC Quercus shumardii Shumard Oak RHAMNUS CATHARTICA Common Buckthorn RHAMNUS FRANGULA Glossy Buckthorn Rhus radicans ssp. negundo Poison Ivy Rhus typhina Staghorn Sumac Ribes americanum Wild Black Currant ROBINIA PSEUDOACACIA Black Locust ROSA MULTIFLORA Multiflora Rose S3 SC Rosa setigera Prairie Rose Rubus idaeus Wild Red Raspberry RUMEX CRISPUS Sour or Curly Dock Salix exigua Sandbar Willow SALIX FRAGILIS Crack Willow Sambucus canadensis Elderberry SCILLA SIBERICA Siberian Squill Scirpus pendulus Bulrush SOLANUM DULCAMARA Bittersweet Nightshade Solanum ptycanthum Black Nightshade Solidago altissima Tall Goldenrod SONCHUS ARVENSIS Perennial Sow Thistle TARAXACUM OFFICINALE Common Dandelion Tilia americana Basswood Typha angustifolia Narrow-leaved Cat-tail Ulmus americana White Elm 18

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX Ulmus rubra Red or Slippery Elm Verbena urticifolia White Vervain S3 Vernonia gigantea Tall Ironweed Vitis riparia Riverbank Grape Xanthium strumarium Common Cocklebur Zanthoxylum americanum Prickly-ash

8. Faunal Inventory

No. of VISITS: 1 CNHS # 9 SPECIES DIVERSITY RANKING: 7 Approx Total Effort: 1 hr Summary Account:

Total Species: 15 Confirmed Breeding: 5 Possible / Probable Breeding: 2 Total bird count: 64

SPECIES ACCOUNT

SPECIES STATUS OBSERVATION American Kestrel MS C UB Foraging, carrying food from study area/nesting locally Red-tailed Hawk SI C On rail line adjacent to study area Mourning Dove MS C CB Common Nighthawk MS C NB Nesting locally Downy Woodpecker MS C CB Nesting cavities Chimney Swift SI C NB Foraging over woodlot American Crow SI C UB Blue Jay MS C UB White-breasted Nuthatch SI C UB American Robin MS C CB Common Grackle MS C PrB Slate-coloured Junco MS M Northern Cardinal MS C CB Previous seasons nests/carrying nesting material American Goldfinch MS C PrB Chipping Sparrow MS C CB Nest found

City of Windsor S T Candidate Natural Heritage Site Inventory Update

B P E A L U L L E A F I V B A S CNHS # 9 E E I L R L E V L I V M E E I A P W E Noteworthy Species ( T r e e P l a n t ) T E W T R B H C L B E H V L V W E D E D V I A B S P BY BURR OAK HONEY LOCUST A L AN R B TR A E D SHUMARD OAK COTTONWOOD L Y L B E L

P V WHITE OAK SILVER MAPLE L D E LIN N SWAMP WHITE OAK O CAREX TYPHINA UZ LA BLACK OAK

ST JOHNS WART PIN OAK

CUM1-1 RED OAK GREAT PLAINS LADIES TRESSES

T S BIG SHELLBARK HICKORY SWD3-2 GH HU SUNDROPS FOD9-2 MC L A SHAGBARK HICKORY CUT1-4/CUS1-1 U Z PURPLE MILKWEED O RED ELM N

Y R

K D

N ELC Community Types

O Z Meadow CUM1-1 Dry Moist Old Field Meadow U Plantation CUP1 Deciduous Plantation A CUS1-1 L Savannah Hawthorn Cultural Savannah CUT1 Mineral Cultural Thicket Thicket CUT1-4 Gray Dogwood Cultural Thicket CUT1-4/CUS1-1 Woodland CUW1 Mineral Cultural Woodland FOD1-3 Dry Fresh Black Oak Deciduous Forest FOD7-2 Fresh Moist Ash Lowland Deciduous Forest Deciduous Forest FOD8-1 Fresh Moist Poplar Deciduous Forest FOD9-2 Fresh Moist Oak Maple Deciduous Forest FOD9-4 Fresh Moist Shagbark Hickory Deciduous Forest SA Shallow Water Water/Marsh MAM6 Tallgrass Meadow Marsh SWD1-1 Swamp White Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp SWD1-3 Pin Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp Deciduous Swamp SWD2-2 Green Ash Mineral Deciduous Swamp SWD3-2 Silver Maple Mineral Deciduous Swamp Tallgrass Prairie TPO2-1 Fresh Moist Tallgrass Prairie TPW2-1 Fresh Moist Black Oak White Oak Tallgrass Woodland Tallgrass Woodland TPW2-2 Fresh Moist Pin Oak Tallgrass Woodland

1:5,000

0 50 100 200 Meters

Airphoto copyright the Corporation of the County of Essex, 2004 CATHER Source: SUPERTOM D:\PROJECTS\Conservation Planning INE ST (Rebecca B)\Windsor CNHS 2006\Communities - Jan 15 - 07.mxd TD 1/16/2007 Windsor Candidate Natural Heritage Site #10 ‘Shaughnessy Cohen Woods’

1. Site Location Municipality: City of Windsor Location: south of Forest Glade and east of Lauzon Road (Forest Glade Planning District) ARN: 373907074001300, 373907074001000, 373907074000900, 373907074001001, 373907074000701 PIN: 013951023, 013950962, 013950963 UTM Zone 17N: 341439.4336, 4684568.441

2. Size 6.6 hectares (16.3 acres)

3. Ownership Private / City

4. General Description The site straddles the channel of Little River from Forest Glade Drive in the north to the E.C. Row Expressway in the south. Derwent Park lies along the west side and actually encompasses much of the study site; Stella Crescent and residences on Stella Court and Lauzon Road border the east. The north portion consists of woodland; the remainder is composed of a riverine corridor composed of young woody vegetation and, on the east side, an area of meadow recently planted to native trees. Portions of the former channels of Little River are found to either side of the existing straightened and deepened channel. The former channels are now occupied by wetland vegetation. A pedestrian bridge links the east and west river banks and connects a system of trails both designated and non-designated. The site’s soils are classified as Brookston Clay.

5. Evaluation Criteria Fulfilled Evaluation analyses have determined that the natural heritage feature has fulfilled the following 6 out of 10 evaluation criteria.

Criterion No. 3 – Significant Woodland The wooded areas of the site exceed two hectares in area. Dutch Elm Disease and Emerald Ash Borer have created many gaps in the tree canopy but over 50% of the canopy remains intact. This woodland falls within an area identified in the BCS and therefore contributes to landscape connectivity.

Criterion No. 5 – Significant Valleyland The Little River has been channelized through this reach yet retains many valley features including former channels, bank vegetation, adjacent swamp and marsh and wide buffers of woodland, thickets and meadows. The continuous natural area provides connectivity and passage within the landscape, serves as habitat and augments hydrological flow.

Criterion No. 6 – Ecological Function The site is a riverine corridor and therefore provides linkage through a highly developed urban environment. Twin Oaks park and CNHS’s #39 and #40 lie upstream and Little River Golf Club and CNHS #5 lie downstream. The vegetated areas on each bank and adjacent tableland intercept and retain overland flows particularly in old channels and depressions and this retention and filtration by vegetation serves to purify flows into the river.

Criterion No. 7 – Diversity On-site diversity is provided by the variety of vegetation communities including meadow, small areas of swamp, marsh, shrub thickets and woodland. Additional diversity comes from the topographical variety provided by river banks and small ravines and from permanent flowing water and ephemeral pools and drain flows. The biggest trees on the site are Cottonwoods although one Pin Oak has a 61 cm. dbh. There is little fallen deadwood in evidence but the Emerald Ash Borer infestation has created plenty of standing deadwood.

Criterion No. 8 – Significant Species The following ten significant plant species were observed: Bush’s Thorn, Crataegus persimilis S1 R1 Long-spined Thorn, Crataegus succulenta R4 Honeylocust, Gleditsia triacanthos S2 Swamp Candles, Lysimachia terrestris R3 Pin Oak, Quercus palustris S3 Shumard Oak, Quercus shumardii S3 SC Prairie Rose, Rosa setigera S3 SC Upright Carrion-flower, Smilax ecirrhata S3? Snowberry, Symphoricarpus albus R4 Tall Ironweed, Vernonia gigantea S3

The above species are widespread within the site except for Honeylocust and Snowberry. Honeylocusts on watercourses flowing to Lake St. Clair are always suspect as to their indigenity as most trees are likely escapes from hedgerow cultivation. The position of the Honeylocust trees is indicated on the site aerial. The Snowberry bushes are found beneath the Honeylocusts.

The only significant faunal species observed was a Cliff Swallow which is considered regionally rare. It was not found to be breeding on the study site.

Criterion No. 10 – Condition The 1992 study found the woodland east of Little River to be in reasonable condition except for an understorey of invasive Common Buckthorn and this continues to be the case. Exotic Garlic Mustard and Moneywort still dominate parts of the herbaceous layer. The meadowlands south of the woodland have been built upon in the northeast portion; elsewhere a road, Stella Crescent, has been constructed and, in areas adjacent to the road, fill has been placed. A trail system and bridge have been constructed as amenities to Derwent Park which incorporates much of the study area.

6. Comments The woodland west of Little River in the north of the site is now a City of Windsor Park and so was not included in the study. The woodland on the east remains in private hands. The meadow area east of Little River occupies former farmland. This has been planted to a variety of native tree species including Hackberry, Kentucky Coffeetree and Tuliptree, to increase the natural habitat provided by the Little River corridor. The trees and the grove they form are dedicated to the memory of federal politician Shaughnessy Cohen. The mature trees in the wooded areas are so widely dispersed within the shrub canopy that the community is best describes as CUS1-1, Hawthorn Cultural Savannah Type. Elsewhere the old fields are CUM1-1 Dry-Moist Old Field Meadow Type with CUP1, Cultural Deciduous Plantation. There are small areas of shrub swamp,

SWT2-8, Silky Dogwood Mineral Thicket Swamp Type (S3S4) and MAS2-4, Broad-leaved Sedge Mineral Shallow Marsh Type (S5) on the lower ground (former floodplain) adjacent to the river. These vegetative communities are too small to map.

Habitat restoration, as proposed in the BCS for this area, includes the restoration of 30 m of riparian habitat on both sides of Little River. This riparian habitat should be restored to a generalized Moist – Fresh Lowland Deciduous Forest Ecosite (FOD7) vegetation community.

7. Floral Inventory

Surveyors: G. Waldron, P. Hurst Field Dates: May 17, Sept. 18, 19, 2006 STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX Acer negundo Manitoba Maple Acer rubrum Red Maple Acer saccharinum Silver Maple ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM Yarrow Agrimonia gryposepala Tall Agrimony AGROSTIS GIGANTEA Redtop Agrostis stolonifera Creeping Bent Alisma plantago-aquatica Water-plantain Allium canadense Wild Garlic ALLIUM SATIVUM Garlic Ambrosia trifida Giant Ragweed ANAGALLIS ARVENSIS Scarlet Pimpernel Apocynum cannabinum Hemp Dogbane ARCTIUM MINUS Common Burdock Asclepias syriaca Common Milkweed Aster ericoides Heath Aster Aster lanceolatus Eastern Lined Aster Aster novae-angliae New England Aster Aster pilosus var. pilosus Hairy Aster BROMUS INERMIS SSP. INERMIS Smooth Brome Calystegia sepium Hedge Bindweed Carex blanda Woodland Sedge Carex hyalinolepis Hyaline-scaled Sedge Carex vulpinoidea Fox Sedge Carya cordiformis Bitternut Hickory Carya ovata Shagbark Hickory Celastrus scandens American Bittersweet CHRYSANTHEMUM LEUCANTHEMUM Ox-eye Daisy Circaea lutetiana Enchanter's Nightshade 23

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX CIRSIUM ARVENSE Canada Thistle CIRSIUM VULGARE Bull Thistle CONSOLIDA AMBIGUA Larkspur CONVOLVULUS ARVENSIS Field Bindweed Cornus amomum Silky Dogwood Cornus drummondii Rough-leaved Dogwood Cornus foemina Gray Dogwood Cornus stolonifera Red-osier Dogwood Crataegus crus-galli Cockspur Thorn Crataegus mollis Downy Hawthorn S1 R1 Crataegus persimilis Bush’s Thorn Crataegus pruinosa Waxy-fruited Hawthorn Crataegus punctata Dotted Hawthorn R4 Crataegus succulenta Long-spinned Hawthorn DACTYLIS GLOMERATA Orchard Grass DAUCUS CAROTA Wild Carrot DIPSACUS FULLONUM Fuller's Teasel ELAEAGNUS ANGUSTIFOLIA Russian Olive ELYMUS REPENS Quack Grass Epilobium coloratum Cinnamon Willow-herb Erigeron annuus Annual Fleabane Euthamia graminifolia Grass-leaved Goldenrod FESTUCA ARUNDINACEA Tall Fescue Fragaria virginiana Wild Strawberry Fraxinus americana White Ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica Red Ash Geranium maculatum Wild Geranium Geum canadense White Avens Geum laciniatum Rough Avens GLECHOMA HEDERACEA Ground Ivy S2 Gleditsia triacanthos Honeylocust HESPERIS MATRONALIS Dame's Rocket Impatiens capensis Spotted Touch-me-not Juglans nigra Black Walnut Juncus tenuis Path Rush Juncus torreyi Torrey's Rush Juniperus virginiana Red Cedar LONICERA MAACKII Amur Honeysuckle LONICERA MORROWI Morrow's Honeysuckle LONICERA TATARICA Smooth Tartarian Honeysuckle LOTUS CORNICULATA Birdfoot Trefoil LYSIMACHIA NUMMULARIA Moneywort R3 Lysimachia terrestris Swamp Candles LYTHRUM SALICARIA Purple Loosestrife 24

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX MALUS BACCATA Siberian Crab Malus coronaria Wild Crab MALUS PUMILA Apple MELILOTUS OFFICINALIS Yellow Sweet Clover MORUS ALBA White Mulberry Parthenocissus quinquefolia Virginia Creeper PASTINACA SATIVA Wild Parsnip Phalaris arundinacea Reed Canary Grass PHLEUM PRATENSE Timothy Phragmites australis Reed;Giant Bulrush PINUS SYLVESTRIS Scotch Pine PLANTAGO LANCEOLATA English Plantain;Ribgrass Poa compressa Canada Bluegrass Poa pratensis Kentucky Bluegrass Podophyllum peltatum May Apple Populus deltoides Cottonwood POTENTILLA RECTA Rough-fruited Cinquefoil Prunella vulgaris ssp. lanceolata Heal-all PRUNUS DOMESTICA Common Plum Prunus serotina Wild Black Cherry Prunus virginiana Choke Cherry Quercus bicolor Swamp White Oak S3 Quercus palustris Pin Oak S3 SC Quercus shumardii Shumard Oak RHAMNUS CATHARTICA Common Buckthorn RHAMNUS FRANGULA Glossy Buckthorn Rhus radicans ssp. negundo Poison Ivy Rhus typhina Staghorn Sumac Ribes americanum Wild Black Currant ROSA CANINA Dog Rose ROSA MULTIFLORA Multiflora Rose S3 SC Rosa setigera Prairie Rose Rubus idaeus Wild Red Raspberry Rubus occidentalis Black Raspberry RUDBECKIA TRILOBA Three-lobed Coneflower RUMEX CRISPUS Curly Dock SALIX ALBA White Willow Salix exigua Sandbar Willow SALIX FRAGILIS Crack Willow Sanicula trifoliata Large-fruited Snakeroot Sisyrinchium montanum Mountain Blue-eyed-grass S3? Smilax ecirrhata Upright Carrion-flower SOLANUM DULCAMARA Bittersweet Nightshade Solidago altissima Tall Goldenrod 25

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX Solidago canadensis Canada Goldenrod SONCHUS ARVENSIS Perennial Sow Thistle Stachys hispida Hedge Nettle R4 Symphoricarpos albus Snowberry TARAXACUM OFFICINALE Common Dandelion Thalictrum dasycarpum Purple Meadow-rue Thalictrum pubescens Hairy Meadow-rue Tilia americana Basswood TRIFOLIUM PRATENSE Red Clover VU Triosteum aurantiacum Horse-gentian Typha angustifolia Narrow-leaved Cat-tail Ulmus americana White Elm Ulmus rubra Red or Slippery Elm VERBASCUM BLATTARIA Moth Mullein S3 Vernonia gigantea Tall Ironweed Viburnum acerifolium Maple-leaved Arrow-wood Viburnum lentago Nannyberry VIBURNUM OPULUS European Highbush Cranberry Viola sororia Common Blue Violet Vitis riparia Riverbank Grape Xanthium strumarium Common Cocklebur Zanthoxylum americanum Prickly-ash

8. Faunal Inventory

No. of VISITS: 1 CNHS # 10 SPECIES DIVERSITY RANKING: 11 Approx Total Effort: 1 hr Summary Account: This CNHS has some riparian habitat features on the Little River. There may be greater use from migratory birds following the linkage of the Little River than was observed in the scope of this study. Locally rare Cliff Swallows were observed using this link from an established colony under the viaduct at Little River and the E.C.Rowe.

Total Species: 10 Confirmed Breeding: 2 Possible / Probable Breeding: 4 Total bird count: 44

SPECIES ACCOUNT

SPECIES STATUS OBSERVATION Canada Goose MS C UB Nesting sites known in area Mallard Duck MS C PrB Mated pair Mourning Dove MS C CB

SPECIES STATUS OBSERVATION Yellow Warbler MS C PB Cliff Swallow MS R NB Foraging/nesting colony found in close proximity American Robin MS C CB Northern Cardinal MS C UB American Goldfinch MS C UB Chipping Sparrow MS C PrB Carrying hair Song Sparrow SI C PB Singing male

City of Windsor M E Candidate Natural Heritage Site Inventory Update A D O W B R W CNHS # 10 O I L O D K W

L O Noteworthy Species ( T r e e P l a n t ) A R D O N E D D E A L G D ST E R OR F BURR OAK HONEY LOCUST

SHUMARD OAK COTTONWOOD A U R O WHITE OAK SILVER MAPLE R A SWAMP WHITE OAK D CAREX TYPHINA R T A M BLACK OAK A ST JOHNS WART CUS1-1 R L A PIN OAK A C U K Z O S RED OAK GREAT PLAINS LADIES TRESSES T N

P K BIG SHELLBARK HICKORY Y SUNDROPS S L RE i SHAGBARK HICKORY t C t A l e L PURPLE MILKWEED L R E RED ELM i v T L e S A r U Z O N ELC Community Types CUM1-1/CUP1 R Meadow CUM1-1 Dry Moist Old Field Meadow D Plantation CUP1 Deciduous Plantation Savannah CUS1-1 Hawthorn Cultural Savannah CUT1 Mineral Cultural Thicket Thicket Q LOCK RD CUT1-4 Gray Dogwood Cultural Thicket U M E HE Woodland CUW1 Mineral Cultural Woodland A C FOD1-3 Dry Fresh Black Oak Deciduous Forest L I FOD7-2 T R Fresh Moist Ash Lowland Deciduous Forest Y O Deciduous Forest FOD8-1 Fresh Moist Poplar Deciduous Forest W W FOD9-2 Fresh Moist Oak Maple Deciduous Forest

A W FOD9-4 Fresh Moist Shagbark Hickory Deciduous Forest Y SA Shallow Water Water/Marsh MAM6 Tallgrass Meadow Marsh SWD1-1 Swamp White Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp SWD1-3 Pin Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp Deciduous Swamp SWD2-2 Green Ash Mineral Deciduous Swamp SWD3-2 Silver Maple Mineral Deciduous Swamp Tallgrass Prairie TPO2-1 Fresh Moist Tallgrass Prairie L

i TPW2-1 Fresh Moist Black Oak White Oak Tallgrass Woodland t t Tallgrass Woodland l TPW2-2 Fresh Moist Pin Oak Tallgrass Woodland e

i v E e r W O D R r a 1:5,000 C in A

E N PY C EX OW H 0 50 100 200 Meters R O C E E R C

E D W R RO R E C O W Airphoto copyright the Corporation of the County of Essex, 2004 W Source: SUPERTOM D:\PROJECTS\Conservation Planning C ROW E (Rebecca B)\Windsor CNHS 2006\Communities - Jan 15 - 07.mxd E TD 1/16/2007 Windsor Candidate Natural Heritage Site #13 ‘Lassaline Wildlife Habitat’

1. Site Location Municipality: City of Windsor Location: east of Jefferson Blvd. and north of Tecumseh Rd. E. (Forest Glade Planning District) ARN: 373907068001000, 373907068000700, 373907068000210, 373907068000200 PIN: 015850118, 015850095, 015850164, 015850175 UTM Zone 17N: 339040.1591, 4686915.466

2. Size 5.9 hectares (14.65 acres)

3. Ownership Private

4. General Description CNHS #13 is bounded by the main CNR line in the north, a spur line on the west, an agricultural field on the east and a combination of agricultural field and graded fill on the south. This area has had major alterations since publication of the original Candidate Natural Heritage Site Biological Inventory (1992). Most of the original Cottonwood-Elm forest has been cut and covered with fill. Successional fields in the triangle bounded by railway tracks have become tree covered in the past fourteen years. Additionally a narrow wooded area east of the original CNHS has been included in the present study area. The new portion is separated from the original site by 50 m. of agricultural field although some linkage is provided by the railway verge and adjacent Hawkins Drain.

5. Evaluation Criteria Fulfilled Evaluation analyses have determined that the natural heritage feature has fulfilled the following 4 out of 10 evaluation criteria.

Criterion No. 3 – Significant Woodland The site’s wooded areas, although young and successional, exceed two hectares in area. In addition, this woodland falls within an area identified in the BCS and therefore contributes to landscape connectivity.

Criterion No. 6 – Ecological Function The railway verge along the CNR tracks provides a habitat linkage from this site to Schiller’s Bush (CNHS #9) 800 metres to the east, the Little River Corridor and natural areas in the Town of Lakeshore. This is the westernmost of the linked areas. Water from the site flows north to the drain located south of the railroad tracks. This very large drain has areas of near permanent ponded water available to local wildlife populations.

Criterion No. 7 – Diversity The large open drain south of the railway.provides almost permanent water. Smaller drains and railside swales provide ephemeral flows and standing water. Recent tree mortality has resulted in standing and fallen deadwood. The several vegetation communities on-site, although all anthropogenic in some degree, contribute to diversity. The only sizable trees on-site are a single fencerow Shumard Oak with dbh 73 cm. and a similarly sized Cottonwood.

Criterion No. 8 – Significant Species

The following four significant plant species were observed:

Shumard Oak, Quercus shumardii S3 SC Prairie Rose, Rosa setigera S3 SC Stiff Goldenrod, Solidago rigida S3 Tall Ironweed, Vernonia gigantea S3

The location of Shumard Oak is mapped on the site aerial. Rosa setigera is widespread within the CNHS. Stiff Goldenrod and Tall Ironweed are confined to the railway verges in the north and west portions.

A single Peregrine Falcon (S) was observed. It was a flyover bird and may have been a local bird from the City of Detroit.

6. Comments In 1992, this site met the criterion of Condition. Today that criterion is no longer met. Destruction of much of the original site and alteration of the remainder through the loss of mature elm and ash trees, trail making, cutting of vegetation, placement of debris and dominance by exotics such as Siberian Elm, Manitoba Maple and Garlic Mustard have taken a toll. The newly added east portion has fared better except for tree loss due to Dutch Elm Disease and Emerald Ash Borer but is so young and successional due to past disturbance that it is difficult to justify the application of this criterion. The youthful vegetation is composed in many parts of a dense, nearly impenetrable, tangle of grape vines and shrub thicket. This provides excellent wildlife cover. The whole site can be described as CUS1-1, Hawthorn Cultural Savannah Type although the canopy is continuous in some areas. The old fields east of the study site should be examined for natural heritage features.

Habitat restoration, as proposed in the BCS for this site, includes the restoration of 30 m of riparian habitat on the banks of the Hawkins Drain. This riparian restoration will server to provide an effective connecting linkage between the fragments as well as to Schiller’s Bush (CNHS #9) to the east.

7. Floral Inventory

Surveyors: G. Waldron, P. Hurst Field Dates: May 8, Sept. 19, 2006 STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX Acer negundo Manitoba Maple ACER PLATANOIDES Norway Maple Acer saccharinum Silver Maple Achillea millefolium ssp. lanulosa Yarrow Alisma plantago-aquatica Water-plantain ALLIARIA PETIOLATA Garlic Mustard Ambrosia artemisiifolia Common Ragweed Ambrosia trifida Giant Ragweed ARCTIUM MINUS Common Burdock Asclepias syriaca Common Milkweed Aster pilosus var. pilosus Hairy Aster 30

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX BARBAREA VULGARIS Yellow Rocket Calystegia sepium Hedge Bindweed Carex blanda Woodland Sedge Carex granularis Meadow Sedge Carex vulpinoidea Fox Sedge Carya ovata Shagbark Hickory Chenopodium simplex Maple-leaved Goosefoot CICHORIUM INTYBUS Chicory Cicuta maculata Spotted Water Hemlock CIRSIUM ARVENSE Canada Thistle Cirsium discolor Pasture Thistle CIRSIUM VULGARE Bull Thistle CONVOLVULUS ARVENSIS Field Bindweed Conyza canadensis Horseweed Cornus amomum Silky Dogwood Cornus drummondii Rough-leaved Dogwood Cornus foemina Gray Dogwood Crataegus crus-galli Cockspur Thorn Crataegus mollis Downy Hawthorn CRATAEGUS MONOGYNA English Hawthorn Crataegus punctata Dotted Hawthorn DACTYLIS GLOMERATA Orchard Grass DAUCUS CAROTA Wild Carrot DIPSACUS FULLONUM Fuller's Teasel ECHIUM VULGARE Viper's Bugloss Equisetum arvense Common Horsetail Erigeron annuus Annual Fleabane FESTUCA ARUNDINACEA Tall Fescue Fragaria virginiana Wild Strawberry Fraxinus pennsylvanica Red Ash Galium aparine Annual Bedstraw Geum canadense White Avens GLECHOMA HEDERACEA Ground Ivy Helianthus giganteus Tall Sunflower HELIANTHUS TUBEROSUS Jerusalem Artichoke HYPERICUM PERFORATUM Common St. John's-wort Juglans nigra Black Walnut LEPIDIUM CAMPESTRE Field Cress LINARIA VULGARIS Butter-and-eggs LONICERA JAPONICA Japanese Honeysuckle LONICERA MAACKII Amur Honeysuckle LONICERA TATARICA Smooth Tartarian Honeysuckle Lysimachia ciliata Fringed Loosestrife MALUS BACCATA Siberian Crab 31

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX MALUS HUPEHENSIS Tea Crab MATRICARIA MATRICARIODES Pineapple Weed MELILOTUS ALBA White Sweet Clover Monarda fistulosa Wild Bergamot MORUS ALBA White Mulberry Oenothera biennis Common Evening Primrose Oenothera parviflora Evening Primrose Parthenocissus inserta Thicket Creeper PASTINACA SATIVA Wild Parsnip PHLEUM PRATENSE Timothy Phlox divaricata Woodland Phlox Phragmites australis Reed;Giant Bulrush Plantago rugelii Rugel's Plantain Poa compressa Canada Bluegrass Poa pratensis Kentucky Bluegrass POLYGONUM CONVOLVULUS False Buckwheat Polygonum pensylvanicum Pinkweed Populus deltoides Cottonwood Potentilla simplex Old-field Cinquefoil Prunus virginiana Choke Cherry Quercus bicolor Swamp White Oak S3 SC Quercus shumardii Shumard Oak Rhus glabra Smooth Sumac Rhus radicans ssp. negundo Poison Ivy Rhus typhina Staghorn Sumac Ribes americanum Wild Black Currant ROBINIA PSEUDOACACIA Black Locust ROSA CANINA Dog Rose Rosa carolina Pasture Rose ROSA MULTIFLORA Multiflora Rose Rosa palustris Swamp Rose S3 SC Rosa setigera Prairie Rose Rubus occidentalis Black Raspberry Rudbeckia hirta Black-eyed Susan RUMEX CRISPUS Curly Dock SALIX ALBA White Willow Salix amygdaloides Peach-leaved Willow Salix eriocephala Missouri Willow Salix exigua Sandbar Willow Sambucus canadensis Elderberry SAPONARIA OFFICINALIS Bouncing bet SILENE PRATENSIS White Catchfly Solidago canadensis Canada Goldenrod S3 Solidago rigida Stiff Goldenrod 32

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX SONCHUS ARVENSIS Perennial Sow Thistle TARAXACUM OFFICINALE Common Dandelion TRAGOPOGON DUBIUS Goat's Beard TRIFOLIUM PRATENSE Red Clover TRIFOLIUM REPENS White Clover Typha angustifolia Narrow-leaved Cat-tail Ulmus americana White Elm ULMUS PUMILA Siberian Elm Ulmus rubra Red or Slippery Elm S3 Vernonia gigantea Tall Ironweed VICIA VILLOSA Hairy Vetch VIOLA ODORATA Sweet Violet Viola sororia Common Blue Violet Vitis riparia Riverbank Grape

8. Faunal Inventory

No. of VISITS: 1 CNHS # 13 SPECIES DIVERSITY RANKING: 10 Approx Total Effort: 1 Summary Account: The land uses adjacent to the study area (rail, scrub, agricultural, residential) does benefit some species which prefer open and fragmented habitats. Ring-necked Pheasant was also observed but is not included in the species account as it is non-native and introduced, but notable as an illustration of habitat type. Numerous Ring-billed Gulls occupied the agricultural lands adjacent the study area, also not included.

Total Species: 10 Confirmed Breeding: 2 Possible / Probable Breeding: 2 Total bird count: 52

SPECIES ACCOUNT

SPECIES STATUS OBSERVATION Peregrine Falcon SI S NB Fly over/Detroit bird?? Mourning Dove A C UB Numerous on rail bed and study area edge Eastern Kingbird MS C CB Male defending territory Horned Lark SI C PB Singing male Tree Swallow MS C UB Foraging overhead / interaction with PEFA American Robin MS C CB Bobolink MS C UB Field Sparrow SI C UB Savannah Sparrow SI C UB Song Sparrow SI C PB Singing male

P G City of Windsor C A A O R R S Candidate Natural Heritage Site Inventory Update V K D U E V M E H I N E N A O T W

C C M R J O H E Y A E D V CNHS # 13 F U C J C A A E F R R R L N E T E T R E I D S S

S B R S VE Noteworthy Species ( T r e e P l a n t ) O L Y A E ANB N V R D T D B R L V D BURR OAK HONEY LOCUST

SHUMARD OAK COTTONWOOD

WHITE OAK SILVER MAPLE

SWAMP WHITE OAK CAREX TYPHINA

BLACK OAK

CUS1-1 ST JOHNS WART PIN OAK

RED OAK GREAT PLAINS LADIES TRESSES

BIG SHELLBARK HICKORY SUNDROPS

SHAGBARK HICKORY

CUS1-1 PURPLE MILKWEED RED ELM E E AV ALIN LASS ELC Community Types CUS1-1 Meadow CUM1-1 Dry Moist Old Field Meadow Plantation CUP1 Deciduous Plantation J Savannah CUS1-1 Hawthorn Cultural Savannah E CUT1 Mineral Cultural Thicket F Thicket F CUT1-4 Gray Dogwood Cultural Thicket E Woodland CUW1 Mineral Cultural Woodland R S FOD1-3 Dry Fresh Black Oak Deciduous Forest O FOD7-2 Fresh Moist Ash Lowland Deciduous Forest N Deciduous Forest FOD8-1 Fresh Moist Poplar Deciduous Forest

S FOD9-2 Fresh Moist Oak Maple Deciduous Forest T FOD9-4 Fresh Moist Shagbark Hickory Deciduous Forest SA Shallow Water Water/Marsh B E MAM6 Tallgrass Meadow Marsh A A SWD1-1 Swamp White Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp L S F T SWD1-3 Pin Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp O Deciduous Swamp G SWD2-2 Green Ash Mineral Deciduous Swamp U A R SWD3-2 Silver Maple Mineral Deciduous Swamp T TPO2-1 B E Tallgrass Prairie Fresh Moist Tallgrass Prairie L TPW2-1 E Fresh Moist Black Oak White Oak Tallgrass Woodland V Tallgrass Woodland S T TPW2-2 Fresh Moist Pin Oak Tallgrass Woodland D N S T ATIO A RON T CO E S

1:5,000 G L E N D 0 50 100 200 Meters A L E

A V E Airphoto copyright the Corporation of the County of Essex, 2004

Source: SUPERTOM D:\PROJECTS\Conservation Planning (Rebecca B)\Windsor CNHS 2006\Communities - Jan 15 - 07.mxd TD 1/16/2007 Windsor Candidate Natural Heritage Site #14 ‘Walkerside Farm Woods’

1. Site Location Municipality: City of Windsor Location: west of Central Ave. and north of E.C. Row Expressway (Walker Farm Planning District) ARN: 373907030503700, 373907030503000, 373907030503300 PIN: 013520162, 013520166, 013520163 UTM Centroid: 337375.5668, 4683433.764

2. Size 2.9 hectares (7.2 acres)

3. Ownership Private

4. General Description CNHS #14 was until recently a woodland with a continuous canopy. Mortality of canopy-sized elm and ash has created gaps. Hawthorn and dogwood are increasing in response to the increased light penetration and there is a vigourous growth of tree saplings in some areas. Several very large specimens of Burr Oak, Shumard Oak and Swamp White Oak are relicts of the original farm woodlot. The site is nearly level although it appears never to have been entirely cultivated. Shallow drains, pits and mounds and broad, shallow, spring ephemeral ponds occupy portions of the site. The soil is classified as Brookston Clay Loam.

5. Evaluation Criteria Fulfilled The natural heritage feature fulfills the following three out of ten evaluation criteria.

Criterion No. 3 – Significant Woodland The wooded area exceeds two hectares although the tree canopy is open and discontinuous due to the death of elm and ash trees.

Criterion No. 8 – Significant Species The following six significant plant species were observed:

Spring Avens, Geum vernum S3 Pin Oak, Quercus palustris S3 Shumard Oak, Quercus shumardii S3 SC Virginia Ground Cherry, Physalis virginiana R1 Prairie Rose, Rosa setigera S3 SC Tall Ironweed, Vernonia gigantea S3

The above species are widespread within the CNHS.

No significant faunal species were observed.

Criterion No. 9 – Significant Communities The following significant ELC vegetation community was identified within the natural heritage feature and is depicted on the site aerial.

ELC Vegetation Community Type NHIC Rarity Status SWD1-1, Swamp White Oak Mineral S3 Deciduous Swamp Type

In the north, the vegetation is classified as Ecological Land Classification Types SWD3-2 Silver Maple Mineral Deciduous Swamp Type, and formerly, SWD2-2 Green Ash Mineral Deciduous Swamp Type, The two types are ranked S5. SWD1-1, Swamp White Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp Type occupies the south part of the site. Some meadow, CUM1-1, exists between the woodland and the expressway to the south.

6. Comments This woodlot was associated with Hiram Walker’s vast holdings which included the nearby Walkerside Dairy. It is likely the woodlot was used for summer pasturage. The author remembers this area as having a large component of elms in the 1950’s. There are few sizable elms remaining today and now a large number of canopy-sized ashes have been killed by Emerald Ash Borer. The stately oaks remain. Since the first CNHS study in 1992, more than half of the woods in the north and west has been lost to development. Two very busy roads isolate the woods from the surrounding landscape and roads, buildings and parking lots adjoin the other sides. The perimeter of the site is mown. The only linkage,

tenuous at best, lies along the verge of the E.C. Row Expressway and connects with the railway verges to the west and more tenuously yet to CNHS #18.

7. Floral Inventory

Surveyor: G. Waldron, P. Hurst Field Dates: May 8, Sept. 22, 2006 STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX Acer negundo Manitoba Maple Acer saccharinum Silver Maple AGROSTIS GIGANTEA Redtop Agrostis stolonifera Creeping Bent ALLIARIA PETIOLATA Garlic Mustard ARCTIUM MINUS Common Burdock Aster ericoides (Virgulus e.) Heath Aster Aster lanceolatus Eastern Lined Aster Aster novae-angliae (Virgulus n.) New England Aster Aster pilosus var. pilosus Hairy Aster BROMUS INERMIS SSP. INERMIS Smooth Brome Carex cristatella Crested Sedge Carex granularis Meadow Sedge Carex hyalinolepis Hyaline-scaled Sedge Carex radiata (C. rosea) Radiate Sedge Carya ovata Shagbark Hickory CICHORIUM INTYBUS Chicory CIRSIUM ARVENSE Canada Thistle CIRSIUM VULGARE Bull Thistle Cornus amomum Silky Dogwood Cornus drummondii Rough-leaved Dogwood Cornus foemina Gray Dogwood Crataegus crus-galli Cockspur Thorn Crataegus mollis Hawthorn Crataegus punctata Dotted Hawthorn DACTYLIS GLOMERATA Orchard Grass DAUCUS CAROTA Wild Carrot DIPSACUS FULLONUM Fuller's Teasel ELYMUS REPENS (AGROPYRON R.) Quack Grass Euonymus obovata Running Strawberry Bush FESTUCA ARUNDINACEA Tall Fescue Fragaria virginiana Wild Strawberry Fraxinus pennsylvanica Red Ash Geranium maculatum Wild Geranium Geum canadense White Avens S3 Geum vernum Spring Avens GLECHOMA HEDERACEA Ground Ivy 36

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX Glyceria striata Fowl Manna Grass HEMEROCALLIS FULVA Orange Day Lily INULA HELENIUM Elecampane LINARIA VULGARIS Butter-and-eggs LONICERA TATARICA Tartarian Honeysuckle MORUS ALBA White Mulberry Parthenocissus inserta Thicket Creeper Phalaris arundinacea Reed Canary Grass PHLEUM PRATENSE Timothy Grass Phragmites australis Giant Bulrush R1 Physalis virginiana Virginia Ground-cherry POA ANNUA Annual Bluegrass Poa compressa Canada Bluegrass Poa pratensis Kentucky Bluegrass Podophyllum peltatum May Apple Populus deltoides Cottonwood Prunus virginiana Choke Cherry Quercus bicolor Swamp White Oak Quercus macrocarpa Bur Oak S3 Quercus palustris Pin Oak S3 SC Quercus shumardii Shumard Oak RHAMNUS CATHARTICA Common Buckthorn Rhus radicans ssp. negundo Poison-ivy ROSA MULTIFLORA Multiflora Rose Rosa palustris Swamp Rose S3 Rosa setigera Prairie Rose RUMEX CRISPUS Curly Dock Sambucus canadensis Elderberry SONCHUS ARVENSIS Perennial Sow Thistle TARAXACUM OFFICINALE Common Dandelion Ulmus americana American Elm S3 Vernonia gigantea Tall Ironweed VIBURNUM OPULUS European Highbush Cranberry Vitis riparia Riverbank Grape

8. Faunal Inventory

No. of VISITS: 1 CNHS # 14 SPECIES DIVERSITY RANKING: 8 Approx Total Effort: 1 hr Summary Account: This site has had both Red-tailed Hawk and more recently Cooper’s Hawk nesting, both in full view of motorist on Central Avenue. No raptor species have established nests this breeding season.

Total Species: 14 Confirmed Breeding: 3 Possible / Probable Breeding: 2 Total bird count: 54

SPECIES ACCOUNT

SPECIES STATUS OBSERVATION Canada Goose MS C NB Foraging Mourning Dove MS C CB Blue Jay MS C UB Black-capped Chickadee MS C UB Brown Thrasher SI C NB Cedar Waxwing MS C UB Black-and-white Warbler SI M Yellow-rumped Warbler SI M American Robin MS C CB Common Grackle SI C PrB Slate-coloured Junco MS M Northern Cardinal MS C UB American Goldfinch MS C PrB Song Sparrow MS C CB Nest found

City of Windsor Candidate Natural Heritage Site Inventory Update CNHS # 14

Noteworthy Species ( T r e e P l a n t )

BURR OAK HONEY LOCUST

SHUMARD OAK COTTONWOOD

WHITE OAK SILVER MAPLE R E D PL M SWAMP WHITE OAK TE CAREX TYPHINA

BLACK OAK

ST JOHNS WART PIN OAK

RED OAK GREAT PLAINS LADIES TRESSES

N BIG SHELLBARK HICKORY O SUNDROPS R T SWD3-2 H SHAGBARK HICKORY

S E PURPLE MILKWEED R RED ELM V I C SWD1-1 E R D ELC Community Types E Meadow CUM1-1 Dry Moist Old Field Meadow Plantation CUP1 Deciduous Plantation Savannah CUS1-1 Hawthorn Cultural Savannah CUT1 Mineral Cultural Thicket W Thicket E C ROW CUT1-4 Gray Dogwood Cultural Thicket N Woodland CUW1 Mineral Cultural Woodland CTOR FOD1-3 Dry Fresh Black Oak Deciduous Forest COLLE ROW FOD7-2 Fresh Moist Ash Lowland Deciduous Forest E C E W Deciduous Forest FOD8-1 Fresh Moist Poplar Deciduous Forest RO XPY C FOD9-2 Fresh Moist Oak Maple Deciduous Forest R N C ROW E E ECTO E FOD9-4 Fresh Moist Shagbark Hickory Deciduous Forest W COLL W C RO OW SA Shallow Water E C R Water/Marsh E MAM6 Tallgrass Meadow Marsh S SWD1-1 Swamp White Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp LECTOR SWD1-3 Pin Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp E C ROW E OW COL Deciduous Swamp E C R SWD2-2 Green Ash Mineral Deciduous Swamp SWD3-2 Silver Maple Mineral Deciduous Swamp Tallgrass Prairie TPO2-1 Fresh Moist Tallgrass Prairie C TPW2-1 Fresh Moist Black Oak White Oak Tallgrass Woodland E Tallgrass Woodland N TPW2-2 Fresh Moist Pin Oak Tallgrass Woodland T R A L

A V E 1:5,000

0 50 100 200 Meters

DR R DEZIEL H O D Airphoto copyright the Corporation of the County of Essex, 2004 E S Source: SUPERTOM D:\PROJECTS\Conservation Planning D (Rebecca B)\Windsor CNHS 2006\Communities - Jan 15 - 07.mxd R TD 1/16/2007 Windsor Candidate Natural Heritage Site #18 ‘Walker Junction Woodland’

1. Site Location Municipality: City of Windsor Location: east of Walker Rd. and north of E.C. Row Expressway (Remington Park Planning District) ARN: 373907022001102, 373907022001300 PIN: 013520065, 013520068 UTM Zone 17N: 336616.2986, 4683500.929

2. Size 2.28 hectares (5.6 acres)

3. Ownership Private

4. General Description The site consists of two wooded areas divided by east-west running North Service Road East. The south portion is much reduced since 1992. The east side is bounded by Canadian National Railway tracks; industrial lands border much of the rest. Open drains are found on all sides except the west and some drains carry water from the hardened industrial surface through the south portion. These are, or were, wet to moist woodlands as evidenced by the dominance of Shumard Oak and Swamp White Oak. Better drained areas support Shagbark Hickory. The north portion exhibits pit and mound topography. Soils here are classified as Brookston Clay.

5. Evaluation Criteria Fulfilled Evaluation analyses have determined that the natural heritage feature has fulfilled the following 5 out of 10 evaluation criteria.

Criterion No. 3 – Significant Woodland The wooded portion of the site exceeds two hectares in area.

Criterion No. 6 – Ecological Function Water is retained on the site and released to drains flowing to the Grand Marais Drain. There is a weak linkage to CNHS #14 along the railway verge and E.C. Rowe Expressway roadside swale.

Criterion No. 7 – Diversity The discontinuous tree canopy has promoted structural diversity within the site’s plant communities. Likewise some of the edges support thickets of shrub and hawthorn species. Thirteen large trees grow on-site and one, a Swamp White Oak, exceeds 100 cm. dbh. Large caliper standing deadwood also occurs. There is ephemeral ponding on the site and flows in some of the adjacent drains are sluggish resulting in water retention of several weeks duration.

Criterion No. 8 – Significant Species The following three significant plant species were observed: Shellbark Hickory, Carya laciniosa S3 Pin Oak, Quercus palustris S3 Shumard Oak, Quercus shumardii S3 SC

The above species are widespread within the CNHS. Tall Thoroughwort (S1), Prairie Rose (S3 SC) and Stiff Goldenrod (S3) were observed on-site by the 1992 study team but not during the present study.

No significant faunal species were observed.

Criterion No. 10 – Condition The north woodland is in good condition. Some debris has been placed along portions of the perimeter and there are the usual campfire sites. There are no signs of recent cutting except small caliper specimens by youths. Emerald Ash Borer infestation has opened up segments of the forest canopy and Buckthorn is spreading in the understorey.

6. Comments Since 1992, about half of this site has been lost to expansion of the businesses along Walker Road. All this loss has occurred south of North Service Road East. The remaining natural area in the south is greatly disturbed by drain construction, storage of materials, placement of debris and tree cutting and bulldozing. The north portion by contrast remains relatively undisturbed. The ELC classification for this vegetative community is FOD9-4, Fresh-Moist Shagbark Hickory Deciduous Forest Type (no S-rank).

7. Floral Inventory

Surveyors: G. Waldron, P. Hurst Field Dates: May 8, Sept. 18, 2006 STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX Acer negundo Manitoba Maple ACER PLATANOIDES Norway Maple VU Agalinis tenuifolia Common Agalinis ALLIARIA PETIOLATA Garlic Mustard Ambrosia artemisiifolia Common Ragweed Ambrosia trifida Giant Ragweed ARCTIUM MINUS Common Burdock Aster ericoides Heath Aster Aster lanceolatus Eastern Lined Aster Aster novae-angliae New England Aster Aster pilosus var. pilosus Hairy Aster Bidens frondosa Common Beggar-ticks S3 Carya laciniosa Shellbark Hickory Carya ovata Shagbark Hickory CICHORIUM INTYBUS Chicory Circaea lutetiana Enchanter's Nightshade CIRSIUM ARVENSE Canada Thistle Cornus amomum Silky Dogwood Cornus drummondii Rough-leaved Dogwood Cornus foemina Gray Dogwood Crataegus mollis Downy Hawthorn Crataegus punctata Dotted Hawthorn CREPIS TECTORUM Hawk's Beard DAUCUS CAROTA Wild Carrot DIANTHUS ARMERIA Deptford Pink DIPSACUS FULLONUM Fuller's Teasel Equisetum arvense Common Horsetail Erigeron strigosus Daisy Fleabane Erythronium albidum White Trout Lily EUONYMUS EUROPAEA Spindle Tree Euonymus obovata Running Strawberry Bush S1 R3/Iu Eupatorium altissimum Tall Boneset Euthamia graminifolia Grass-leaved Goldenrod Fragaria virginiana Wild Strawberry Fraxinus americana White Ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica Red Ash Geranium maculatum Wild Geranium Geum canadense White Avens Geum laciniatum Rough Avens

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX Helianthus giganteus Tall Sunflower HELIANTHUS TUBEROSUS Jerusalem Artichoke LACTUCA SERRIOLA Prickly Lettuce LEPIDIUM CAMPESTRE Field Cress LIGUSTRUM VULGARE Common Privet LONICERA TATARICA Smooth Tartarian Honeysuckle MALUS BACCATA Siberian Crab MORUS ALBA White Mulberry NEPETA CATARIA Catnip Oenothera biennis Common Evening Primrose Oxalis stricta Yellow Wood-sorrel Panicum capillare Witch Grass Parthenocissus inserta Thicket Creeper Phragmites australis Reed;Giant Bulrush PLANTAGO LANCEOLATA English Plantain;Ribgrass PLANTAGO MAJOR Common Plantain Plantago rugelii Rugel's Plantain Platanus occidentalis Sycamore Poa compressa Canada Bluegrass Podophyllum peltatum May Apple Populus deltoides Cottonwood Populus tremuloides Quaking Aspen Prunella vulgaris ssp. lanceolata Heal-all VU Prunus americana American Wild Plum Prunus virginiana Choke Cherry Quercus bicolor Swamp White Oak Quercus macrocarpa Burr Oak S3 Quercus palustris Pin Oak S3 SC Quercus shumardii Shumard Oak Ranunculus abortivus Small-flowered Buttercup RHAMNUS CATHARTICA Common Buckthorn Rhus typhina Staghorn Sumac Ribes americanum Wild Black Currant ROSA CANINA Dog Rose Rosa carolina Pasture Rose ROSA MULTIFLORA Multiflora Rose S3 SC Rosa setigera Prairie Rose Rubus allegheniensis Common Blackberry Rubus occidentalis Black Raspberry RUMEX CRISPUS Curly Dock Salix discolor Pussy Willow Salix eriocephala Missouri Willow Salix exigua Sandbar Willow Sanicula trifoliata Large-fruited Snakeroot 42

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX Scirpus atrovirens Dark-green Bulrush SENECIO VULGARIS Common Groundsel SETARIA PUMILA Yellow Foxtail SETARIA VIRIDIS Green Foxtail Sisyrinchium angustifolium Stout Blue-eyed-grass SOLANUM DULCAMARA Bittersweet Nightshade Solidago altissima Tall Goldenrod Solidago canadensis Canada Goldenrod S3 Solidago rigida Stiff Goldenrod SONCHUS ARVENSIS Perennial Sow Thistle TARAXACUM OFFICINALE Common Dandelion Ulmus americana White Elm ULMUS PUMILA Siberian Elm Ulmus rubra Red or Slippery Elm VERBASCUM BLATTARIA Moth Mullein Verbena urticifolia White Vervain VIBURNUM OPULUS European Highbush Cranberry Viburnum trilobum Highbush Cranberry VU Viola cucullata Marsh Violet

8. Faunal Inventory

No. of VISITS: 1 CNHS # 18 SPECIES DIVERSITY RANKING: 14 Approx Total Effort: 25 min Summary Account: This small woodlot did not produce a large diversity of birds in total but was impressive for woodpeckers, four species in total with all other sighting being migrant warblers. Several nests from previous year(s), hanging from the woodlot edge over parking areas and rail corridor were also noted however the particular species were absent at the time. (notably: Baltimore Oriole, Northern Cardinal, Blue Jay, Grey Catbird)

Total Species: 8 Confirmed Breeding: 0 Possible / Probable Breeding: 2 Total bird count: ≈ 100

SPECIES ACCOUNT

SPECIES STATUS OBSERVATION Yellow-shafted Flicker MS C PB Red-bellied Woodpecker SI C UB Downy Woodpecker MS C PB Hairy Woodpecker SI C UB Black-throated Green Warbler MS M Black-and-white Warbler MS M 43

SPECIES STATUS OBSERVATION Magnolia Warbler A M Yellow-rumped Warbler A M

E City of Windsor RD IS Candidate Natural Heritage Site Inventory Update GRAND MAR A CNHS # 18

Noteworthy Species ( T r e e P l a n t )

BURR OAK HONEY LOCUST

SHUMARD OAK COTTONWOOD

T U WHITE OAK SILVER MAPLE R N E SWAMP WHITE OAK R CAREX TYPHINA

R D BLACK OAK

ST JOHNS WART PIN OAK L W R P E D LE A PL A L M D E GREAT PLAINS LADIES TRESSES RK K T RED OAK PA E R S BIG SHELLBARK HICKORY R T D A SUNDROPS R SHAGBARK HICKORY FOD9-4 W A Y PURPLE MILKWEED RED ELM

E RD ICE ELC Community Types RV SE H FOD9-4 Meadow CUM1-1 Dry Moist Old Field Meadow RT T NO Plantation CUP1 Deciduous Plantation B Y S Savannah CUS1-1 Hawthorn Cultural Savannah Y B IG CUT1 Mineral Cultural Thicket N D Thicket G CUT1-4 Gray Dogwood Cultural Thicket

R Woodland CUW1 Mineral Cultural Woodland D FOD1-3 Dry Fresh Black Oak Deciduous Forest FOD7-2 Fresh Moist Ash Lowland Deciduous Forest

T Deciduous Forest FOD8-1 Fresh Moist Poplar Deciduous Forest U FOD9-2 Fresh Moist Oak Maple Deciduous Forest R FOD9-4 N Fresh Moist Shagbark Hickory Deciduous Forest E SA Shallow Water Water/Marsh R MAM6 Tallgrass Meadow Marsh

R SWD1-1 Swamp White Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp D SWD1-3 Pin Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp Deciduous Swamp OR N W SWD2-2 Green Ash Mineral Deciduous Swamp LECT OW SWD3-2 Silver Maple Mineral Deciduous Swamp OW COL C R E C R E Tallgrass Prairie TPO2-1 Fresh Moist Tallgrass Prairie TPW2-1 Fresh Moist Black Oak White Oak Tallgrass Woodland E C ROW E Tallgrass Woodland TPW2-2 Fresh Moist Pin Oak Tallgrass Woodland S D E ECTOR E R COLL RVIC ROW SE W W E C RTH RO NO E C 1:5,000 Y EXP ROW C ROW E E C E R 0 50 100 200 Meters I T B U B E R B Y R N E L N D E I E AV G Y W S R RO Airphoto copyright the Corporation of the County of Essex, 2004 C S R E R R R D D Source: SUPERTOM D:\PROJECTS\Conservation Planning D (Rebecca B)\Windsor CNHS 2006\Communities - Jan 15 - 07.mxd D TD 1/16/2007 Windsor Candidate Natural Heritage Site #24 ‘Roseland Woods’

1. Site Location Municipality: City of Windsor Location: east of Howard Ave. and north of Dougall Pkwy (Roseland Planning District) PIN: 012900181, 012900173, 012900258, 012900257 UTM Zone 17N: 335163.0268, 4679821.969

2. Size 7.3 hectares (18.1 acres)

3. Ownership Private

4. General Description In addition to woodland, this site has areas of meadow and wetland and extensive shrub thickets. The meadow areas have a small prairie species component. The Lennon Drain forms the north boundary; residential yards and part of an overpass on Howard Avenue form the eastern boundary. The south side is bounded by Dougall Parkway and the west by an agricultural field and commercial development. There are unopened R.O.W.’s within the site. Past agricultural activity has created a very level site with shallow surface drains; there are; however, some areas with ephemeral ponding. Except for some fast growing Silver Maples and Cottonwood, all the large trees on the site are Burr Oaks in the former field fencerow located on the west side. The soils are classified as Brookston Clay Sand Spot Phase.

5. Evaluation Criteria Fulfilled Evaluation analyses have determined that the natural heritage feature has fulfilled the following 5 out of 10 evaluation criteria.

Criterion No. 3 – Significant Woodland The wooded area exceeds two hectares in extent although areas with a closed tree canopy are scattered in a matrix of shrub thicket and the recent demise of mature ash trees has caused a reduction of this already limited tree canopy. In addition, this woodland falls within an area identified in the BCS and therefore contributes to landscape connectivity.

Criterion No. 6 – Ecological Function Water collects on the site and then flows to shallow drains that feed the Lennon Drain. The Lennon Drain, although covered in part, flows through CNHS #31 (St. College Prairie) and then on to the LaSalle Woodlot ESA, LaSalle Candidate Heritage Site TC4 and the Turkey Creek Provincially Significant Wetland. The corridor provided by the drain is broken by several street crossings of major arterial roads.

Criterion No. 7 – Diversity The site’s diversity results from at least four vegetative communities, ephemeral ponds, both impeded and flowing drains, two soil types, standing deadwood and large trees. There are twelve trees larger than 50 cm. dbh including a Burr Oak 93 cm. in diameter.

Criterion No. 8 – Significant Species

The following thirteen significant plant species were observed: Swamp Agrimony, Agrimonia parviflora S3S4 Shellbark Hickory, Carya laciniosa S3 Tall Coreopsis, Coreopsis tripteris S2 Bush’s Thorn, Crataegus persimilis S1 R1 Pumpkin Ash, Fraxinus profunda S2 Fringed Gentian, Gentianopsis crinita R4 Pin Oak, Quercus palustris S3 Shumard Oak, Quercus shumardii S3 SC Prairie Rose, Rosa setigera S3 SC Great Plains Ladies’-tresses, Spiranthes magnicamporum S3 Tall Ironweed, Vernonia gigantea S3 Southern Arrow-wood, Viburnum recognitum R1

The above species are widespread within the CNHS with the exception of Tall Coreopsis, Great Plains Ladies’ Tresses and Fringed Gentian which are found only in the meadow area in the southeast of the site. Pumpkin Ash trees greater than 2 cm. dbh are generally dead.

The Long-eared Owl has a locally rare status. The individuals noted here were in a day roost used by over-wintering birds.

Criterion No. 10 – Condition Past disturbance on the site has been extensive due to agricultural activities but after being retired from agriculture the site has been allowed to naturalize without much perturbation. There are trails, some rear yard expansion and disposal of debris from adjacent lots.

6. Comments The meadow area was succeeding to elm and ash but recent mortality of these two species has reversed succession. The widely spaced hawthorns that remain form a savannah that can be classified by the Ecological Land Classification system as a CUS1-1, Hawthorn Cultural Savannah Type. Where the hawthorns and dogwoods thicken and in some places form a continuous cover, the classification becomes CUT1, Mineral Cultural Thicket Ecosite. Openings with less woody cover conform to CUM1-1, Dry-Moist Old Field Meadow Type. In the meadow area several species with prairie affinities can be found. These include Mountain Mint, Tall Coreopsis, Butterfly-weed, Little Bluestem, and Foxglove Beard-tongue. Swards of Hyaline-scaled Sedge occupy the wet depressions. The forest on the site is a SWD3-2, Silver Maple Mineral Deciduous Swamp Type (S5). A Burr Oak fencerow forms its western edge. There is also a small wetland just southeast of the study area in a swale at the foot of the overpass ramp.

Habitat restoration, as proposed in the BCS for this site, includes the restoration of 30 m of riparian habitat on either side of the Lennon Drain. This riparian habitat should be restored to a Silver Maple Mineral Deciduous Swamp Type (SWD3-2) vegetation community.

7. Floral Inventory

Surveyors: G. Waldron, P. Hurst Field Dates: May 14, September 18, 2006 STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX Acer negundo Manitoba Maple Acer saccharinum Silver Maple ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM Yarrow Agrimonia gryposepala Tall Agrimony S3S4 Agrimonia parviflora Swamp Agrimony Agrimonia pubescens Hairy Agrimony AGROSTIS GIGANTEA Redtop Agrostis stolonifera Creeping Bent Ambrosia trifida Giant Ragweed 47

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX Anemone virginiana Thimbleweed R2 Antennaria neglecta Cat's Foot Apocynum cannabinum Hemp Dogbane ARCTIUM MINUS Common Burdock Arisaema triphyllum Jack-in-the-pulpit Asclepias syriaca Common Milkweed Asclepias tuberosa Butterfly-weed ASPARAGUS OFFICINALIS Asparagus Aster ericoides Heath Aster Aster lanceolatus Eastern Lined Aster Aster novae-angliae New England Aster Aster pilosus var. pilosus Hairy Aster BARBAREA VULGARIS Yellow Rocket Bidens frondosa Common Beggar-ticks Carex blanda Woodland Sedge Carex cristatella Crested Sedge Carex hyalinolepis Hyaline-scaled Sedge Carex tenera Straw Sedge Carya cordiformis Bitternut Hickory S3 Carya laciniosa Shellbark Hickory Carya ovata Shagbark Hickory CATALPA BIGNONIOIDES Southern Catalpa CICHORIUM INTYBUS Chicory Circaea lutetiana Enchanter's Nightshade Cirsium discolor Pasture Thistle VU Clematis virginiana Virgin's Bower S2 Coreopsis tripteris Tall Coreopsis Cornus amomum Silky Dogwood Cornus drummondii Rough-leaved Dogwood Cornus foemina Gray Dogwood Cornus stolonifera Red-osier Dogwood Crataegus crus-galli Cockspur Thorn Crataegus mollis Downy Hawthorn S1 R1 Crataegus persimilis Bush’s Thorn Crataegus punctata Dotted Hawthorn DACTYLIS GLOMERATA Orchard Grass DAUCUS CAROTA Wild Carrot ELYMUS REPENS Quack Grass R1 Epilobium ciliatum ssp. ciliatum Willow-herb Epilobium coloratum Cinnamon Willow-herb EPILOBIUM HIRSUTUM Great Hairy Willow-herb Equisetum arvense Common Horsetail Erythronium americanum Yellow Trout Lily EUONYMUS EUROPAEA Spindle Tree 48

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX Euthamia graminifolia Grass-leaved Goldenrod Fragaria virginiana Wild Strawberry Fraxinus pennsylvanica Red Ash R4 Gentianopsis crinita Fringed Gentian Geum canadense White Avens Geum laciniatum Rough Avens GLECHOMA HEDERACEA Ground Ivy Glyceria striata Fowl Manna Grass Helianthus giganteus Tall Sunflower HELIANTHUS TUBEROSUS Jerusalem Artichoke HEMEROCALLIS FULVA Orange Day-lily Juglans nigra Black Walnut Juncus dudleyi Dudley's Rush Juncus tenuis Path Rush Juncus torreyi Torrey's Rush Juniperus virginiana Red Cedar LIGUSTRUM OVALIFOLIUM Oval-leaved Privet LIGUSTRUM VULGARE Common Privet Lobelia siphilitica Great Blue Lobelia LONICERA TATARICA Smooth Tartarian Honeysuckle Lycopus americanus Common Water Horehound LYTHRUM SALICARIA Purple Loosestrife MALUS PUMILA Apple Panicum acuminatum Acuminate Panic Grass Parthenocissus inserta Thicket Creeper PASTINACA SATIVA Wild Parsnip VU Penstemon digitalis Foxglove Beard-tongue PHLEUM PRATENSE Timothy Phragmites australis Reed;Giant Bulrush PLANTAGO LANCEOLATA English Plantain;Ribgrass Plantago rugelii Rugel's Plantain Poa compressa Canada Bluegrass Poa pratensis Kentucky Bluegrass Populus deltoides Cottonwood POTENTILLA RECTA Rough-fruited Cinquefoil Prunella vulgaris ssp. lanceolata Heal-all Prunus virginiana Choke Cherry Pycnanthemum virginianum Common Mountain Mint PYRUS COMMUNIS Pear Quercus alba White Oak Quercus bicolor Swamp White Oak Quercus macrocarpa Burr Oak S3 Quercus palustris Pin Oak S3 SC Quercus shumardii Shumard Oak 49

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX RHAMNUS CATHARTICA Common Buckthorn RHAMNUS FRANGULA Glossy Buckthorn Rhus radicans ssp. negundo Poison Ivy Rhus typhina Staghorn Sumac Ribes americanum Wild Black Currant ROSA CANINA Dog Rose ROSA MULTIFLORA Multiflora Rose S3 SC Rosa setigera Prairie Rose Rubus allegheniensis Common Blackberry Rubus occidentalis Black Raspberry RUMEX CRISPUS Curly Dock VU Salix bebbiana Bebb's Willow Salix discolor Pussy Willow Salix exigua Sandbar Willow R4 Salix humilis Prairie Willow Sambucus canadensis Elderberry Scirpus atrovirens Dark-green Bulrush Scirpus validus Softstem Bulrush SETARIA VIRIDIS Green Foxtail SOLANUM DULCAMARA Bittersweet Nightshade Solidago altissima Tall Goldenrod Solidago canadensis Canada Goldenrod SOLIDAGO SEMPERVIRENS Seaside Goldenrod S3 VU Spiranthes magnicamporum Great Plains Ladies’-tresses Sporobolus cryptandrus Sand Dropseed TARAXACUM OFFICINALE Common Dandelion Tilia americana Basswood TRIFOLIUM REPENS White Clover Typha angustifolia Narrow-leaved Cat-tail Ulmus americana White Elm S3 Vernonia gigantea Tall Ironweed Viburnum lentago Nannyberry VIBURNUM OPULUS European Highbush Cranberry Viburnum rafinesquianum Downy Arrow-wood R1 Viburnum recognitum Smooth Arrow-wood Viburnum trilobum Highbush Cranberry Vitis riparia Riverbank Grape Xanthium strumarium Common Cocklebur Zanthoxylum americanum Prickly-ash

8. Faunal Inventory

No. of VISI TS: 2 CNHS # 24 SPECIES DIVERSITY RANKING: 6 Approx Total Effort: 2.5 hr Summary Account: This relatively small woodlot is in close proximity to the more “mature” neighbourhoods of Roseland and North Talbot which produced an array of species which were roosting in the study area and foraging in yards and at feeders. This was the only site to have been visited at night as one of the site visits. This site has nest record for Red-tailed Hawk and Great Horned Owl which were not observed this year.

Total Species: 25 Confirmed Breeding: 6 Possible / Probable Breeding: 7 Total bird count: 174

SPECIES ACCOUNT

SPECIES STATUS OBSERVATION Mallard MS C PB Pair bonded Cooper’s Hawk MS C UB Foraging, carrying food from study area/nesting on Morand Eastern Screech Owl SI C PB Calling / “whinny call” Long-eared Owl MS R UB Previous January 30 individuals were found day roosting Mourning Dove MS C CB Downy Woodpecker MS C CB Nesting cavities Hairy Woodpecker SI C UB Tree Swallow MS C UB Chimney Swift SI C NB Foraging over woodlot American Crow SI C CB Nest found Blue Jay MS C UB White-breasted Nuthatch SI C UB Red-breasted Nuthatch MS M Carolina Wren MS C PB Observed carrying nest material from study area Grey Catbird SI C PB American Robin MS C CB Cedar Waxwing MS C UB Blue-headed Vireo SI M Common Grackle MS C PrB Slate-coloured Junco MS M Northern Cardinal MS C CB Previous seasons nests / carrying nesting material House Finch SI Population size locally unknown / once common American Goldfinch MS C PrB Chipping Sparrow MS C CB Nest found Song Sparrow MS C PrB

City of Windsor D W NA R BEDFORD C Candidate Natural Heritage Site Inventory Update CABA RT

E S P V D CNHS # 24 A R E

N A D

C L W E A

O R Noteworthy Species ( T r e e P l a n t ) N

A O D V M R ORAND ST O E U G SALINA AVE A BURR OAK HONEY LOCUST L L A V SHUMARD OAK COTTONWOOD E

WHITE OAK SILVER MAPLE

SWAMP WHITE OAK CAREX TYPHINA DUCHARME ST BLACK OAK

ST JOHNS WART PIN OAK

RED OAK GREAT PLAINS LADIES TRESSES

SWD3-2 BIG SHELLBARK HICKORY SCOFIELD AVE SUNDROPS SHAGBARK HICKORY

PURPLE MILKWEED RED ELM

SWD3-2 W CUS1-1 ALLACE AVE ELC Community Types Meadow CUM1-1 Dry Moist Old Field Meadow Plantation CUP1 Deciduous Plantation Savannah CUS1-1 Hawthorn Cultural Savannah CUM1-1 CUT1 Mineral Cultural Thicket Thicket CUT1-4 Gray Dogwood Cultural Thicket N Y Woodland CUW1 Mineral Cultural Woodland W FOD1-3 K K Dry Fresh Black Oak Deciduous Forest E P D HAN R T LEY CRES FOD7-2 Fresh Moist Ash Lowland Deciduous Forest N S O O Y L Deciduous Forest FOD8-1 Fresh Moist Poplar Deciduous Forest S N CE L U E A FOD9-2 Fresh Moist Oak Maple Deciduous Forest E AR G L D D G FOD9-4 A Fresh Moist Shagbark Hickory Deciduous Forest A Y U L SA Shallow Water N D O L Water/Marsh D MAM6 Tallgrass Meadow Marsh R D P S D SWD1-1 Swamp White Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp E K R D AR SWD1-3 Pin Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp O W AH C RT Deciduous Swamp E SWD2-2 Green Ash Mineral Deciduous Swamp U Y G SWD3-2 Silver Maple Mineral Deciduous Swamp D N A O Tallgrass Prairie TPO2-1 Fresh Moist Tallgrass Prairie L D U OU TPW2-1 Fresh Moist Black Oak White Oak Tallgrass Woodland L G GA Tallgrass Woodland D LL A A PK TPW2-2 Fresh Moist Pin Oak Tallgrass Woodland V O Y E L S U L WY E PK AV G AE A CR L MC L 1:5,000 P

D 0 50 100 200 Meters S DR R A EY WN W DO O

H Airphoto copyright the Corporation of the County of Essex, 2004

Source: SUPERTOM D:\PROJECTS\Conservation Planning (Rebecca B)\Windsor CNHS 2006\Communities - Jan 15 - 07.mxd TD 1/16/2007 Windsor Candidate Natural Heritage Site #26 ‘Northwood Grove’

1. Site Location Municipality: City of Windsor Location: east of Dougall Ave. and north and south of Northwood St. (South Cameron Planning District) ARN: 373908057012400, 373908057012300, 373908057005100, 373908057005300, 373908057005200, 373908057005100, 373908057005000, 373908057004800, 373908057004700, 373908057006600, 373908057006700, 373908057006800, 373908057006900, 373908057007000, 373908057007100, 373908057007200, 373908057007300, 373908057007400, 373908057007500 PIN: 013131823, 013131614, 013121113, 013121112, 013121260, 013121110, 013121261, 013121536, 013121180, 013120821, 013120820, 013121264, 013121265, 013120817, 013120816, 013120815 UTM Zone 17N: 333121.6093, 4682790.405

2. Size 5.15 hectares (12.7 acres)

3. Ownership Private

4. General Description Site #26 is composed of two wooded areas separated by Northwood Street. The east portion is itself divided into north and south sections by a now abandoned eastward extension of Northwood St. and the western portion is divided on a north-south axis by a sewer installation along the Rockwell Boulevard R.O.W. The eastern woodlands are more mature but the south part behind the Knights of Columbus Hall has been cleared of undergrowth and now exists as a groomed park of mown turf with scattered mature trees. The north part is in a more natural state. The woodland west of Northwood St. is younger and more disturbed. There are few large trees and much of vegetation is a shrub thicket. There are ephemeral ponds over most of the site and a moisture gradient from wet in the north and east to drier in the south and west. The soils are classified as Brookston Clay.

5. Evaluation Criteria Fulfilled Evaluation analyses have determined that the natural heritage feature has fulfilled the following 6 out of 10 evaluation criteria.

Criterion No. 3 – Significant Woodland The mature woodland exceeds two hectares in area. Ash species do not form a dominant component within the woods except in the younger portions to the west where some of the tree canopy has been destroyed by Emerald Ash Borer.

Criterion No. 6 – Ecological Function The site retains water and releases it to peripheral drains. The watercourse receiving these flows is difficult to determine but is most likely Turkey Creek. Therefore the hydrological linkage is to Spring Garden ANSI/ESA, LaSalle Candidate Heritage Site TC4 and the Turkey Creek Provincially Significant Wetland.

Criterion No. 7 – Diversity There are diverse communities on-site and successional abandoned fields are adjacent to although outside the study area. Shallow drains and ephemeral ponds provide aquatic habitat. There are twenty-seven trees, mostly oaks, greater than 65 cm. dbh and four of these, all oaks, are greater than 100 cm. dbh. There is a great deal of deadwood, some fallen but mostly standing.

Criterion No. 8 – Significant Species The following twelve significant plant species were observed: Swamp Agrimony, Agrimonia parviflora S3S4 Tall Coreopsis, Coreopsis tripteris S2 Bush’s Thorn, Crataegus persimilis S1 R1 Pin Oak, Quercus palustris S3 Grey-headed Coneflower, Ratibida pinnata S2S3 Prairie Rose, Rosa setigera S3 SC Prairie Dock, Silphium terebinthinaceum S1 White Blue-eyed-grass, Sisyrinchium albidum S1 R4 Stiff Goldenrod, Solidago rigida S3 Tall Ironweed, Vernonia gigantea S3 53

Culver’s-root, Veronicastrum virginicum S2 R4

Most of the above species are widespread within the CNHS but Tall Coreopsis, White Blue-eyed Grass, Prairie Dock and Stiff Goldenrod are found in the meadows that are external to the study area.

No significant faunal species were observed; indeed, no faunal species of any kind were observed in the study area during the site visit

Criterion No. 9 – Significant Communities The following significant ELC vegetation community has been identified within the natural heritage feature and is depicted on the site aerial.

ELC Vegetation Community Type NHIC Rarity Status SWD1-3, Pin Oak Mineral Deciduous S2S3 Swamp Type

Shumard Oak and Swamp White Oak are frequent associates in the Pin Oak swamp community. Although the woodland west of Northwood St. is successional to the Pin Oak community, its present disturbed state precludes it from that type. It best fits ELC CUT1, Mineral Cultural Thicket Ecosite.

Criterion No. 10 – Condition The condition of the site is variable. The woodland north of the abandoned section of Northwood Street is the least disturbed. The woodland to the south has equally mature trees but the underbrush has been removed over about half the area and a lawn established. The area to the west of Northwood is the most disturbed with a sewer installation down the middle and few mature trees. Loss of elm and ash trees in the western portion has removed large areas of the tree canopy and increased the area of shrub thicket. Exotic species such as Lily-of-the-valley and Japanese Honeysuckle are more common here. Debris and garden waste is found in all portions of the site.

6. Comments The abandoned fields and road verges between the two woodlands are becoming dominated by prairie species such as Big Bluestem, Tall Thoroughwort, Prairie Dock, Grey-headed Coneflower, Butterfly-weed, Tall Sunflower and others but there is still a large component of Eurasian grasses and forbs in these meadow areas. There are restoration opportunities in the disturbed southern wooded portions of the site.

7. Floral Inventory

Surveyors: G. Waldron, P. Hurst Field Dates: May 5, Sept. 18, 2006 STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX Acalypha rhomboidea Three-seeded Mercury Acer negundo Manitoba Maple Acer saccharinum Silver Maple Agrimonia gryposepala Tall Agrimony S3S4 Agrimonia parviflora Swamp Agrimony AGROSTIS GIGANTEA Redtop ALLIUM SATIVUM Garlic Ambrosia artemisiifolia Common Ragweed Ambrosia trifida Giant Ragweed Andropogon gerardii Big Bluestem Grass;Turkeyfoot Apocynum cannabinum Hemp Dogbane Asclepias syriaca Common Milkweed Asclepias tuberosa Butterfly-weed Aster ericoides Heath Aster Aster lanceolatus Eastern Lined Aster Aster lateriflorus Side-flowering Aster Aster novae-angliae New England Aster Aster pilosus var. pilosus Hairy Aster Bidens frondosa Common Beggar-ticks Bidens vulgata Tall Beggar-ticks BROMUS INERMIS Smooth Brome Carex blanda Woodland Sedge Carex rosea Wood Sedge Carpinus caroliniana Blue Beech Carya cordiformis Bitternut Hickory CENTAURIUM PULCHELLUM Branching Centaury Cephalanthus occidentalis Buttonbush CHENOPODIUM ALBUM Lamb's Quarters Chenopodium simplex Maple-leaved Goosefoot CICHORIUM INTYBUS Chicory Circaea lutetiana Enchanter's Nightshade CONVALLARIA MAJALIS Lily-of-the-valley Conyza canadensis Horseweed S2 Coreopsis tripteris Tall Coreopsis Cornus drummondii Rough-leaved Dogwood Cornus foemina Gray Dogwood Corylus americana Hazelnut Crataegus crus-galli Cockspur Thorn Crataegus mollis Downy Hawthorn S1 R1 Crataegus persimilis Bush’s Thorn

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX Crataegus pruinosa Waxy-fruited Hawthorn DACTYLIS GLOMERATA Orchard Grass DAUCUS CAROTA Wild Carrot EPIPACTIS HELLEBORINE Helleborine Erechtites hieracifolia Fireweed Euonymus obovata Running Strawberry Bush S1 R3/Iu Eupatorium altissimum Tall Boneset VU Euphorbia corollata Flowering Spurge Euthamia graminifolia Grass-leaved Goldenrod FESTUCA ARUNDINACEA Tall Fescue Floerkea proserpinacoides False Mermaid Fragaria virginiana Wild Strawberry Fraxinus americana White Ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica Red Ash Geranium maculatum Wild Geranium Geum canadense White Avens GLECHOMA HEDERACEA Ground Ivy Glyceria striata Fowl Manna Grass Helianthus giganteus Tall Sunflower HIERACIUM AURANTIACUM Orange Hawkweed Juglans nigra Black Walnut Juncus tenuis Path Rush Juniperus virginiana Red Cedar LATHYRUS SYLVESTRIS Everlasting Pea LIGUSTRUM OVALIFOLIUM Oval-leaved Privet LIGUSTRUM VULGARE Common Privet LINARIA VULGARIS Butter-and-eggs Lindera benzoin Spicebush Lonicera dioica Glaucous Honeysuckle LONICERA JAPONICA Japanese Honeysuckle LONICERA TATARICA Smooth Tartarian Honeysuckle Lycopus americanus Common Water Horehound Lysimachia ciliata Fringed Loosestrife Maianthemum stellatum Starry Solomon’s Seal MALUS PUMILA Apple Menispermum canadense Moonseed Mentha arvensis Wild Mint MORUS ALBA White Mulberry Onoclea sensibilis Sensitive Fern Oxalis stricta Yellow Wood-sorrel Panicum acuminatum Acuminate Panic Grass Panicum capillare Witch Grass Parthenocissus quinquefolia Virginia Creeper PHLEUM PRATENSE Timothy 56

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX Phragmites australis Reed;Giant Bulrush Physalis heterophylla Clammy Ground-cherry PLANTAGO LANCEOLATA English Plantain;Ribgrass Platanus occidentalis Sycamore Poa compressa Canada Bluegrass Polygonum pensylvanicum Pinkweed Polygonum virginianum Jumpseed Populus deltoides Cottonwood Populus tremuloides Quaking Aspen Potentilla simplex Old-field Cinquefoil Prunella vulgaris ssp. Lanceolata Heal-all VU Prunus americana American Wild Plum Prunus serotina Wild Black Cherry Prunus virginiana Choke Cherry Pycnanthemum virginianum Common Mountain Mint Quercus bicolor Swamp White Oak Quercus macrocarpa Burr Oak S3 Quercus palustris Pin Oak Quercus rubra Red Oak Ranunculus caricetorum Swamp Buttercup S2S3 Ratibida pinnata Grey-headed Coneflower RHAMNUS CATHARTICA Common Buckthorn Rhus glabra Smooth Sumac Rhus radicans ssp. Negundo Poison Ivy Rhus typhina Staghorn Sumac Ribes americanum Wild Black Currant Rosa blanda Wild Rose S3SC Rosa setigera Prairie Rose Rubus idaeus Wild Red Raspberry RUMEX CRISPUS Curly Dock SALIX ALBA White Willow S2S3 Rh Salix myricoides Blue-leaved Willow Schizachyrium scoparium Little Bluestem Grass Scirpus pendulus Lined Bulrush SEDUM ACRE Mossy Stonecrop SETARIA PUMILA Yellow Foxtail S1 VU Silphium terebinthinaceum Prairie Dock S1 R4 Sisyrinchium albidum Common-eyed-grass Smilax hispida Bristly Green Brier SOLANUM DULCAMARA Bittersweet Nightshade Solidago altissima Tall Goldenrod Solidago canadensis Canada Goldenrod S3 Solidago rigida Stiff Goldenrod SONCHUS ARVENSIS Perennial Sow Thistle 57

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX S3 VU Spiranthes magnicamporum Prairie Ladies'-tresses Sporobolus cryptandrus Sand Dropseed TARAXACUM OFFICINALE Common Dandelion Thalictrum dasycarpum Purple Meadow-rue Tilia americana Basswood Triosteum sp. Horse-gentian TUSSILAGO FARFARA Coltsfoot Ulmus americana White Elm R5 Uvularia sessilifolia Merrybells VERBASCUM BLATTARIA Moth Mullein VERBASCUM THAPSUS Common Mullein Verbena urticifolia White Vervain S3 Vernonia gigantea Tall Ironweed S2 R4 Veronicastrum virginicum Culver's Root Viburnum acerifolium Maple-leaved Arrow-wood Viburnum lentago Nannyberry VIBURNUM OPULUS European Highbush Cranberry R1 Viola affinis Le Conte's Violet VU Viola cucullata Marsh Violet ? Viola nephrophylla Northern Bog Violet Vitis riparia Riverbank Grape Zanthoxylum americanum Prickly-ash

8. Faunal Inventory

No. of VISITS: 1 CNHS # 26 SPECIES DIVERSITY RANKING: 17 Approx Total Effort: 45 min Summary Account: Pigeon, European Starling and House Sparrow are not included in the species accounts. Numerous foraging Ring-billed Gull, American Robin, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird and Blue Jay were observed in the area (grass areas).

Total Species: 0 Confirmed Breeding: 0 Possible / Probable Breeding: 0 Total bird count:

City of Windsor Candidate Natural Heritage Site Inventory Update CNHS # 26

Noteworthy Species ( T r e e P l a n t )

S O BURR OAK HONEY LOCUST U TH C A SHUMARD OAK COTTONWOOD M E R O N WHITE OAK SILVER MAPLE B LV D SWAMP WHITE OAK N CAREX TYPHINA E W D O BLACK OAK P U O G ST JOHNS WART R A T PIN OAK L

C L V R A I RED OAK GREAT PLAINS LADIES TRESSES R E V G S E I N BIG SHELLBARK HICKORY I A SUNDROPS

P A SHAGBARK HICKORY R SWD1-3 K PURPLE MILKWEED

A RED ELM V E

ELC Community Types C R O O Meadow CUM1-1 Dry Moist Old Field Meadow L C U Plantation CUP1 Deciduous Plantation T K M Savannah CUS1-1 Hawthorn Cultural Savannah S W D B CUT1 Mineral Cultural Thicket O E Thicket WO U CUT1-4 Gray Dogwood Cultural Thicket TH CUT1 L S R L B Woodland CUW1 Mineral Cultural Woodland O D N B R R FOD1-3 Dry Fresh Black Oak Deciduous Forest L U FOD7-2 Fresh Moist Ash Lowland Deciduous Forest V C D E Deciduous Forest FOD8-1 Fresh Moist Poplar Deciduous Forest

A FOD9-2 Fresh Moist Oak Maple Deciduous Forest V FOD9-4 Fresh Moist Shagbark Hickory Deciduous Forest E SA Shallow Water Water/Marsh MAM6 Tallgrass Meadow Marsh SWD1-1 Swamp White Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp SWD1-3 Pin Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp D Deciduous Swamp A SWD2-2 Green Ash Mineral Deciduous Swamp N SWD3-2 Silver Maple Mineral Deciduous Swamp D A Tallgrass Prairie TPO2-1 Fresh Moist Tallgrass Prairie U C V TPW2-1 R I Fresh Moist Black Oak White Oak Tallgrass Woodland A R Tallgrass Woodland A TPW2-2 Fresh Moist Pin Oak Tallgrass Woodland D G E N A I D N L M I E Y A A X V D P A E R A N R D K 1:5,000 R

A A V A E V E 0 50 100 200 Meters

W AVE Y ROW EXP E C OW Airphoto copyright the Corporation of the County of Essex, 2004 E C R Source: SUPERTOM D:\PROJECTS\Conservation Planning (Rebecca B)\Windsor CNHS 2006\Communities - Jan 15 - 07.mxd TD 1/16/2007 Windsor Candidate Natural Heritage Site #29 ‘CNR Vanderwater Yard’

1. Site Location Municipality: City of Windsor Location: east of South Cameron Blvd. and south of Tecumseh Rd W. (South Cameron Planning District) ARN: 373908001000601, 373908001003303, 373908001003300, 373908058014100, 373908058014200 PIN: 013141245, 013141247, 013140794, 013131791, 013131786 UTM Zone 17N: 332264.4542, 4683863.468

2. Size 27.8 hectares (68.6 acres)

3. Ownership Private

4. General Description The site consists of four discrete parcels, each isolated from the others by the rail lines constituting the Canadian National Railway Vanderwater Yard. The two northernmost parcels are in the rail yard proper. The southeast parcel has a rail line bordering on the west and north and old fields and a playing field on the other sides. The triangular southwest portion is bordered by the railway and South Cameron Boulevard on the northeast, residences along Longfellow Avenue on the west and agricultural fields on the south. All portions of the site have wooded and open areas, peripheral drains and areas of disturbance. A large drain (Talsma Drain) carries water west from the site to Turkey Creek. The topography is level except for borrow pits and piles of fill including one large berm parallel to South Cameron Blvd. The soils are classified as Brookston Clay and Brookston Clay Loam.

5. Evaluation Criteria Fulfilled Evaluation analyses have determined that the natural heritage feature has fulfilled the following 6 out of 10 evaluation criteria.

Criterion No. 2 – Habitat of Threatened and Endangered Species Species at Risk found – Confidential Information.

Criterion No. 3 – Significant Woodland The mature woodland exceeds two hectares in area. Ash species do not form a dominant component within the site’s woodlands except in the younger portions of the southwest parcel where a large percentage of the tree canopy has been destroyed by Emerald Ash Borer.

Criterion No. 6 – Ecological Function This is the terminus for the railway verges that provide linkage along the CNR lines crossing the county in a generally east-west direction. The site is hydrologically linked to Turkey Creek and the Turkey Creek Provincially Significant Wetland via the Talsma Drain that also links the southeastern parcel with CNHS #30.

Criterion No. 7 – Diversity Diversity is provided by four vegetation communities, ephemeral ponds and open drains that function as streams. There is a shallow watercourse within the wooded portion of the southwest parcel that may be a pre-settlement watercourse. There is also a pond in this wooded area that holds water for several weeks of the year. Thirty trees with a dbh greater than 50 cm. were recorded. Many of these are oaks of three species, Pin Oak, Swamp White Oak and Burr Oak. Three of these oaks have a dbh greater than 100cm. The large trees are concentrated in the southeast and southwest parcels. There is little fallen deadwood on the site but standing deadwood is common due to Emerald Ash borer infestation and Dutch Elm Disease.

Criterion No. 8 – Significant Species The following 26 significant plant species have been observed on this site: Swamp Agrimony, Agrimonia parviflora S3S4 Sullivant’s Milkweed, Asclepias sullivantii S2 Willow Aster, Aster praealtus S2 R2 Blue-joint Grass, Calamagrostis canadensis R1 Kingnut Hickory, Carya laciniosa S3 Tall Coreopsis, Coreopsis tripteris S2 Bush’s Thorn, Crataegus persimilis S1 R1 Flat-topped Goldenrod, Euthamia gymnospermoides S1 R3 Biennial Gaura, Gaura biennis S2 Sharp-fruited Rush, Juncus acuminatus S3 Round-headed Bush-clover, Lespedeza capitata R3 Species at Risk Found - Confidential Information Winged Loosestrife, Lythrum alatum S3 Pin Oak, Quercus palustris S3 Grey-headed Coneflower, Ratibida pinnata S2S3 Prairie Rose, Rosa setigera S3 SC Prairie Willow, Salix humilis R4 Compass Plant, Silphium laciniatum S1 Prairie Dock, Silphium terebinthinaceum S1 Riddell’s Goldenrod, Solidago riddellii S3 SC Stiff Goldenrod, Solidago rigida S3 Indian Grass, Sorghastrum nutans R4 *Great Plains Ladies’-tresses, Spiranthes magnicamporum S3 Waxy Meadow-rue, Thalictrum revolutum S2 R2 Tall Ironweed, Vernonia gigantea S3 Culver’s-root, Veronicastrum virginicum S2 R4

*Species documented during 1992 fieldwork but not observed in 2006.

Tall Boneset was found on the site but should be considered a railway waif as its natural distribution in southern Ontario is restricted to Pelee Island. Similarly, although Compass Plant is considered native elsewhere in Ontario, in Essex County it is considered adventive. Many of the species in the above list have prairie/meadow affinities and as such have a restricted distribution on the site. The main location supporting these species is the southwest parcel west of South Cameron Blvd. This area is indicated on the site aerial. Compass Plant was found only in the northwestern parcel on areas of fill.

No faunal species, significant or otherwisw were observed on the study site.

Criterion No. 9 – Significant Communities The following significant ELC vegetation communities have been identified within the natural heritage feature and are depicted on the site aerial.

ELC Vegetation Community Type NHIC Rarity Status SWD1-3, Pin Oak Mineral Deciduous S2S3 Swamp Type SWD1-1, Swamp White Oak Mineral S2S3 Deciduous Swamp Type

The Pin Oak swamp community above is found on-site in the southeast as mapped on the site aerial. In the southwest parcel (west of South Cameron Blvd.) the wooded area has been perturbed by the death of ash trees due to Emerald Ash Borer and elm trees due to Dutch Elm Disease and is now be classified as a mix of SWD1-3 with SWD1-1 also above. Elsewhere the vegetation is classified as CUM1-1, Dry-Moist Old Field Meadow Type and CUT1, Mineral Cultural Thicket Ecosite.

6. Comments The three parcels immediately adjacent to the railway tracks have been influenced by over a century of diverse rail yard activities. Significant amounts of fill, waste and debris have accumulated throughout these areas. The entire northwestern parcel and the north half of the northeastern parcel are so disturbed, especially by borrow pits and the placement of fill over native soils, that they should be excluded from the Candidate Natural Heritage Site.

Since the 1992 fieldwork, a new rail line has been built through the Pin Oak swamp community cutting it into two. By contrast the southwest area has been influenced solely by agriculture and in some areas not even by tillage. More recently this portion has been retired from agriculture and a large berm constructed for about three fifths of its length along South Cameron Blvd. The former tilled fields have succeeded to meadows and are now being colonized by tallgrass prairie species; however, one of the finest meadows in the study area belongs to the Windsor Sportmen’s Club. Although small, this meadow is rich in tallgrass prairie species – unfortunately it is mown too frequently to allow many of the prairie elements to flower, seed and exhibit their character.

The site harbours some interesting adventive species that have arrived as railway waifs including Tall Boneset, Compass Plant, and Swamp Marigold.

7. Floral Inventory

Surveyors: G. Waldron, P. Hurst Field Dates: July 2, 3, 5, 24, Sept. 20, 2006 STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX Acalypha rhomboidea Three-seeded Mercury Acer negundo Manitoba Maple Acer saccharinum Silver Maple Achillea millefolium ssp. lanulosa Yarrow VU Agalinis tenuifolia Common Agalinis Agrimonia gryposepala Tall Agrimony S3S4 Agrimonia parviflora Swamp Agrimony AGROSTIS GIGANTEA Redtop Agrostis stolonifera Creeping Bent AILANTHUS ALTISSIMA Tree-of-heaven Alisma plantago-aquatica Water-plantain Ambrosia artemisiifolia Common Ragweed Ambrosia trifida Giant Ragweed Andropogon gerardii Big Bluestem Grass;Turkeyfoot Anemone virginiana Thimbleweed Apocynum cannabinum Hemp Dogbane ARCTIUM MINUS Common Burdock Arisaema triphyllum Jack-in-the-pulpit Asclepias incarnate Swamp Milkweed S2 Asclepias sullivantii Sullivant's Milkweed Asclepias syriaca Common Milkweed Asclepias tuberose Butterfly-weed ASPARAGUS OFFICINALIS Asparagus Aster ericoides Heath Aster Aster lanceolatus Eastern Lined Aster Aster pilosus var. pilosus Hairy Aster S2 R2 Aster praealtus Willow Aster BIDENS ARISTOSA Swamp-marigold Bidens frondosa Common Beggar's Ticks BROMUS INERMIS SSP. INERMIS Smooth Brome R1 Calamagrostis canadensis Blue-joint Grass Calystegia sepium Hedge Bindweed Carex blanda Woodland Sedge Carex cristatella Crested Sedge Carex granularis Meadow Sedge Carex molesta Troublesome Sedge Carex rosea Wood Sedge Carex vulpinoidea Fox Sedge S3 Carya cordiformis Bitternut Hickory Carya laciniosa Shellbark Hickory

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX Carya ovata Shagbark Hickory CATALPA SPECIOSA Western Catalpa Celastrus scandens American Bittersweet Celtis occidentalis Hackberry CENTAUREA MACULOSA Spotted Knapweed CENTAURIUM PULCHELLUM Branching Centaury CHRYSANTHEMUM LEUCANTHEMUM Ox-eye Daisy Cicuta maculate Spotted Water Hemlock Circaea lutetiana Enchanter's Nightshade CIRSIUM ARVENSE Canada Thistle Cirsium discolor Pasture Thistle CIRSIUM VULGARE Bull Thistle S2 Coreopsis tripteris Tall Coreopsis Cornus amomum Silky Dogwood Cornus drummondii Rough-leaved Dogwood Cornus foemina Gray Dogwood Corylus Americana Hazelnut Crataegus crus-galli Cockspur Thorn Crataegus mollis Downy Hawthorn S1 R1 Crataegus persimilis Bush’s Thorn Crataegus punctata Dotted Hawthorn DAUCUS CAROTA Wild Carrot DIANTHUS ARMERIA Deptford Pink Dioscorea quaternata Wild Yam DIPSACUS FULLONUM Fuller's Teasel ECHIUM VULGARE Viper's Bugloss Equisetum arvense Common Horsetail Equisetum hyemale Scouring Rush VU Equisetum laevigatum Smooth Scouring Rush S1 R3/Iu Eupatorium altissimum Tall Boneset Euthamia graminifolia Grass-leaved Goldenrod S1 R3 Euthamia gymnospermoides Flat-topped Goldenrod FESTUCA ARUNDINACEA Tall Fescue Fraxinus Americana White Ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica Red Ash S2 Gaura biennis Biennial Gaura Gentiana andrewsii Bottle Gentian Geum canadense White Avens Geum laciniatum Rough Avens Glyceria striata Fowl Manna Grass Hackelia virginiana Beggar's Lice Helenium autumnale Sneezeweed Helianthus divaricatus Woodland Sunflower Helianthus giganteus Tall Sunflower 64

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX Hypericum punctatum Spotted St. John's-wort Juglans nigra Black Walnut S3 VU Juncus acuminatus Sharp-fruited Rush Juncus nodosus Joint Rush Juncus tenuis Path Rush Juncus torreyi Torrey's Rush LATHYRUS LATIFOLIUS Everlasting Pea LATHYRUS TUBEROSUS Tuberous Pea Leersia virginica White Grass R3 Lespedeza capitata Round-headed Bush-clover Species at Risk found Confidential Information LIGUSTRUM VULGARE Common Privet LINARIA VULGARIS Butter-and-eggs LINUM USITATISSIMUM Common Flax LITHOSPERMUM OFFICINALE European Gromwell LONICERA TATARICA Smooth Tartarian Honeysuckle Lycopus americanus Common Water Horehound Lysimachia ciliate Fringed Loosestrife S3 Lythrum alatum Winged Loosestrife LYTHRUM SALICARIA Purple Loosestrife MALUS BACCATA Siberian Crab MELILOTUS ALBA White Sweet Clover MELILOTUS OFFICINALIS Yellow Sweet Clover Monarda fistulosa Wild Bergamot MORUS ALBA White Mulberry Muhlenbergia mexicana Leafy Satin Grass NEPETA CATARIA Catnip Oenothera biennis Common Evening Primrose Oenothera parviflora Evening Primrose Onoclea sensibilis Sensitive Fern Oxalis stricta Yellow Wood-sorrel PAEONIA LACTIFLORA Chinese Peony Panicum implicatum Panic Grass Panicum virgatum Switch Grass Parthenocissus inserta Thicket Creeper PASTINACA SATIVA Wild Parsnip VU Penstemon digitalis Foxglove Beard-tongue Phalaris arundinacea Reed Canary Grass PHLEUM PRATENSE Timothy Phragmites australis Reed;Giant Bulrush Platanus occidentalis Sycamore Poa compressa Canada Bluegrass Poa pratensis Kentucky Bluegrass Populus deltoides Cottonwood 65

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX Populus tremuloides Quaking Aspen POTENTILLA RECTA Rough-fruited Cinquefoil Potentilla simplex Old-field Cinquefoil Prunella vulgaris ssp. lanceolata Heal-all Quercus bicolor Swamp White Oak Quercus macrocarpa Burr Oak S3 Quercus palustris Pin Oak S2S3 Ratibida pinnata Grey-headed Coneflower RHAMNUS CATHARTICA Common Buckthorn Rhus glabra Smooth Sumac Rhus radicans ssp. negundo Poison Ivy Rhus typhina Staghorn Sumac Rosa blanda Wild Rose ROSA CANINA Dog Rose Rosa carolina Pasture Rose S3 SC Rosa setigera Prairie Rose Rubus allegheniensis Common Blackberry Rubus idaeus Wild Red Raspberry Rubus occidentalis Black Raspberry Rudbeckia hirta Black-eyed Susan RUMEX CRISPUS Curly Dock Salix amygdaloides Peach-leaved Willow Salix discolor Pussy Willow Salix exigua Sandbar Willow R4 Salix humilis Prairie Willow SALIX X RUBENS Reddish Willow Sambucus canadensis Elderberry Sanicula trifoliata Large-fruited Snakeroot Scirpus atrovirens Dark-green Bulrush Scirpus pendulus Bulrush SILENE VULGARIS Bladder Campion S1 Silphium laciniatum Compass Plant S1 Silphium terebinthinaceum Prairie Dock Smilax lasioneura Carrion-flower SOLANUM DULCAMARA Bittersweet Nightshade Solidago altissima Tall Goldenrod Solidago canadensis Canada Goldenrod S3 SC VU Solidago riddellii Riddell's Goldenrod S3 Solidago rigida Stiff Goldenrod SOLIDAGO SEMPERVIRENS Seaside Goldenrod SONCHUS ARVENSIS Perennial Sow Thistle R5 Sorghastrum nutans Indian Grass VU Spiranthes cernua Nodding Ladies’-tresses S3 VU Spiranthes magnicamporum Great Plains Ladies’-tresses 66

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX Sporobolus cryptandrus Sand Dropseed TARAXACUM OFFICINALE Common Dandelion S2 R2 Thalictrum revolutum Waxy Meadow-rue TRAGOPOGON DUBIUS Goat's Beard TRIFOLIUM HYBRIDUM Alsike Clover Typha angustifolia Narrow-leaved Cat-tail Ulmus americana White Elm ULMUS PUMILA Siberian Elm S3 Vernonia gigantea Tall Ironweed S2 R4 Veronicastrum virginicum Culver’s-root VICIA CRACCA Bird Vetch Vitis riparia Riverbank Grape Zanthoxylum americanum Prickly-ash

8. Faunal Inventory

No. of VISITS: 1 CNHS # 29 SPECIES DIVERSITY RANKING: 16 Approx Total Effort: 40 min Summar y Account: Pigeon, European Starling and House Sparrow are not included in the species accounts. Other species did not occur in the study area proper (loafing and foraging on the rail bed), including a Ringed-neck Pheasant.

Total Species: 0 Confirmed Breeding: 0 Possible / Probable Breeding: 0 Total bird count:

V J City of Windsor I A C Candidate Natural Heritage Site Inventory Update N W T ST E A O T NN R T A I E H A

A W A RD V V EH CNHS # 29 MS E E TECU

B D Tree Plant R O Noteworthy Species ( ) U U C G E A Y C

A O H L L S V R U

O A U E K R BURR OAK HONEY LOCUST T V H C S P H E A T C IF S SHUMARD OAK COTTONWOOD I T C AV E WHITE OAK SILVER MAPLE

CA M SWAMP WHITE OAK P CAREX TYPHINA B J E L A L N BLACK OAK A C V E C U E CUT1 T ST JOHNS WART H T PIN OAK R E A RY AVE A R V L RED OAK GREAT PLAINS LADIES TRESSES E A V T E S BIG SHELLBARK HICKORY N M TE SUNDROPS OT C T K C A SHAGBARK HICKORY U Y

R A PURPLE MILKWEED R V RED ELM Y E

A E V V E E ELC Community Types R T CUT1 Meadow CUM1-1 Dry Moist Old Field Meadow S T S Plantation CUP1 Deciduous Plantation A DIA SWD1-3 V CA Savannah CUS1-1 Hawthorn Cultural Savannah E R CUT1 Mineral Cultural Thicket A Thicket CUT1-4 Gray Dogwood Cultural Thicket Woodland CUW1 Mineral Cultural Woodland CUM1-1 FOD1-3 Dry Fresh Black Oak Deciduous Forest FOD7-2 Fresh Moist Ash Lowland Deciduous Forest SWD1-3 Deciduous Forest FOD8-1 Fresh Moist Poplar Deciduous Forest FOD9-2 Fresh Moist Oak Maple Deciduous Forest D FOD9-4 O L Fresh Moist Shagbark Hickory Deciduous Forest M O SA Shallow Water Water/Marsh I N N MAM6 Tallgrass Meadow Marsh G I SWD1-1 Swamp White Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp O F S N E CUM1-1 O SWD1-3 Pin Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp U Deciduous Swamp L B T SWD2-2 Green Ash Mineral Deciduous Swamp L H L O SWD3-2 Silver Maple Mineral Deciduous Swamp V C W A TPO2-1 D M Tallgrass Prairie Fresh Moist Tallgrass Prairie E TPW2-1 A R Fresh Moist Black Oak White Oak Tallgrass Woodland V Tallgrass Woodland M O TPW2-2 Fresh Moist Pin Oak Tallgrass Woodland E N C B K CUT1 LV A D Y C SWD1-3/SWD1-1 A U V R E 1:7,500 R Y

A V E 0 75 150 300 Meters

CUT1-4/CUT1 ST A Airphoto copyright the Corporation of the County of Essex, 2004 OR EN Source: SUPERTOM D:\PROJECTS\Conservation Planning K (Rebecca B)\Windsor CNHS 2006\Communities - Jan 15 - 07.mxd TD 1/16/2007 Windsor Candidate Natural Heritage Site #30 ‘South Cameron Natural Area’

1. Site Location Municipality: City of Windsor Location: east of Huron Church Rd. and north of E.C. Row Expressway (S. Cameron Planning District) UTM Zone 17N: 331337.8667, 4683023.279

2. Size 54 hectares (133.3 acres)

3. Ownership Private / City

4. General Description CNHS #30 is a sprawling area of moist and swamp woodlands, shrub thickets and old field meadows. Except in the eastern portion, the majority of the site originated from the retirement of farm fields from agriculture. Mature woodlands are found in the east. The most recently retired land lies along the western side. Increasingly the site is bounded by residential developments along Partington Avenue, Cleary Street, Mark Avenue, Randolph Avenue and Northway Avenue. Ojibway Street defines much of the south edge. Agricultural fields still form portions of the boundary in the northeast and west. Several trails traverse the site, mainly in a north-south direction along unopened R.O.W.’s. The Talsma and Janisse Drains cross the site, flowing southwesterly to Turkey Creek – the latter drain (found in the southeast) is covered for much of its length outside the site. Shallow open drains lie along many of the former farm fields; ephemeral ponds are found in the mature woodlands in the east. The entire site is level and the soils are classified as Brookston Clay except for a small area of Berrien Sand in the southwest corner.

5. Evaluation Criteria Fulfilled Evaluation analyses have determined that the natural heritage feature has fulfilled the following 7 out of 10 evaluation criteria.

Criterion No. 2 – Habitat of Threatened and Endangered Species Species at Risk Found – Confidential Information.

Criterion No. 3 – Significant Woodland The area of woodland exceeds two hectares. In the site’s more youthful, successional wooded locations and in mature thicket areas, Red Ash was becoming a dominant species – most of these are now dead due to Emerald Ash Borer infestation. Larger elms have suffered a similar fate due to Dutch Elm Disease. This woodland falls within an area identified in the BCS and therefore contributes to landscape connectivity.

Criterion No. 6 – Ecological Function Water is retained on-site in shallow pools and overflows are conveyed to Turkey Creek via drains. Turkey Creek provides aquatic linkage to Spring Garden ANSI/ESA, Ojibway Prairie Nature Reserve, LaSalle Candidate Heritage Site TC4 and the Turkey Creek Provincially Significant Wetland. CNHS #29 is located upstream on the drains. Terrestrial linkage via the drains and Turkey Creek is disrupted by underground conveyance and several busy roads including Highway #3 (Huron Church Road) which presents a nearly impassable barrier of four lanes of dense vehicular traffic.

Criterion No. 7 – Diversity The mature wooded areas are dominated by a lowland forest of Pin Oak, Swamp White Oak, Burr Oak and elm. Red Ash was formerly common but is now reduced to standing deadwood some of large dimension. The canopy gaps created by the loss of the Red Ash trees have invigourated the understorey vegetation. Other diversity comes from the meadows and successional shrub thickets on the former agricultural fields. Additional diversity is provided by ephemeral ponds and shallow field drains and by the large Talsma and Janisse Drains. Thirty-three trees exceed 60 cm. dbh and of these, eight meet or exceed 90 cm. dbh. The

largest tree is a Pin Oak of 111 cm. dbh. The eastern wooded area has large diameter standing and fallen deadwood.

Criterion No. 8 – Significant Species

The following 26 significant plant species have been observed on this site: Swamp Agrimony, Agrimonia parviflora S3S4 Purple Milkweed, Asclepias purpurascens S2 R5 Sullivant’s Milkweed, Asclepias sullivantii S2 Willow Aster, Aster praealtus S2 R2 Necklace Sedge, Carex projecta R1 Pignut Hickory, Carya glabra S3 Shellbark Hickory, Carya lacinoisa S3 Tall Coreopsis, Coreopsis tripteris S2 Bush’s Thorn, Crataegus persimilis S1 R1 Ciliate Willow-herb, Epilobium ciliatum R1 Tall Boneset, Eupatorium altissimum S1 R3/Iu *Biennial Gaura, Gaura biennis S2 Round-headed Bush-clover, Lespedeza capitata R3 Species at Risk Found – Confidential Information Winged Loosestrife, Lythrum alatum S3 Pin Oak, Quercus palustris S3 Shumard Oak, Quercus shumardii S3 SC Grey-headed Coneflower, Ratibida pinnata S2S3 Prairie Rose, Rosa setigera S3 SC Prairie Dock, Silphium terebinthinaceum S1 Riddell’s Goldenrod, Solidago riddellii S3 SC Stiff Goldenrod, Solidago rigida S3 Waxy Meadow-rue, Thalictrum revolutum R5 Tall Ironweed, Vernonia gigantea S3 Culver’s-root, Veronicastrum virginicum S2 R4 Fox Grape, Vitis labrusca S1 R1/Ir

*Species documented during 1992 fieldwork but not observed in 2006.

Many of the species above have prairie/meadow affinities and as such are restricted to open areas on the site. The main locations supporting these species are the early successional fields in the west, pockets within the shrub thickets and the edges of the wooded areas. Only a single plant of Purple Milkweed was seen – the location of this species is indicated on the site aerial. The Fox Grape is assumed an escape from cultivation due to the long history of grape cultivation in the immediate area.

No significant faunal species were observed.

Criterion No. 9 – Significant Communities The following significant ELC vegetation community was identified within the natural heritage feature and is depicted on the site aerial.

ELC Vegetation Community Type NHIC Rarity Status SWD1-1, Pin Oak Mineral S2S3 Deciduous Swamp Type

The meadow/prairie areas, have a large component of Eurasian grasses and conform best to CUM1-1, Dry-Moist Old Field Meadow Type. Prescribed burns would move this community towards community type TPO2-1, Fresh–Moist Tallgrass Prairie (S1). The old field thickets can be classified as CUT1-4, Gray Dogwood Cultural Thicket Type (no S-rank) although many of the site’s dogwoods belong to other species (Silky Dogwood and Rough-leaved Dogwood). Other thicket areas dominated by hawthorns are classified CUT1, Mineral Cultural Thicket Ecosite (no S-rank).

Criterion No. 10 – Condition Portions of the site that are easily accessed from the surrounding neighbourhoods are the repository of yard and construction debris. Removal of topsoil and plants also occurs in these accessible areas. Most of the road R.O.W.s are used as bicycle and walking trails but ATV traffic through the site is minimal. Campfire locations with associated tree cutting, firewood collection and littering are of limited extent. The dense thickets and understorey growth apparently circumscribe incursion over most of the site. Garden escapes such as Lily-of-the- valley are found throughout; the extent of Buckthorn infestation has increased since 1992.

6. Comments Since 1992, about one quarter of the original area of CNHS #30 has been developed as residential subdivision. The area of abandonment from agriculture has increased, most noticeably to the west and outside the study area. Ground that was meadow in 1992 is now densely covered in shrub thickets. The most mature forest is found on the east side; the 1971 topographic map covering the site shows a forest in this location. Some of the Pin Oaks in this area are impressively large and several of the now dead Red Ash trees were equally imposing.

Habitat restoration, as proposed in the BCS for this site, includes the restoration of 30 m of riparian habitat on either side of the Talsma and Janisse Drains. This riparian habitat should be restored to a Pin Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp Type (SWD1-1) vegetation community.

7. Floral Inventory

Surveyors: G. Waldron, P. Hurst Field Dates: June 20, July 28, Sept. 20, 2006 STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX Acalypha rhomboidea Three-seeded Mercury Acer x freemanii Freeman's Maple Acer negundo Manitoba Maple ACER PLATANOIDES Norway Maple Acer rubrum Red Maple Acer saccharinum Silver Maple ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM SSP. MILLEFOLIUM Yarrow VU Agalinis tenuifolia Common Agalinis Agrimonia gryposepala Tall Agrimony S3 S4 Agrimonia parviflora Swamp Agrimony AGROSTIS GIGANTEA Redtop Agrostis stolonifera Creeping Bent Alisma plantago-aquatica Water-plantain ALLIARIA PETIOLATA Garlic Mustard Allium canadense Wild Garlic Ambrosia artemisiifolia Common Ragweed Ambrosia trifida Giant Ragweed Andropogon gerardii Big Bluestem Grass;Turkeyfoot Anemone virginiana Thimbleweed Apocynum androsaemifolium Spreading Dogbane Apocynum cannabinum Hemp Dogbane ARCTIUM MINUS Common Burdock Asclepias incarnata Swamp Milkweed S2 R5 Asclepias purpurascens Purple Milkweed S2 Asclepias sullivantii Sullivant's Milkweed Asclepias syriaca Common Milkweed Asclepias tuberosa Butterfly-weed ASPARAGUS OFFICINALIS Asparagus Aster ericoides Heath Aster Aster lanceolatus Eastern Lined Aster Aster novae-angliae New England Aster Aster pilosus var. pilosus Hairy Aster S2 R2 Aster praealtus Willow Aster BARBAREA VULGARIS Yellow Rocket Bidens frondosa Common Beggar-ticks Bidens vulgata Tall Beggar-ticks Calystegia sepium Hedge Bindweed Campanula americana Tall Bellflower Carex blanda Woodland Sedge Carex cristatella Crested Sedge

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX Carex granularis Meadow Sedge Carex molesta Troublesome Sedge Carex pellita Wooly Sedge R1 Carex projecta Necklace Sedge Carex rosea Wood Sedge Carex tenera Straw Sedge Carex vulpinoidea Fox Sedge S3 VU Carya glabra Pignut Hickory S3 Carya laciniosa Shellbark Hickory Carya ovata Shagbark Hickory Celastrus scandens American Bittersweet CENTAURIUM PULCHELLUM Branching Centaury CHRYSANTHEMUM LEUCANTHEMUM Ox-eye Daisy CICHORIUM INTYBUS Chicory Cicuta maculata Spotted Water Hemlock Circaea lutetiana Enchanter's Nightshade CIRSIUM ARVENSE Canada Thistle Cirsium discolor Pasture Thistle CIRSIUM VULGARE Bull Thistle CONVALLARIA MAJALIS Lily-of-the-valley CONVOLVULUS ARVENSIS Field Bindweed Conyza canadensis Horseweed S2 Coreopsis tripteris Tall Coreopsis Cornus amomum Silky Dogwood Cornus drummondii Rough-leaved Dogwood Cornus foemina Gray Dogwood Cornus stolonifera Red-osier Dogwood Crataegus crus-galli Cockspur Thorn Crataegus mollis Downy Hawthorn S1 R1 Crataegus persimilis Bush’s Thorn Crataegus punctata Dotted Hawthorn DAUCUS CAROTA Wild Carrot Desmodium canadense Showy Tick-trefoil DIANTHUS ARMERIA Deptford Pink Dioscorea quaternata Wild Yam DIPSACUS FULLONUM Fuller's Teasel Dryopteris carthusiana Spinulose Woodfern ECHINOCHLOA CRUSGALLI Barnyard Grass ELAEAGNUS ANGUSTIFOLIA Russian Olive ELAEAGNUS UMBELLATA Autumn Olive VU Elymus canadensis Canada Wild Rye ELYMUS REPENS Quack Grass Elymus virginicus Virginia Wild Rye R1 Epilobium ciliatum ssp. ciliatum Ciliate Willow-herb 73

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX Epilobium coloratum Cinnamon Willow-herb EPIPACTIS HELLEBORINE Helleborine Equisetum arvense Common Horsetail Erigeron annuus Annual Fleabane Erigeron philadelphicus Marsh Fleabane Erigeron strigosus Daisy Fleabane S1 R3/Iu Eupatorium altissimum Tall Boneset Euthamia graminifolia Grass-leaved Goldenrod Fragaria virginiana Wild Strawberry Fraxinus americana White Ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica Red Ash Galium aparine Annual Bedstraw Galium obtusum Wild Madder S2 Gaura biennis Biennial Gaura Gentiana andrewsii Bottle Gentian Geum canadense White Avens Geum laciniatum Rough Avens GLECHOMA HEDERACEA Ground Ivy Glyceria striata Fowl Manna Grass Hackelia virginiana Beggar's Lice Helenium autumnale Sneezeweed Helianthus giganteus Tall Sunflower HYPERICUM PERFORATUM Common St. John's-wort Hypericum punctatum Spotted St. John's-wort Juglans nigra Black Walnut VU Juncus bufonius Toad Rush Juncus dudleyi Dudley's Rush Juncus tenuis Path Rush Juncus torreyi Torrey's Rush Leersia virginica White Grass R3 Lespedeza capitata Round-headed Bush-clover Species at Risk Found Confidential Information Lobelia siphilitica Great Blue Lobelia VU Lobelia spicata Pale Spiked Lobelia LONICERA TATARICA Smooth Tartarian Honeysuckle Lycopus americanus American Water-horehound Lysimachia ciliata Fringed Loosestrife S3 Lythrum alatum Winged Loosestrife Malus coronaria Wild Crab MALUS PUMILA Apple MEDICAGO LUPULINA Black Medick MEDICAGO SATIVA Alfalfa MELILOTUS ALBA White Sweet Clover MELILOTUS OFFICINALIS Yellow Sweet Clover 74

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX Menispermum canadense Moonseed Monarda fistulosa Wild Bergamot Oenothera biennis Common Evening Primrose Onoclea sensibilis Sensitive Fern Oxalis stricta Yellow Wood-sorrel PANICUM DICHOTOMIFLORUM Panic Grass Panicum implicatum Panic Grass Panicum oligosanthes Panic Grass Panicum virgatum Switch Grass Parthenocissus quinquefolia Virginia Creeper PASTINACA SATIVA Wild Parsnip VU Penstemon digitalis Foxglove Beard-tongue Penthorum sedoides Ditch Stonecrop PHLEUM PRATENSE Timothy Phragmites australis Reed;Giant Bulrush PLANTAGO MAJOR Common Plantain Plantago rugelii Rugel's Plantain Platanus occidentalis Sycamore Poa compressa Canada Bluegrass Poa pratensis Kentucky Bluegrass VU Polygala verticillata Whorled Milkwort POLYGONUM CUSPIDATUM Japanese Knotweed Polygonum pensylvanicum Pinkweed POLYGONUM PERSICARIA Lady's Thumb Polygonum virginianum Jumpseed Populus deltoides Cottonwood Potentilla norvegica Rough Cinquefoil POTENTILLA RECTA Rough-fruited Cinquefoil Potentilla simplex Old-field Cinquefoil Prunella vulgaris ssp. lanceolata Heal-all VU Prunus americana American Wild Plum Prunus serotina Wild Black Cherry Prunus virginiana Choke Cherry Pycnanthemum virginianum Common Mountain Mint PYRUS COMMUNIS Pear Quercus alba White Oak Quercus bicolor Swamp White Oak Quercus macrocarpa Burr Oak Quercus muehlenbergii Chinquapin Oak S3 Quercus palustris Pin Oak Quercus x schuettei Schuett's Oak S3 SC Quercus shumardii Shumard Oak RANUNCULUS ACRIS Common Buttercup S2S3 Ratibida pinnata Yellow Coneflower 75

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX RHAMNUS CATHARTICA Common Buckthorn RHAMNUS FRANGULA Glossy Buckthorn Rhus glabra Smooth Sumac Rhus radicans ssp. negundo Poison Ivy Rhus typhina Staghorn Sumac Ribes americanum Wild Black Currant ROBINIA PSEUDOACACIA Black Locust Rosa blanda Wild Rose ROSA CANINA Dog Rose ROSA MULTIFLORA Multiflora Rose S3 SC Rosa setigera Prairie Rose Rubus allegheniensis Common Blackberry Rubus idaeus Wild Red Raspberry Rubus occidentalis Black Raspberry Rudbeckia hirta Black-eyed Susan RUMEX CRISPUS Curly Dock SALIX ALBA White Willow Salix discolor Pussy Willow Salix eriocephala Missouri Willow SALIX FRAGILIS Crack Willow Sambucus canadensis Elderberry Sanicula marilandica Black Snakeroot Sanicula trifoliata Large-fruited Snakeroot Scirpus atrovirens Dark-green Bulrush Scirpus pendulus Lined Bulrush SETARIA PUMILA Yellow Foxtail S1 VU Silphium terebinthinaceum Prairie Dock Smilax lasioneura Carrion-flower SOLANUM DULCAMARA Bittersweet Nightshade Solidago altissima Tall Goldenrod VU Solidago gigantea Late Goldenrod Solidago juncea Early Goldenrod Solidago nemoralis Old-field Goldenrod S3 SC VU Solidago riddellii Riddell's Goldenrod S3 Solidago rigida Stiff Goldenrod SONCHUS ARVENSIS Perennial Sow Thistle Spartina pectinata Cordgrass Spiraea alba Meadowsweet Stachys hispida Hedge Nettle TARAXACUM OFFICINALE Common Dandelion Thalictrum dasycarpum Purple Meadow-rue Thalictrum dioicum Early Meadow-rue S2 R2 Thalictrum revolutum Waxy Meadow-rue THLASPI ARVENSE Penny Cress 76

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX Tilia americana Basswood TRIFOLIUM ARVENSE Rabbitfoot Clover TRIFOLIUM HYBRIDUM Alsike Clover TRIFOLIUM PRATENSE Red Clover Ulmus americana White Elm Ulmus rubra Red or Slippery Elm VERBASCUM BLATTARIA Moth Mullein Verbena hastata Blue Vervain Verbena urticifolia White Vervain S3 Vernonia gigantea Tall Ironweed S2 R4 Veronicastrum virginicum Culver's Root Viburnum lentago Nannyberry Viola pubescens Yellow Violet Viola sororia Common Blue Violet S1 R1/Ir Vitis labrusca Fox Grape Vitis riparia Riverbank Grape Xanthium strumarium Common Cocklebur Zanthoxylum americanum Prickly-ash

8. Faunal Inventory

No. of VISITS: 2 CNHS # 30 SPECIES DIVERSITY RANKING: 4 Approx Total Effort: 3 hr Summary Account: The study area was visited on two occasions both of which had poor weather conditions not conducive to migration. This CNHS would likely have more migrants than is indicated.

Total Species: 35 Confirmed Breeding: 12 Possible / Probable: 5 Total Bird Count: approx 494

SPECIES ACCOUNT

SPECIES STATUS OBSERVATION Sharp-shinned Hawk SI M NB Male, hunting Turkey Vulture MS C NB Over woodlot American Kestrel SI C UB Foraging Mourning Dove MS C PrB Likely common resident – nesting unobserved Common Nighthawk MS C NB Likely nesting locally but not in study area Ruby-throated Hummingbird SI C UB Feeding at neighbouring feeder Yellow-shafted Flicker MS C PrB Drumming / excavating cavity Downy Woodpecker MS C CB Nest cavity excavation Eastern Kingbird SI C UB

SPECIES STATUS OBSERVATION Eastern Phoebe SI C UB Least Flycatcher MS M UB Horned Lark MS C UB Edge habitat Tree Swallow MS C PrB American Crow MS CV NB Blue Jay A C CB Nest found White-breasted Nuthatch SI C PrB Occupying cavity/Good habitat indicator nesting species Brown Creeper MS M NB House Wren SI C PrB Carolina Wren MS C CB Nesting in structure/good habitat indicator species Ruby-crowned Kinglet A M NB Brown Thrasher SI C UB Gray Catbird MS C CB Nest found American Robin MS C CB Multiple nest sites Magnolia Warbler A M NB Myrtle Warbler A M NB Yellow Warbler MS C CB Multiple nests sites Brown-headed Cowbird MS C UB Small transient flocks/not individually observed Common Grackle MS C CB Baltimore Oriole MS C CB Two sites Northern Cardinal MS C CB Nest(s) found American Goldfinch MS C CB Nest found Eastern Towhee SI M NB White-crowned Sparrow A M NB White-throated Sparrow A M NB Chipping Sparrow MS C CB Carrying food Song Sparrow MS C CB Carrying food - edge habitat benefit

City of Windsor R Candidate Natural Heritage Site Inventory Update ST S A N T N E TT P K D O A I O T N A T M

R A S I I V N C K C CNHS # 30 E I I K O S A N T L ' N A S I T F S B C V A C O E L E V B L Noteworthy Species ( T r e e P l a n t ) E V A R E U I N Q D R I A A

V A E V M E C BURR OAK HONEY LOCUST

R K A A Y N SHUMARD OAK COTTONWOOD

D A O V E L WHITE OAK SILVER MAPLE P H

A SWAMP WHITE OAK V CAREX TYPHINA E C U BLACK OAK R R ST JOHNS WART Y PIN OAK A T V S E RA RED OAK GREAT PLAINS LADIES TRESSES NO KE BIG SHELLBARK HICKORY SUNDROPS

SHAGBARK HICKORY

E PURPLE MILKWEED ST V BA CUT1-4/CUT1 E RED ELM TO R NI T MA S N A O V ELC Community Types R M E T A H Meadow CUM1-1 Dry Moist Old Field Meadow R W CUP1 K Plantation Deciduous Plantation A SWD1-3 Savannah CUS1-1 Hawthorn Cultural Savannah Y A V CUT1 Mineral Cultural Thicket A E Thicket V CUT1-4 Gray Dogwood Cultural Thicket E Woodland CUW1 Mineral Cultural Woodland FOD1-3 Dry Fresh Black Oak Deciduous Forest B FOD7-2 Fresh Moist Ash Lowland Deciduous Forest E ST Deciduous Forest FOD8-1 Fresh Moist Poplar Deciduous Forest A T OR T FOD9-2 Fresh Moist Oak Maple Deciduous Forest N S E FOD9-4 Fresh Moist Shagbark Hickory Deciduous Forest K P D A V A SA Shallow Water A Water/Marsh E T R MAM6 Y S Tallgrass Meadow Marsh CUM1-1 Y T T A SWD1-1 W I Swamp White Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp O B N JI SWD1-3 Pin Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp N O G Deciduous Swamp A R T SWD2-2 Green Ash Mineral Deciduous Swamp H S O A A SWD3-2 Silver Maple Mineral Deciduous Swamp T N U V N Tallgrass Prairie TPO2-1 Fresh Moist Tallgrass Prairie R E P D A TPW2-1 O A O V Fresh Moist Black Oak White Oak Tallgrass Woodland T Tallgrass Woodland N L E TPW2-2 Fresh Moist Pin Oak Tallgrass Woodland A R R P C S I A C H H K N

K A U I K C N ' V R S I A A E N C A L H S V A I V T E F E V 1:7,500 R O C E D L R A N I I R A T T S 0 75 150 300 Meters S A D A RY OO V V EA E L HW E C RT NO IND USTRIAL DR Airphoto copyright the Corporation of the County of Essex, 2004 Source: SUPERTOM D:\PROJECTS\Conservation Planning (Rebecca B)\Windsor CNHS 2006\Communities - Jan 15 - 07.mxd TD 1/16/2007 Windsor Candidate Natural Heritage Site #31 ‘St. Clair College Prairie’

1. Site Location Municipality: City of Windsor Location: north-east of Talbot Rd. west of St. Clair College (Roseland Planning District) UTM Zone 17N: 332960.3676, 4679266.026

2. Size 14.9 hectares (36.9acres)

3. Ownership Private

4. General Description The St. Clair College Prairie is a triangular area bounded by St. Clair College campus on the east, the Lennon Drain on the north and Talbot Road (Highway #3) on the southwest. The wooded areas are composed of a mix of upland and lowland forest. Former farm fields in the southeast corner and other open areas in the north support a mix of shrub thickets and meadows; the meadow areas are notable for a number of plant species usually associated with tallgrass prairies. There is a former topsoil quarry in the northeast corner and the remains of buildings along Talbot Road. Vernal pools occur in the site’s low areas and former agricultural drains, although shallow, provide water over longer periods. The soils are classified Plainfield Sand on the knolls and Berrien Sand on the low ground.

5. Evaluation Criteria Fulfilled Evaluation analyses have determined that the natural heritage feature has fulfilled the following 7 out of 10 evaluation criteria.

Criterion No. 2 – Habitat of Threatened and Endangered Species Species at Risik Found – Confidential Information.

Criterion No. 3 – Significant Woodland The area of woodland exceeds two hectares. In the more youthful, successional wooded areas located in the southeast of the site, Red Ash was a dominant species of the tree canopy – most of these are now dead due to Emerald Ash Borer infestation. This woodland falls within an area identified in the BCS and therefore contributes to landscape connectivity.

Criterion No. 6 – Ecological Function A berm of sidecast from the Lennon drain in the north hydrologically isolates the site; however, water from the site does reach Turkey Creek via the Cahill Drain to the south. The aquatic linkage provided by both drains to the natural heritage downstream (LaSalle Woodlot ESA, LaSalle Candidate Heritage Site TC4 and the Turkey Creek Provincially Significant Wetland) does not include a terrestrial component because of the intervening Highway #3 which presents a nearly impassable barrier of four lanes of dense, fast moving vehicular traffic. The St. Clair College campus, Roseland Golf Course and CNHS #24 are located upstream on the Lennon Drain.

Criterion No. 7 – Diversity In the north and west, the site’s terrain is composed of low, dunal, sandy knolls separated by broad swales. The dunes appear to be associated with the shoreline of glacial Lake Rouge. The knolls support an upland forest dominated by Black Oak, White Oak, Red Maple and Shagbark Hickory. The forested swales and other lower wetter ground are dominated by Pin Oak, Swamp White Oak, Burr Oak and elm. Red Ash was formerly common but is now reduced to standing deadwood. Diversity is increased by the meadows and successional shrub thickets on the former agricultural fields. Structural diversity is provided by the mature canopy trees above a subcanopy with, in places, a shrub layer of Witch Hazel and Viburnum spp. and other species. Additional diversity is provided by shallow internal ponds and drains and by the adjoining Cahill and Lennon Drains. Fifty- two trees exceed 50 cm. dbh and of these, eight meet or exceed 100 cm. dbh. The largest tree is a Swamp White Oak of 137 cm. dbh.

Criterion No. 8 – Significant Species The following 36 significant plant species have been observed on this site: Swamp Agrimony, Agrimonia parviflora S3S4 *Cat’s Foot, Antennaria neglecta R2 Three-awned Grass, Aristida purpurascens S1 R4 Sullivant’s Milkweed, Asclepias sullivantii S2

Willow Aster, Aster praealtus S2 R2 Flat-top White Aster, Aster umbellatus R3 Blue-joint Grass, Calamagrostis canadensis R1 Squarrose Sedge, Carex squarrosa S2 Pignut Hickory, Carya glabra S3 Tall Coreopsis, Coreopsis tripteris S2 Bush Honeysuckle, Dievilla lonicera R1 *Leatherwood, Dirca palustris R1 Biennial Gaura, Gaura biennis S2 *Yellow Avens, Geum allepicum R3 Shrubby St. John’s-wort, Hypericum prolificum S2 R2 Two-flowered Rush, Juncus biflorus S1 R3 *Greene’s Rush, Juncus greenei S3 R3 *Grass-leaved Rush, Juncus marginatus S2 R1 Round-headed Bush-clover, Lespedeza capitata R3 Species at Risk Found – Confidential Information Winged Loosestrife, Lythrum alatum S3 Pin Oak, Quercus palustris S3 Grey-headed Coneflower, Ratibida pinnata S2S3 Prairie Rose, Rosa setigera S3 SC Prairie Willow, Salix humilis R4 Prairie Dock, Silphium terebinthinaceum S1 Illinois Carrion-flower, Smilax illinoensis S2? Stiff Goldenrod, Solidago rigida S3 Great Plains Ladies'-tresses, Spiranthes magnicamporum S3 *Rough Dropseed, Sporobolus asper S1S2 Wild Bean, Strophostyles helvola S3 Merrybells, Uvularia sessilifolia R5 *Lowbush Blueberry, Vaccinium angustifolium R3 Tall Ironweed, Vernonia gigantea S3 Culver’s-root, Veronicastrum virginicum S2 R4 Smooth Arrow-wood, Viburnum recognitum R1

*Species documented during 1992 fieldwork but not observed in 2006.

Many of the species above have prairie/meadow affinities and as such have a restricted distribution on the site. The two main locations supporting these species are the open areas in the southeast and the former topsoil quarry in the northeast. These two areas are indicated on the site aerial.

A single individual of a locally rare species, Red-bellied Woodpecker, was observed. Its breeding status is unknown. No other significant faunal species was observed.

Criterion No. 9 – Significant Communities The following significant ELC vegetation communities have been identified within the natural heritage feature and are depicted on the site aerial.

ELC Vegetation Community Type NHIC Rarity Status FOD1-3, Dry-Fresh Black Oak Deciduous S3? Forest Type SWD1-1, Swamp White Oak Mineral S2S3 Deciduous Swamp Type

The meadow/prairie areas, have a large component of Eurasian grasses and conform best to CUM1-1, Dry-Moist Old Field Meadow Type although proper management would likely move this community further in the direction of TPO2- 1, Fresh –Moist Tallgrass Prairie (S1). The old field thickets can be classified as CUT1-4, Gray Dogwood Cultural Thicket Type.

Criterion No. 10 – Condition The site is used by students from the neighbouring college who engage in a limited amount of littering and campfire making. There are well traveled trails throughout the site and some ‘fort’ construction by children and youths. Because the site is isolated from adjacent properties by fencing and deep open drains on two of three sides, the placement of debris is largely restricted to the southwest behind the residences along Talbot Road. In spite of its urban setting, the site is not yet overrun with exotic species but Garlic Mustard, Common Buckthorn and Glossy Buckthorn have made an appearance since 1992. As well there are exotic species which are not commonly observed in a wild state; these include European White Birch, Tree-of-heaven and Amur Maple.

6. Comments Although the Lennon Drain, a branch of Turkey Creek, runs along the north of this site, it does so in a channelized reach which does not constitute a valley; therefore Criterion No. 5, Significant Valleyland, was not fulfilled. The site has matured since the 1992 fieldwork with succession to woody plants reducing the open meadow areas by about half. There have been no recent fires to destroy the brush and maintain the open meadow; however, the death of nearly every ash tree greater than two centimetres in diameter has removed the ash saplings that were advancing the succession of the open areas towards a forest community. On another positive note, the wooded areas are maturing and in the absence of timber removal some trees are becoming impressively large. Forty seven large oaks are found on-site. About half of these are the upland species, Black Oak and White Oak and half are lowland species, Swamp White Oak and Pin Oak.

Habitat restoration, as proposed in the BCS for this site, includes the restoration of 30 m of riparian habitat on either side of the broad shallow drain that runs easterly from the site. This riparian habitat should be restored to a Dry-Fresh Black Oak Deciduous Forest Type (FOD1-3) vegetation community.

7. Floral Inventory

Surveyors: G. Waldron, P. Hurst Field Dates: May 4, Sept. 20, 2006 STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX Acalypha rhomboidea Three-seeded Mercury ACER GINNALA Amur Maple Acer negundo Manitoba Maple ACER PLATANOIDES Norway Maple Acer rubrum Red Maple Acer saccharinum Silver Maple ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM SSP. MILLEFOLIUM Yarrow Actaea pachypoda Doll's-Eyes VU Agalinis tenuifolia Common Agalinis Agrimonia gryposepala Tall Agrimony S3 S4 Agrimonia parviflora Swamp Agrimony Agrimonia pubescens Hairy Agrimony AGROSTIS GIGANTEA Redtop Agrostis stolonifera Creeping Bent AILANTHUS ALTISSIMA Tree-of-heaven ALLIARIA PETIOLATA Garlic Mustard Ambrosia artemisiifolia Common Ragweed Andropogon gerardii Big Bluestem Grass;Turkeyfoot Anemone virginiana Thimbleweed R2 Antennaria neglecta Cat's Foot Antennaria parlinii Smooth Pussytoes Apocynum androsaemifolium Spreading Dogbane Apocynum cannabinum Hemp Dogbane Aralia nudicaulis Wild Sarsaparilla S1 R4 Aristida purpurascens Three-awned Grass Asclepias incarnata Swamp Milkweed S2 Asclepias sullivantii Sullivant's Milkweed Asclepias tuberosa Butterfly-weed ASPARAGUS OFFICINALIS Asparagus Aster ericoides Heath Aster Aster laevis Smooth Aster Aster lateriflorus Calico Aster Aster macrophyllus Big-leaved Aster Aster novae-angliae New England Aster S2 R2 Aster praealtus Willow Aster 83

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX R3 Aster umbellatus Flat-top White Aster Aster urophyllus Arrow-leaved Aster Athyrium filix-femina Lady Fern Atriplex patula Spearscale BERBERIS THUNBERGII Japanese Barberry BETULA PENDULA European White Birch Bidens frondosa Common Beggar-ticks Bidens vulgata Tall Beggar-ticks R1 Calamagrostis canadensis Blue-joint Grass Carex blanda Woodland Sedge Carex granularis Meadow Sedge Carex lacustris Lake Sedge Carex pensylvanica Pennsylvania Sedge S2 Carex squarrosa Squarrose Sedge Carpinus caroliniana Blue Beech S3 VU Carya glabra Pignut Hickory Carya ovata Shagbark Hickory Celastrus scandens American Bittersweet Cephalanthus occidentalis Buttonbush CHRYSANTHEMUM LEUCANTHEMUM Ox-eye Daisy Cicuta maculata Spotted Water Hemlock Circaea lutetiana Enchanter's Nightshade CIRSIUM ARVENSE Canada Thistle Cirsium discolor Pasture Thistle CIRSIUM VULGARE Bull Thistle COMMELINA COMMUNIS Common Day Flower S2 Coreopsis tripteris Tall Coreopsis Cornus amomum Silky Dogwood Cornus foemina Gray Dogwood Corylus americana Hazelnut Crataegus crus-galli Cockspur Thorn Crataegus mollis Downy Hawthorn Crataegus pruinosa Waxy-fruited Hawthorn DACTYLIS GLOMERATA Orchard Grass DAUCUS CAROTA Wild Carrot Desmodium canadense Showy Tick-trefoil DIANTHUS ARMERIA Deptford Pink R1 Diervilla lonicera Bush Honeysuckle Dioscorea quaternata Wild Yam DIPSACUS FULLONUM Fuller's Teasel R1 Dirca palustris Leatherwood ELYMUS REPENS Quack Grass Equisetum arvense Common Horsetail Equisetum hyemale Scouring Rush 84

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX Erythronium americanum Yellow Trout Lily Euonymus obovata Running Strawberry Bush Euthamia graminifolia Grass-leaved Goldenrod Fragaria virginiana Wild Strawberry Fraxinus pennsylvanica Red Ash Galium aparine Annual Bedstraw Galium circaezans Wild Licorice S2 Gaura biennis Biennial Gaura Gentiana andrewsii Bottle Gentian Geranium maculatum Wild Geranium R3 Geum aleppicum Yellow Avens Hamamelis virginiana Witch Hazel Helianthus giganteus Tall Sunflower S2 R2 Hypericum prolificum Shrubby St.John's-wort Hypericum punctatum Spotted St. John's-wort S1 R3 Juncus biflorus Two-flowered Rush Juncus dudleyi Dudley's Rush S3 R3 Juncus greenei Greene's Rush S2 R1 Juncus marginatus Grass-leaved Rush Juncus tenuis Path Rush Juncus torreyi Torrey's Rush Juniperus virginiana Red Cedar R3 Lespedeza capitata Round-headed Bush-clover Species at Risk Found Confidential Information LIGUSTRUM OVALIFOLIUM Oval-leaved Privet Lonicera dioica Glaucous Honeysuckle Lycopus americanus Common Water Horehound S3 Lythrum alatum Winged Loosestrife Maianthemum racemosum False Spikenard MALUS BACCATA Siberian Crab Malus coronaria Wild Crab MALUS PUMILA Apple MELILOTUS ALBA White Sweet Clover Monarda fistulosa Wild Bergamot MORUS ALBA White Mulberry Oenothera biennis Common Evening Primrose Onoclea sensibilis Sensitive Fern Osmunda claytoniana Interrupted Fern Panicum implicatum Slender-stemmed Panic Grass Panicum virgatum Switch Grass Parthenocissus inserta Thicket Creeper PHLEUM PRATENSE Timothy Phragmites australis Reed;Giant Bulrush Physalis heterophylla Clammy Ground-cherry 85

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX PLANTAGO LANCEOLATA English Plantain;Ribgrass Plantago rugelii Rugel's Plantain Poa compressa Canada Bluegrass Poa pratensis Kentucky Bluegrass Podophyllum peltatum May Apple VU Polygala verticillata Whorled Milkwort Polygonum hydropiper Water-pepper Populus deltoides Cottonwood Populus tremuloides Quaking Aspen POTENTILLA RECTA Rough-fruited Cinquefoil Potentilla simplex Old-field Cinquefoil Prenanthes alba White Lettuce Prunella vulgaris ssp. lanceolata Heal-all Prunus serotina Wild Black Cherry Prunus virginiana Choke Cherry Pteridium aquilinum Bracken Fern Pycnanthemum virginianum Common Mountain Mint PYRUS COMMUNIS Pear Quercus alba White Oak Quercus bicolor Swamp White Oak Quercus macrocarpa Burr Oak S3 Quercus palustris Pin Oak Quercus rubra Red Oak Quercus velutina Black Oak S2S3 Ratibida pinnata Grey-headed Coneflower RHAMNUS CATHARTICA Common Buckthorn RHAMNUS FRANGULA Glossy Buckthorn Rhus glabra Smooth Sumac Rhus radicans ssp. negundo Poison Ivy Rhus typhina Staghorn Sumac ROBINIA PSEUDOACACIA Black Locust Rosa blanda Wild Rose ROSA CANINA Dog Rose Rosa carolina Pasture Rose ROSA MULTIFLORA Multiflora Rose Rosa palustris Swamp Rose S3 SC Rosa setigera Prairie Rose Rubus allegheniensis Common Blackberry Rubus flagellaris Northern Dewberry Rubus idaeus Wild Red Raspberry Rubus occidentalis Black Raspberry Rudbeckia hirta Black-eyed Susan RUMEX CRISPUS Curly Dock R4 Salix humilis Prairie Willow 86

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX Sambucus canadensis Elderberry Sassafras albidum Sassafras Schizachyrium scoparium Little Bluestem Grass Scirpus atrovirens Dark-green Bulrush Scutellaria lateriflora Mad-dog Skullcap S1 VU Silphium terebinthinaceum Prairie Dock Smilax hispida Bristly Green Brier S2? Smilax illinoensis Illinois Carrion-flower Smilax lasioneura Carrion-flower SOLANUM DULCAMARA Bittersweet Nightshade VU Solidago bicolor Silverrod, White Goldenrod Solidago canadensis Canada Goldenrod Solidago juncea Early Goldenrod Solidago nemoralis Old-field Goldenrod S3 Solidago rigida Stiff Goldenrod Solidago rugosa Rough Goldenrod Spiraea alba Meadowsweet VU Spiranthes cernua Nodding Ladies'-tresses S3 VU Spiranthes magnicamporum Great Plains Ladies'-tresses S1 S2 Sporobolus asper Rough Dropseed S3 Strophostyles helvola Wild Bean TARAXACUM OFFICINALE Common Dandelion Thalictrum dasycarpum Purple Meadow-rue Tilia americana Basswood TRIDENS FLAVUS Purpletop Trillium grandiflorum Common Trillium Typha angustifolia Narrow-leaved Cat-tail Ulmus americana White Elm R5 Uvularia sessilifolia Merrybells R3 Vaccinium angustifolium Lowbush Blueberry Vaccinium pallidum Pale Blueberry VERBASCUM THAPSUS Common Mullein Verbena hastata Blue Vervain S3 Vernonia gigantea Tall Ironweed S2 R4 Veronicastrum virginicum Culver's Root Viburnum lentago Nannyberry VIBURNUM OPULUS European Highbush Cranberry Viburnum rafinesquianum Downy Arrow-wood R1 Viburnum recognitum Smooth Arrow-wood Vitis riparia Riverbank Grape Zanthoxylum americanum Prickly-ash

8. Faunal Inventory

No. of VISITS: 4 CNHS # 31 SPECIES DIVERSITY RANKING: 3 Approx Total Effort: 2.5 hr Summary Account: The St. Clair College woodlot generally consists of two habitat types in close proximity, a mature swamp forest bordered to the south by a lower scrub and grassy thicket. There was considerable bird movement over Talbot Road (Highway # 3) to adjacent drains, scrub and agricultural land. This report will not include grubbing and grazing bird species associated with mowed field and agricultural lands, principally gull, geese and blackbird species unless identified as confirmed breeders in the study area.

Total Species: 51 Confirmed Breeding: 8 Possible / Probable: 8 Total Bird Count: approx. 400

SPECIES ACCOUNT

SPECIES STATUS OBSERVATION Wood Duck SI C UB Heard on two occasions Common Snipe SI C UB Sharp-shinned Hawk SI M Cooper’s Hawk MS C NB COHA observed foraging and carrying prey north Red-tailed Hawk MS C UB Seen on highway edge of woodlot Turkey Vulture MS C NB Observed over woodlot Common Screech Owl SI C UB Day roosting Mourning Dove MS C CB Common Flicker MS C PrB Red-bellied Woodpecker SI R UB Yellow-bellied Sapsucker SI M Sapsucker “drillings” observed Downy Woodpecker MS C PrB Hairy Woodpecker SI C NB Great Crested Flycatcher MS C PB Heard every visit Eastern Pewee MS C UB Eastern Phoebe MS C PB Least Flycatcher SI C UB Tree Swallow MS C PB Individual seen carrying feather (outside study area) Barn Swallow MS C NB Cliff Swallows MS C NB American Crow MS C UB Blue Jay A C UB Black-capped Chickadee MS C UB White-breasted Nuthatch MS C UB Red-breasted Nuthatch SI M Brown Creeper SI M Blue-grey Gnatcatcher SI M Ruby-crowned Kinglet MS M Grey Catbird MS C CB Nest found, very interesting choice of “skins” 88

SPECIES STATUS OBSERVATION American Robin MS C CB Grey-cheeked Thrush SI M Hermit Thrush SI M Veery SI M Wood Thrush MS C PrB Territorial singing Red-eyed Vireo MS C UB Warbling Vireo MS C UB Black-and-white Warbler MS C UB Magnolia Warbler MS M Yellow-rumped Warbler MS M Canada Warbler SI M American Redstart SI C UB Yellow Warbler MS C CB Common Yellowthroat MS C UB Northern Waterthrush SI M Red-winged Blackbird MS C CB Baltimore Oriole MS C UB Northern Cardinal MS C CB American Goldfinch MS C CB Rose-breasted Grosbeak MS C CB Bonded pair/nest construction (good habitat indicator) Chipping Sparrow MS C PB Song Sparrow MS C PB

City of Windsor

S Candidate Natural Heritage Site Inventory Update B O O S U G R AN TO D T E R R H R E W A P L E R I L N CNHS # 31 D I A D T D I R S S R I E D D R R Tree Plant C Noteworthy Species ( ) R T n ai Dr n no BURR OAK HONEY LOCUST T en A S L OR SHUMARD OAK COTTONWOOD CUM1-1 WHITE OAK SILVER MAPLE

V I SWAMP WHITE OAK L CAREX TYPHINA L A DR

B SE BLACK OAK ORG HE ST JOHNS WART PIN OAK

RED OAK GREAT PLAINS LADIES TRESSES FOD1-3/SWD1-1

BIG SHELLBARK HICKORY SUNDROPS

SHAGBARK HICKORY

PURPLE MILKWEED RED ELM

T S ELC Community Types A I G S E Meadow CUM1-1 Dry Moist Old Field Meadow A CUT1-4 R Plantation CUP1 T Deciduous Plantation A S Savannah CUS1-1 Hawthorn Cultural Savannah E A D CUT1 Mineral Cultural Thicket N Thicket T A CUT1-4 Gray Dogwood Cultural Thicket S Woodland CUW1 Mineral Cultural Woodland D FOD1-3 R Dry Fresh Black Oak Deciduous Forest FOD7-2 CUM1-1 Fresh Moist Ash Lowland Deciduous Forest Deciduous Forest FOD8-1 Fresh Moist Poplar Deciduous Forest FOD9-2 Fresh Moist Oak Maple Deciduous Forest FOD9-4 Fresh Moist Shagbark Hickory Deciduous Forest SA Shallow Water Water/Marsh MAM6 Tallgrass Meadow Marsh COL RD SWD1-1 Swamp White Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp AIR LEGE ACCESS TA L SWD1-3 Pin Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp L CUT1-4 T C Deciduous Swamp BO S SWD2-2 Green Ash Mineral Deciduous Swamp T R SWD3-2 Silver Maple Mineral Deciduous Swamp D TPO2-1 GE Tallgrass Prairie Fresh Moist Tallgrass Prairie R TPW2-1 Fresh Moist Black Oak White Oak Tallgrass Woodland AE Tallgrass Woodland Cahill Dra D TPW2-2 Fresh Moist Pin Oak Tallgrass Woodland in TS D BLVD R RIA A MA VILL W olf e D 1:5,000 S ra T in . B C E L T A 0 50 100 200 Meters T I R S

A S V T

Airphoto copyright the Corporation of the County of Essex, 2004

Source: SUPERTOM D:\PROJECTS\Conservation Planning (Rebecca B)\Windsor CNHS 2006\Communities - Jan 15 - 07.mxd TD 1/16/2007 Windsor Candidate Natural Heritage Site #34 ‘Tallgrass Prairie Heritage Park’

1. Site Location Municipality: City of Windsor Location: west of Malden Road and south of Armanda Street (Malden Planning District) UTM Zone 17N: 329509.771558 E, 4681241.00511 N

2. Size 53.4 hectares (131.95 acres)

3. Ownership Private

4. General Description CNHS #34 is composed of the natural areas within the rectangle bounded by Armanda Street on the north, Matchette Road on the west, Titcombe Road on the south and Malden Road on the east. In most places, residential rear yards of homes on those bounding roads define the actual natural area although along much of Titcombe Rd. and a portion of Matchette Rd. the natural area borders the roadside. The Tallgrass Prairie Heritage Park occupies the central portion of the site. Many unopened R.O.W.’s traverse the area. Ontario Power Generation electrical pylons cross the site diagonally. The corridor for the pylons is kept clear of tall woody vegetation to facilitate access. Although portions of the site have been disturbed by past agricultural practices, none is tilled at present. There are peripheral areas still maintained as orchards and tree plantations of Black Walnut, Black Locust and evergreen species. Natural succession from agricultural fields has tended towards meadows dominated by tallgrass prairie species. There are meadow/prairie areas that appear never to have been cultivated and must have been maintained by fire from the earliest days of European settlement. Other areas that have never been cultivated, support Black Oak savannah or swamp forest. Abandoned topsoil and sand quarries are a common feature; the deeper of these contain ponds of varying permanence. Shallow agricultural drains are found throughout and the large Prairie Grass Municipal Drain enters the site from the south under the Titcombe Road R.O.W. and continues north to Armanda St. and the E.C. Row Expressway. The site’s soils have been classified in the Beals, Calton, Chappell, Malachide, Ojibway, Pelletier and Springarden series which are all characterized as poorly drained, acid and sandy. Better drained, low sandy knolls are found in some portions.

5. Evaluation Criteria Fulfilled Evaluation analyses have determined that the natural heritage feature has fulfilled the following 8 out of 10 evaluation criteria.

Criterion No. 2 – Habitat of Threatened and Endangered Species Twelve Species at Risk Found – Confidential Information

Criterion No. 3 – Significant Woodland The wooded area is greater than two hectares. Red Ash was a common species in the successional wooded areas but these have been destroyed by Emerald Ash Borer infestation. Ash species did not form a dominant component within the site’s mature woodlands which are found in the south and east central portions.

Criterion No. 4 – Significant Wildlife Habitat This area is large enough to sustain wildlife populations of conservation concern; for example, there is ample habitat available to satisfy the requirements of the resident snake populations which include the three Threatened species, Massasauga Rattlesnake, Eastern Fox Snake and Butler’s Garter Snake as well as the regionally rare Northern Red-belly Snake. Additionally, the area contains natural communities such as Black Oak savannah and tallgrass prairie which are so reduced from their former extant that the wildlife associated with them is dependant on the preservation of small remnant communities for their continued existence. Under the Provincial Policy Statement such communities are considered critically important to their associated wildlife because of reduction in quantity and representation within the Provincial context.

Criterion No. 6 – Ecological Function The low areas of the site collect and store water for varying periods depending on depth and proximity to artificial drains. The drains themselves hold water for extended periods. The deepest ponds have all resulted from sand quarrying. Water from the site is ultimately carried south to Turkey Creek via the Prairie Grass Drain which crosses the Ojibway Prairie Provincial Nature Reserve. Turkey Creek provides linkage downstream to the Provincially Significant Turkey Creek Wetland and LaSalle Candidate Natural Heritage Site TC4 and upstream to Spring Garden ANSI/ESA. The site provides linkage from Ojibway Prairie Provincial Nature Reserve to the natural areas north of Armanda St. and to the northeast corner of Ojibway Park.

Criterion No. 7 – Diversity Five hundred and twenty-four plant species have been documented on the site. This is approximately one third of all the species known to be growing in Essex County outside of cultivation. More remarkable yet, 122 of these plant species have a significant conservation designation. Such plant diversity in an area of this size is unsurpassed in the region. At least eight natural communities are found on- site. There are thirty-two trees larger than 60 cm dbh on the site most of which are Black Oaks. These range in size up to greater than 100 cm dbh; ten Black Oaks exceed 100 cm dbh and one is 122 cm dbh. There is ample standing deadwood, some of large caliper. Ground fires are frequent enough to consume the fallen deadwood over much of the site. Ephemeral and permanent ponds add to the site’s diversity as do the variously sized open drains. The low sandy knolls are likely sand bars from post glacial Lake Rouge or one of its immediate predecessors.

Criterion No. 8 – Significant Species The following 122 significant plant species have been observed on this site: Purple Agalinis, Agalinis purpurea S1 R5 Swamp Agrimony, Agrimonia parviflora S3S4 Ticklegrass, Agrostis scabra R1 Species at Risk Found – Confidential Information Cat’s Foot, Antennaria neglecta R2 Long-spiked Three-awned Grass, Aristida longispica S2 R2 Arrow-feather Three-awn, Aristida purpurascens S1 R4 Tall Green Milkweed, Asclepias hirtella S1 R1 Purple Milkweed, Asclepias purpurascens S2 R5 Sullivant’s Milkweed, Asclepias sullivantii S2 Bushy Aster, Aster dumosus S2 R3 Prairie Heart-leaved Aster, Aster oolentangiensis R4 Willow Aster, Aster praealtus S2 R2 Flat-top White Aster, Aster umbellatus R3 Smooth False Foxglove, Aureolaria flava S3 R5

Annual False Foxglove, Aureolaria pedicularia S3 R1 Wild Indigo, Baptisia tinctoria S2 R5 Hair-like Bulbostylis, Bulbostylis capillaris S3? R3/Ir Blue-joint Grass, Calamagrostis canadensis R1 Bicknell’s Sedge, Carex bicknellii S2 R2 Field Sedge, Carex conoidea S3 R5 Crawe’s Sedge, Carex crawei R4 Mead’s Sedge, Carex meadii S2 R5 Few-fruited Sedge, Carex oligocarpa S2 R4 Broom Sedge, Carex scoparia R3 Prairie Straw Sedge, Carex suberecta S2 Swan’s Sedge, Carex swanii S3 Rigid Sedge, Carex tetanica S3 R1 Umbel-like Sedge, Carex umbellata R3 Green Sedge, Carex viridula R4 Pignut Hickory, Carya glabra S3 Species at Risk Found – Confidential Information Tall Coreopsis, Coreopsis tripteris S2 Buttonbush Dodder, Cuscuta cephalanthi S2 R3 Small-spiked Barnyard Grass, Echinochloa microstachya R? Golden-seeded Spike-rush, Eleocharis elliptica R5 Slender Wheat Grass, Elymus trachycaulis R1 Purple Love Grass, Eragrostis spectabilis S2 Tall Boneset, Eupatorium altissimum S1 R3/Iu Viscid Bushy Goldenrod, Euthamia gymnospermoides S1 R3 Slender Fimbristylis, Fimbristylis autumnalis R5 Biennial Gaura, Gaura biennis S2 Fringed Gentian, Gentianopsis crinita R4 Honey Locust, Gleditsia triacanthos S2 Old-field Balsam, Gnaphalium obtusifolium R2 Rockrose, Helianthemum bicknellii R4 Sweet Grass, Hierochloe odorata R3 Orange Grass, Hypericum gentianoides S1 R3 Yellow Star-grass, Hypoxis hirsuta S3 R5 Species at Risk Found – Confidential Information Sharp-fruited Rush, Juncus acuminatus S3 Scatter Rush, Juncus alpinoarticulatus R5 Jointed Rush, Juncus articulatus S2S3 R3 Two-flowered Rush, Juncus biflorus S1 R3 Short-fruited Rush, Juncus brachycarous S1 R3 Greene’s Rush, Juncus greenei S3 R3 Grass-leaved Rush, Juncus marginatus S2 R1

Two-flowered Cynthia, Krigia biflora S2 Thyme-leaved Pinweed, Lechea minor SX Rh Leggett’s Pinweed, Lechea pulchella S1 R3 Hairy Pinweed, Lechea villosa S3 R3 Round-headed Bush-clover, Lespedeza capitata R3 Hairy Bush-clover, Lespedeza hirta R5 Wand-like Bush-clover, Lespedeza intermedia R5 Species at Risk Found – Confidential Information Species at Risk Found – Confidential Information Wood Lily, Lilium philadelphicum R3 Species at Risk Found – Confidential Information Hoary Pucoon, Lithospermum canescens S3 R4 Seedbox, Ludwigia alternifolia S1 R3 Wild Lupine, Lupinus perennis S3 R2 Bugle Weed, Lycopus virginicus S2 R3 Whorled Loosestrife, Lysimachia quadriflora R4 Four-leaved Loosestrife, Lysimachia quadrifolia R4 Tufted Loosestrife, Lysimachia thyrsiflora R3 Winged Loosestrife, Lythrum alatum S3 Black Gum, Nyssa sylvatica S3 Cowbane, Oxypolis rigidior S2 Northern Panic Grass, Panicum boreale R3 Panic Grass, Panicum columbianum R1 Mat Panic Grass, Panicum meridionale S1 R1 Round-fruited Panic Grass, Panicum sphaerocarpon S3 R5 Hairy Panic Grass, Panicum villosissimum S3 R4 Hairy Lens Grass, Paspalum setaceum S2 R4 Species at Risk Found – Confidential Information Species at Risk Found – Confidential Information Field Milkwort, Polygala sanguinea R4 Shore Knotweed, Polygonum buxiforme R4 Slender Knotweed, Polygonum tenue S2 R1 Glaucous White Lettuce, Prenanthes racemosa R4 Mermaid-weed, Proserpinaca palustris R2 Pin Oak, Quercus palustris S3 Shumard Oak, Quercus shumardii S3 SC Hairy Buttercup, Ranunculus hispidus S3 Bristly Crowfoot, Ranunculus pensylvanicus R3 Grey-headed Coneflower, Ratibida pinnata S2S3 Shining Sumac, Rhus copallina S3S4 R2 Small-headed Beak-rush, Rhynchospora capitellata R3 Prairie Rose, Rosa setigera S3 SC

Smooth Blackberry, Rubus canadensis S1? Prairie Willow, Salix humilis R4 Water-pimpernel, Samolus valerandi R4 Clinton’s Bulrush, Scirpus clintonii S2 R3 Tall Nut-rush, Scleria triglomerata S1 R4 Meadow Spike-moss, Selaginella eclipes R3 Prairie Dock, Silphium terebinthinaceum S1 White Blue-eyed-grass, Sisyrhinchium albidum S1 R4 Riddell’s Goldenrod, Solidago riddellii S3 SC Stiff Goldenrod, Solidago rigida S3 Indian Grass, Sorghastrum nutans R5 Hardhack, Spiraea tomentosa R4 Shining Ladies’-tresses, Spiranthes lucida R3 Great Plains Ladies’-tresses, Spiranthes magnicamporum S3 Rough Dropseed, Sporobolus asper S1S2 Wild Bean, Strophostyles helvula S3 Snowberry, Symphoricarpus albus R4 Waxy Meadow-rue, Thalictrum revolutum S2 R2 Ohio Spiderwort, Tradescantia ohiensis S2 Merrybells, Uvularia sessilifolia R5 Tall Ironweed, Vernonia gigantea S3 Culver’s-root, Veronicastrum virginicum S2 R4 Smooth Arrow-wood, Viburnum recognitum R1 Arrow-leaved Violet, Viola sagittata R4

The majority of the species above have prairie/meadow and savannah affinities and as such are found in the ELC types circumscribing those communities. These are shown on the site’s aerial photograph. The City of Windsor Ojibway Nature Centre has precise locations for most of the above species on electronic file.

The following significant animal species were observed on-site during the 2006 field work: Eastern Chipmunk, Tamias striatus RE

Species at Risk Found – Confidential Information Short-eared Owl, Asio flammeus S3S4 Sc Tufted Titmouse, Parus bicolor S2 R4 Eastern Bluebird, Sialia sialis R2 Yellow-breasted Chat, Icteria virens R1

Species G S COSE OMNR Pratt 1st Atlas 2nd Atlas comments Rank Rank WIC 1991 % squares % squares Species at ------Confidential Risk Found Information Short-eared G5 S3S4 SC SC Not a 0% 2% Atlas database: Owl breeder Nest with eggs.

Tufted G5 S2S3 - - Rare Essex 5% 29% Large increase in Titmouse * Essex [and Ontario]. Eastern G5 S4S5 NAR NAR Not 22% 54% Large increase in Bluebird regionally Essex rare [and Ontario] Yellow- G5 S2S3 SC SC Not 22% 13% Noticeable breasted regionally decrease in Essex Chat rare [and Ontario]

* Pratt states that even in 1991 the Tufted Titmouse is increasing noticeably, especially around Ojibway and in LaSalle. The SRank of Tufted Titmouse will likely be upgraded to at least S3 and possibly S3S4 in the near future given the results of the most recent Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas.

Notes: . Atlas % squares : There are 37 atlas squares in Essex County. In the Atlas columns, the percentage means what percent of Atlas squares in Essex a species was found. Tufted Titmouse was found in 5% of the Atlas squares during the 1 st Atlas (1981-1985) and 29% of the Atlas squares during the 2 nd Atlas (2001-2005). Hence, there is a large, noticeable increase in distribution of the Tufted Titmouse in Essex County between the 1 st and 2 nd atlases. The atlas data does not show how many Tufted Titmice are in Essex County, just the increase in the number of squares where it is found. We can assume that an increase in numbers took place but we cannot determine what the magnitude of that increase was. COSEWIC/OMNR: NAR means Not at Risk. That is, the species has been evaluated and found to be not at risk.

Sources: GRank, Srank: NHIC website COSEWIC, OMNR: OMNR website. Species at Risk in Ontario List. June 30, 2006. Pratt 1991. Rare Breeding Birds of Essex County. Change in Status since 1983 ESA Report. Atlas %. Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas Website.

The Ojibway Nature Centre also has records of Northern Red-belly Snake (RE), Species at Risk Found – Confidential Information, Red-headed Woodpecker (SC), Carolina Wren (S3S4), Sedge Wren (RE), Chestnut-sided Warbler (RE) and Mourning Warbler (RE) for this site.

The Ojibway Nature Centre keeps records of significant Dragonfly and Butterfly insect species. The following species have been observed on the study site:

Dragonflies Spotted Spread wing, Lestes congener RE Azure Bluet, Enallagma aspersum S3 Double-striped Bluet, Enallagma basidens S2 Sedge Sprite, Nehalennia irene RE Swamp Darner, Epiaeschna heros S3 Pronghorn Clubtail, Gomphus graslinellus S3 Holloween Pennant, Celithemis eponina S3 RE Frosted Whiteface, Leucorrhinia frigida RE Red-waisted Whiteface, Leucorrhinia proxima RE Painted Skimmer, Libellula semifasciata S2 RE Great Blue Skimmer, Libellula vibrans S1 RE Eastern Amberwing, Perithemis tenera S3 Elusive Clubtail, Stylurus notatus S2 Red-mantled Saddlebags, Tramea onusta RE

Butterflies Giant Swallowtail, Papilio cresphontes S2 Coral Hairstreak, Satyrium titus RE Edward’s Hairstreak, Satyrium edwardsii S3S4 Meadow Fritillary, Boloria bellona toddi RE Silver Checkerspot, Chlosyne nycteis nycteis RE Baltimore, Euphydryas phaeton RE Northern Pearly Eye, Lethe anthedon RE Monarch, Danaus plexippus SC Southern Cloudy Wing, Thorybes bathylus S2S3 RE Northern Cloudy Wing, Thorybes pylades RE Dreamy Dusky Wing, Erynnis icelus RE Wild Indigo Dusky Wing, Erynnis baptisiae S1 RE Leonard’s Skipper, Hesperia leonardus RE Cross-line Skipper, Polites origenes RE Mulberry Wing Skipper, Poanes massasoit S3 RE Broad-winged Skipper, Poanes viator RE

Criterion No. 9 – Significant Communities The following significant ELC vegetation communities have been identified within the natural heritage feature and are depicted on the site aerial.

ELC Vegetation Community Type NHIC Rarity Status TPO2-1, Fresh-Moist Tallgrass Prairie S1 Type TPW2-2, Fresh-Moist Pin Oak Tallgrass S1 Woodland Type TPW2-1, Fresh-Moist Black Oak-White S1 Oak Tallgrass Woodland Type

One of the prairie communities did not conform to an ELC type and so is classified to MAM6, Tallgrass Meadow Marsh Ecosite; however, it should be noted that the MAM6 type is ranked S1. The other plant communities can be classified as FOD8-1, Fresh-Moist Poplar Deciduous Forest Type, CUM1-1, Dry- Moist Old Field Meadow Type and CUP1, Deciduous Plantation. These are either unranked or in the case of FOD8-1 given a rank of S5.

Criterion No. 10 – Condition It is difficult to comment on the condition of a large site such as this because conditions vary from place to place within the study area. Even neighbouring properties vary greatly, one property evolving under a regime of benign neglect while the adjoining property is developed as a groomed landscape or productive orchard or garden. Fire has been an intentional or accidental tool that promotes and preserves many of the features for which this area is notable. The efficacy of fire is dependant on many variables and this is reflected in the diverse condition of the natural area between localities. The removal of woody species from the hydro corridor has had a similar effect to fire in maintaining open habitat and associated prairie and savannah species. Debris that has been placed within the site, while often unsightly, has frequently provided habitat for SAR snakes. There has been a steady increase in natural area as ground has been retired from agriculture until at present there is no large scale agricultural activity. Other land uses such as a horse training oval have also been abandoned and are now difficult to locate.

6. Comments The study area is one of the most significant natural areas in the region. An intensive inventory of the site by staff of the Ojibway Nature Centre in 2001 put the number of species in the study site at almost 520 and the present study increased this to 524. To give it perspective, the very much larger Point Pelee National Park supports about 750 plant species and the yet larger Rondeau Provincial Park has approximately 850. The number of significant plant species totals 122 which is a remarkable 23% of the flora; undoubtedly this is one of the highest percentages in all of Canada. Of all the study sites, CNHS #34 ranked the highest for avifaunal species diversity. Most of the study area except a narrow ribbon on the east side is included in the Ojibway Prairie Remnants Area of 98

Natural and Scientific Interest and in one of the thirty-eight Carolinian Canada Signature Sites (#31).

Habitat restoration, as proposed in the BCS for this site, includes the restoration of manicured areas existing around the periphery of the site. This restoration should consist of natural succession following cessation of mowing, which will assist with linking CNHS #34 with Ojibway Park to the west and Spring Garden ANSI/ESA to the east.

7. Floral Inventory

Surveyors: P. Pratt, K. Cedar, G. Waldron, P. Hurst, B. Larson Field Dates: May 29, August 25, September 21, 2006 STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX ABUTILON THEOPHRASTI Velvetleaf Acalypha rhomboidea Three-seeded Mercury Acer negundo Manitoba Maple ACER PLATANOIDES Norway Maple Acer rubrum Red Maple Acer saccharinum Silver Maple ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM Yarrow S1 R5 Agalinis purpurea Purple Agalinis VU Agalinis tenuifolia Common Agalinis Agrimonia gryposepala Tall Agrimony S3S4 Agrimonia parviflora Swamp Agrimony Agrimonia pubescens Hairy Agrimony AGROSTIS GIGANTEA Redtop Agrostis perennans Upland Bent-thin Grass R1 Agrostis scabra Ticklegrass Agrostis stolonifera Creeping Bent Species at Risk Found Confidential Information Alisma plantago-aquatica Water-plantain ALLIARIA PETIOLATA Garlic Mustard ALOPECURUS PRATENSIS Meadow Foxtail Ambrosia artemisiifolia Common Ragweed Ambrosia trifida Giant Ragweed VU Amelanchier laevis Smooth Shadbush Amphicarpaea bracteata Hog-peanut Andropogon gerardii Big Bluestem Grass;Turkeyfoot VU Andropogon virginicus Broom-sedge Anemone canadensis Canada Anemone Anemone quinquefolia Wood Anemone Anemone virginiana Thimbleweed R2 Antennaria neglecta Cat's Foot Antennaria parlinii Smooth Pussytoes 99

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX Apios americana Groundnut; Indian-potato Apocynum androsaemifolium Spreading Dogbane Apocynum cannabinum Hemp Dogbane Aquilegia canadensis Wild Columbine Aralia nudicaulis Wild Sarsaparilla ARCTIUM MINUS Common Burdock ARENARIA SERPYLLIFOLIA Thyme-leaved Sandwort S2 R2 Aristida longespica Long-spiked Three-awned Grass S1 R4 Aristida purpurascens Arrow-feather Three-awn Aronia melanocarpa Black Chokeberry S1 R1 Asclepias hirtella Tall Green Milkweed Asclepias incarnata Swamp Milkweed S2 R5 Asclepias purpurascens Purple Milkweed S2 Asclepias sullivantii Sullivant's Milkweed Asclepias syriaca Common Milkweed Asclepias tuberosa Butterfly-weed ASPARAGUS OFFICINALIS Asparagus S2 R3 Aster dumosus Bushy Aster Aster ericoides Heath Aster Aster laevis Smooth Aster Aster lanceolatus Eastern Lined Aster Aster novae-angliae New England Aster R4 Aster oolentangiensis Prairie Heart-leaved Aster Aster pilosus var. pilosus Hairy Aster S2 SC R2 Aster praealtus Willow Aster R3 Aster umbellatus Flat-top White Aster Aster urophyllus Arrow-leaved Aster Athyrium filix-femina Lady Fern Atriplex patula Spearscale S3 Aureolaria flava Smooth False Foxglove S3 Aureolaria pedicularia Annual False Foxglove S2 R5 Baptisia tinctoria Wild Indigo BARBAREA VULGARIS Yellow Rocket BERBERIS THUNBERGII Japanese Barberry Betula papyrifera Paper Birch BETULA PENDULA European White Birch Bidens cernua Nodding Bur-marigold Bidens frondosa Common Beggar-ticks Bidens vulgata Tall Beggar-ticks Botrychium dissectum Cut-leaved Grape-fern Botrychium virginianum Rattlesnake Fern Bromus inermis ssp. pumpellianus Pumpell's Brome BROMUS SECALINUS Cheat; Chess BROMUS TECTORUM Downy Brome 100

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX S3? R3/Ir Bulbostylis capillaris Hair-like Bulbostylis BUTOMUS UMBELLATUS Flowering-rush R1 Calamagrostis canadensis Blue-joint Grass Calystegia sepium Hedge Bindweed Campanula americana Tall Bellflower CANNABIS SATIVA Marijuana CAPSELLA BURSA-PASTORIS Shepherd's Purse Cardamine douglassii Pink Spring Cress Carex aquatilis Aquatic Sedge Carex atherodes Awned Sedge Carex aurea Golden-fruited Sedge Carex bebbii Bebb’s Sedge S2 R2 Carex bicknellii Bicknell’s Sedge Carex blanda Woodland Sedge VU Carex buxbaumii Brown Sedge S3 R5 Carex conoidea Field Sedge R4 Carex crawei Crawe’s Sedge Carex cristatella Crested Sedge Carex granularis Meadow Sedge Carex lacustris Lake Sedge S2 R5 Carex meadii Mead’s Sedge Carex molesta Troublesome Sedge VU Carex muhlenbergii Muhlenberg’s Sedge Carex normalis Larger Straw Sedge S2 R4 Carex oligocarpa Few-fruited Sedge Carex pellita Wooly Sedge Carex pensylvanica Pennsylvania Sedge Carex sartwellii Sartwell’s Sedge R3 Carex scoparia Broom Sedge Carex stipata Awl-fruited Sedge S2 VU Carex suberecta Prairie Straw Sedge S3 Carex swanii Swan’s Sedge Carex tenera Straw Sedge S3 R1 Carex tetanica Rigid Sedge Carex tribuloides Blunt Broom Sedge R3 Carex umbellata Umbel-like Sedge R4 Carex viridula Green Sedge Carex vulpinoidea Fox Sedge S3 VU Carya glabra Pignut Hickory Carya ovata Shagbark Hickory Species at Risk Found Confidential Information VU Ceanothus americanus New Jersey-tea Celastrus scandens American Bittersweet Cenchrus longispinus Sandbur 101

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX CENTAUREA MACULOSA Spotted Knapweed CENTAURIUM PULCHELLUM Branching Centaury Cephalanthus occidentalis Buttonbush CERASTIUM FONTANUM Mouse-ear Chickweed Chelone glabra Turtlehead CHENOPODIUM ALBUM Lamb's Quarters CHRYSANTHEMUM LEUCANTHEMUM Ox-eye Daisy CICHORIUM INTYBUS Chicory Cicuta maculata Spotted Water Hemlock Circaea lutetiana Enchanter's Nightshade CIRSIUM ARVENSE Canada Thistle Cirsium discolor Pasture Thistle CIRSIUM VULGARE Bull Thistle Claytonia virginica Spring Beauty Comandra umbellata Bastard Toadflax CONVALLARIA MAJALIS Lily-of-the-valley CONVOLVULUS ARVENSIS Field Bindweed S2 Coreopsis tripteris Tall Coreopsis Cornus amomum Silky Dogwood Cornus drummondii Rough-leaved Dogwood Cornus foemina Gray Dogwood Cornus stolonifera Red-osier Dogwood CORONILLA VARIA Crown Vetch Corylus americana Hazelnut Crataegus crus-galli Cockspur Thorn S2 R3 Cuscuta cephalanthi Buttonbush Dodder Cyperus bipartitus Umbrella Sedge Cyperus esculentus Chufa;Umbrella Sedge VU Cyperus lupulinus Umbrella Sedge Cyperus odoratus Umbrella Sedge Cyperus strigosus Umbrella Sedge VU Cypripedium calceolus var. parviflorum Small Yellow Lady's-slipper DACTYLIS GLOMERATA Orchard Grass Danthonia spicata Poverty Grass DAUCUS CAROTA Wild Carrot Desmodium canadense Showy Tick-trefoil DIANTHUS ARMERIA Deptford Pink DIGITARIA ISCHAEMUM Smooth Crab Grass DIGITARIA SANGUINALIS Hairy Crab Grass Dioscorea quaternata Wild Yam DIPSACUS FULLONUM Fuller's Teasel ECHINOCHLOA CRUSGALLI Barnyard Grass R? Echinochloa microstachya Small –spiked Barnyard Grass ELAEAGNUS ANGUSTIFOLIA Russian Olive 102

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX ELAEAGNUS UMBELLATA Autumn Olive R5 Eleocharis elliptica Golden-seeded Spike Rush Eleocharis erythropoda Red-footed Spike Rush Eleocharis obtusa Spike Rush ELEUSINE INDICA Goose Grass VU Elodea canadensis Common Waterweed ELYMUS REPENS Quack Grass R1 Elymus trachycaulus Slender Wheat Grass Elymus virginicus Virginia Wild Rye Epilobium coloratum Cinnamon Willow-herb Equisetum arvense Common Horsetail Equisetum hyemale Scouring Rush VU Equisetum laevigatum Smooth Scouring Rush ERAGROSTIS MINOR Low Love Grass Eragrostis pectinacea Love Grass S2 Eragrostis spectabilis Purple Love Grass Erechtites hieracifolia Fireweed Erigeron philadelphicus Marsh Fleabane Erythronium americanum Yellow Trout Lily S1 R3/Iu Eupatorium altissimum Tall Boneset Eupatorium maculatum Spotted Joe-pye-weed Eupatorium perfoliatum Common Boneset VU Euphorbia corollata Flowering Spurge Euthamia graminifolia Grass-leaved Goldenrod S1 R3 Euthamia gymnospermoides Viscid Bushy Goldenrod FESTUCA ARUNDINACEA Tall Fescue FESTUCA PRATENSIS Meadow Fescue FESTUCA RUBRA Red Fescue FESTUCA TRACHYPHYLLA Sheep Fescue R5 Fimbristylis autumnalis Slender Fimbristylis Fragaria virginiana Wild Strawberry Fraxinus americana White Ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica Red Ash GALINSOGA QUADRIRADIATA Quickweed Galium aparine Annual Bedstraw Galium obtusum Wild Madder Galium triflorum Fragrant Bedstraw S2 Gaura biennis Biennial Gaura Gaylussacia baccata Huckleberry Gentiana andrewsii Bottle Gentian R4 Gentianopsis crinita Fringed Gentian Geranium maculatum Wild Geranium Geum canadense White Avens Geum laciniatum Rough Avens 103

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX GLECHOMA HEDERACEA Ground Ivy S2 Gleditsia triacanthos Honey Locust Glyceria striata Fowl Manna Grass R2 Gnaphalium obtusifolium Old-field Balsam Hamamelis virginiana Witch Hazel Helenium autumnale Common Sneezeweed R4 Helianthemum bicknellii Rockrose Helianthus divaricatus Woodland Sunflower Helianthus giganteus Tall Sunflower HELIANTHUS TUBEROSUS Jerusalem Artichoke HEMEROCALLIS FULVA Orange Day-lily HIBISCUS TRIONUM Flower-of-an-hour HIERACIUM CAESPITOSUM King-devil R3 Hierochloe odorata Sweet Grass HOLCUS LANATUS Velvet Grass HORDEUM JUBATUM Squirrel-tail Grass S1 R3 Hypericum gentianoides Orange Grass VU Hypericum majus Larger Canada St. John's-wort HYPERICUM PERFORATUM Common St. John's-wort Hypericum punctatum Spotted St. John's-wort S3 R5 Hypoxis hirsuta Yellow Star-grass Impatiens capensis Spotted Touch-me-not Iris virginica Southern Blue Flag Species at Risk Found Confidential Information Juglans nigra Black Walnut S3 VU Juncus acuminatus Sharp-fruited Rush R5 Juncus alpinoarticulatus Rush S2S3 R3 Juncus articulatus Jointed Rush S1 R3 Juncus biflorus Two-flowered Rush S1 R3 Juncus brachycarpus Short-fruited Rush VU Juncus bufonius Toad Rush Juncus dudleyi Dudley's Rush Juncus effusus Soft-stemmed Rush S3 R3 Juncus greenei Greene's Rush S2 R1 Juncus marginatus Grass-leaved Rush Juncus nodosus Joint Rush Juncus tenuis Path Rush Juncus torreyi Torrey's Rush S2 Krigia biflora False Dandelion Lactuca canadensis Tall Lettuce LATHYRUS LATIFOLIUS Everlasting Pea Lathyrus palustris Marsh Pea SX Rh Lechea minor Thyme-leaved Pinweed S1 R3 Lechea pulchella Leggett's Pinweed 104

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX S3 R3 Lechea villosa Hairy Pinweed Leersia oryzoides Cut Grass Leersia virginica White Grass Lemna minor Small Duckweed Lepidium virginicum Common Peppergrass R3 Lespedeza capitata Round-headed Bush-clover R5 Lespedeza hirta Hairy Bush-clover R5 Lespedeza intermedia Wand-like Bush-clover Species at Risk Found Confidential Information S2 R5 Liatris aspera Rough Blazing Star Species at Risk Found Confidential Information Lilium michiganense Michigan Lily R3 Lilium philadelphicum Wood Lily LINARIA VULGARIS Butter-and-eggs Species at Risk Found Confidential Information VU Liparis loeselii Loesel's Twayblade S3 R4 Lithospermum canescens Hoary Puccoon Lobelia siphilitica Great Blue Lobelia VU Lobelia spicata Pale Spiked Lobelia LONICERA JAPONICA Japanese Honeysuckle LONICERA TATARICA Smooth Tartarian Honeysuckle LOTUS CORNICULATUS Birdfoot Trefoil S1 R3 Ludwigia alternifolia Seedbox S2 Ludwigia polycarpa False Loosestrife S3 R2 Lupinus perennis Wild Lupine Luzula multiflora Common Wood Rush Lycopus americanus Common Water Horehound Lycopus uniflorus Northern Bugle Weed S2 R3 Lycopus virginicus Bugle Weed Lysimachia ciliata Fringed Loosestrife R4 Lysimachia quadriflora Whorled Loosestrife R4 Lysimachia quadrifolia Four-leaved Loosestrife R3 Lysimachia thyrsiflora Tufted Loosestrife S3 Lythrum alatum Winged Loosestrife LYTHRUM SALICARIA Purple Loosestrife Maianthemum canadense Wild Lily-of-the-valley Maianthemum racemosum False Spikenard Maianthemum stellatum Starry Solomon’s Seal Malus coronaria Wild Crab MATRICARIA MATRICARIOIDES Pineapple-weed MEDICAGO LUPULINA Black Medick MEDICAGO SATIVA Alfalfa MELILOTUS ALBA White Sweet Clover MELILOTUS OFFICINALIS Yellow Sweet Clover 105

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX Menispermum canadense Moonseed Mentha arvensis Wild Mint Mimulus ringens Monkey-flower MOLLUGO VERTICILLATA Carpet-weed Monarda fistulosa Wild Bergamot MORUS ALBA White Mulberry VU Muhlenbergia frondosa Common Satin Grass Muhlenbergia mexicana Leafy Satin Grass Muhlenbergia schreberi Nimblewill S3 Nyssa sylvatica Black Gum Oenothera biennis Common Evening Primrose Onoclea sensibilis Sensitive Fern ORNITHOGALUM UMBELLATUM Star-of-bethlehem Osmunda cinnamomea Cinnamon Fern Osmunda claytoniana Interrupted Fern Osmunda regalis Royal Fern Oxalis stricta Yellow Wood-sorrel S2 Oxypolis rigidior Cowbane Panicum acuminatum Acuminate Panic Grass R3 Panicum boreale Northern Panic Grass Panicum capillare Witch Grass R1 Panicum columbianum Panic Grass PANICUM DICHOTOMIFLORUM Fall Panicum Panicum latifolium Broad-leaved Panic Grass S1 R1 Panicum meridionale Mat Panic Grass Panicum oligosanthes Panic Grass S3 R5 Panicum sphaerocarpon Round-fruited Panic Grass Panicum virgatum Switch Grass S3 R4 Panicum villosissimum Hairy Panic Grass Parthenocissus inserta Thicket Creeper S2 R4 Paspalum setaceum Hairy Lens Grass PASTINACA SATIVA Wild Parsnip Pedicularis canadensis Wood-betony VU Pedicularis lanceolata Swamp-betony VU Penstemon digitalis Foxglove Beard-tongue Penstemon hirsutus Hairy Beard-tongue Penthorum sedoides Ditch Stonecrop Phalaris arundinacea Reed Canary Grass PHLEUM PRATENSE Timothy Phragmites australis Reed;Giant Bulrush Phryma leptostachya Lopseed Physalis heterophylla Clammy Ground-cherry PINUS SYLVESTRIS Scotch Pine PLANTAGO LANCEOLATA English Plantain;Ribgrass 106

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX PLANTAGO MAJOR Common Plantain Plantago rugelii Rugel's Plantain Platanthera lacera Ragged Fringed Orchid Species at Risk Found Confidential Information Platanus occidentalis Sycamore POA ANNUA Annual Bluegrass Poa compressa Canada Bluegrass Poa pratensis Kentucky Bluegrass POA TRIVIALIS Bluegrass Podophyllum peltatum May Apple R4 Polygala sanguinea Field Milkwort VU Polygala verticillata Whorled Milkwort Polygonatum biflorum Solomon’s Seal Polygonatum pubescens Downy Solomon’s Seal POLYGONUM AVICULARE Knotweed R4 Polygonum buxiforme Knotweed POLYGONUM CONVOLVULUS False Buckwheat POLYGONUM CUSPIDATUM Japanese Knotweed Polygonum hydropiper Water-pepper Polygonum pensylvanicum Pinkweed POLYGONUM PERSICARIA Lady's Thumb S2 R1 Polygonum tenue Slender Knotweed POPULUS ALBA White or Silver Poplar Populus deltoides Cottonwood Populus grandidentata Big-toothed or Large-toothed Aspen Populus tremuloides Quaking Aspen POTAMOGETON CRISPUS Pondweed Potentilla anserina Silverweed POTENTILLA RECTA Rough-fruited Cinquefoil Potentilla simplex Old-field Cinquefoil Prenanthes alba White Lettuce R4 Prenanthes racemosa Glaucous White Lettuce R2 Proserpinaca palustris Mermaid-weed PRUNELLA VULGARIS SSP. VULGARIS Lawn Prunella VU Prunus americana American Wild Plum Prunus serotina Wild Black Cherry Prunus virginiana Choke Cherry Pteridium aquilinum Bracken Fern PUCCINELLIA DISTANS Alkali Grass Pycnanthemum virginianum Common Mountain Mint Quercus alba White Oak Quercus bicolor Swamp White Oak Quercus macrocarpa Burr Oak S3 Quercus palustris Pin Oak 107

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX S3 SC Quercus shumardii Shumard Oak Quercus velutina Black Oak Ranunculus abortivus Small-flowered Buttercup RANUNCULUS ACRIS Common Buttercup S3 Ranunculus hispidus Hairy Buttercup R3 Ranunculus pensylvanicus Bristly Crowfoot RANUNCULUS REPENS Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus sceleratus Cursed Crowfoot S2S3 Ratibida pinnata Yellow Coneflower RHAMNUS CATHARTICA Common Buckthorn S3S4 R2 Rhus copallina Shining Sumac Rhus glabra Smooth Sumac Rhus radicans ssp. negundo Poison Ivy Rhus typhina Staghorn Sumac Rhus x pulvinata Hybrid Sumac R3 Rhynchospora capitellata Small-headed Beak-rush Ribes americanum Wild Black Currant ROBINIA PSEUDOACACIA Black Locust Rorippa palustris Yellow Cress Rosa blanda Wild Rose ROSA MULTIFLORA Multiflora Rose Rosa palustris Swamp Rose S3 SC Rosa setigera Prairie Rose Rubus allegheniensis Common Blackberry S1? Rubus canadensis Smooth Blackberry Rubus flagellaris Northern Dewberry Rubus hispidus Swamp Dewberry Rubus idaeus Wild Red Raspberry Rubus occidentalis Black Raspberry Rudbeckia hirta Black-eyed Susan RUMEX ACETOSELLA Sheep or Red Sorrel RUMEX CRISPUS Curly Dock RUMEX OBTUSIFOLIUS Bitter Dock Sagittaria cuneata Arum-leaved Arrowhead Sagittaria latifolia Common Arrowhead Salix amygdaloides Peach-leaved Willow VU Salix bebbiana Bebb's Willow Salix discolor Pussy Willow Salix eriocephala Missouri Willow Salix exigua Sandbar Willow R4 Salix humilis Prairie Willow Salix nigra Black Willow Sambucus canadensis Elderberry R4 Samolus valerandi Water-pimpernel 108

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX Sanicula marilandica Black Snakeroot Sassafras albidum Sassafras Schizachyrium scoparium Little Bluestem Grass Scirpus atrovirens Dark-green Bulrush S2 R3 Scirpus clintonii Clinton's Bulrush VU Scirpus cyperinus Wool-grass Scirpus fluviatilis River Bulrush Scirpus pendulus Lined Bulrush Scirpus validus Softstem Bulrush S1 R4 Scleria triglomerata Tall Nut-rush R3 Selaginella eclipes Meadow Spike-moss VU Senecio aureus Golden Ragwort Senecio pauperculus Balsam Ragwort SENECIO VULGARIS Common Groundsel SETARIA FABERI Giant Foxtail SETARIA VIRIDIS Green Foxtail VU Silene antirrhina Sleepy Catchfly SILENE VULGARIS Bladder Campion S1 VU Silphium terebinthinaceum Prairie Dock S1 R4 Sisyrinchium albidum White Blue-eyed-grass Sisyrinchium angustifolium Stout Blue-eyed-grass Sisyrinchium montanum Mountain Blue-eyed-grass Sium suave Water-parsnip Smilax lasioneura Carrion-flower SOLANUM CAROLINENSE Horse Nettle SOLANUM DULCAMARA Bittersweet Nightshade Solanum ptycanthum Black Nightshade Solidago altissima Tall Goldenrod VU Solidago bicolor Silverrod, White Goldenrod Solidago canadensis Canada Goldenrod VU Solidago gigantea Late Goldenrod Solidago juncea Early Goldenrod Solidago nemoralis Old-field Goldenrod S3 SC VU Solidago riddellii Riddell's Goldenrod S3 Solidago rigida Stiff Goldenrod Solidago rugosa Rough Goldenrod SOLIDAGO SEMPERVIRENS Seaside Goldenrod SONCHUS ASPER Prickly Sow Thistle SONCHUS OLERACEUS Common Sow Thistle SORBUS AUCUPARIA European Mountain-ash;Rowan R5 Sorghastrum nutans Indian Grass Sparganium eurycarpum Common Bur-reed Spartina pectinata Cordgrass Spiraea alba Meadowsweet 109

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX R4 Spiraea tomentosa Hardhack; Steeplebush VU Spiranthes cernua Nodding Ladies'-tresses R3 Spiranthes lucida Shining Ladies'-tresses S3 VU Spiranthes magnicamporum Prairie Ladies'-tresses S1S2 Sporobolus asper Rough Dropseed Sporobolus vaginiflorus Sheathed Rush Grass Stellaria longifolia Long-leaved Chickweed STELLARIA MEDIA Common Chickweed S3 Strophostyles helvula Wild Bean R4 Symphoricarpos albus Snowberry TARAXACUM OFFICINALE Common Dandelion Thalictrum dasycarpum Purple Meadow-rue Thalictrum dioicum Early Meadow-rue Thalictrum pubescens Hairy Meadow-rue S2 R2 Thalictrum revolutum Waxy Meadow-rue Thelypteris palustris Marsh Fern THLASPI ARVENSE Penny Cress S2 VU Tradescantia ohiensis Ohio Spiderwort TRAGOPOGON DUBIUS Goat's Beard TRIFOLIUM AUREUM Hop Clover TRIFOLIUM CAMPESTRE Low Hop Clover TRIFOLIUM HYBRIDUM Alsike Clover TRIFOLIUM PRATENSE Red Clover TRIFOLIUM REPENS White Clover Trillium grandiflorum Common Trillium Triodanis perfoliata Venus' Looking Glass Typha angustifolia Narrow-leaved Cattail Typha latifolia Broad-leaved Cattail Ulmus americana White Elm Urtica dioica ssp. gracilis Stinging Nettle R5 Uvularia sessilifolia Merrybells Vaccinium pallidum Blueberry VERBASCUM THAPSUS Common Mullein Verbena hastata Blue Vervain Verbena urticifolia White Vervain S3 Vernonia gigantea Tall Ironweed Veronica peregrina Purslane Speedwell S2 R4 Veronicastrum virginicum Culver's Root Viburnum acerifolium Maple-leaved Arrow-wood Viburnum lentago Nannyberry VIBURNUM OPULUS European Highbush Cranberry R1 Viburnum recognitum Smooth Arrow-wood Viburnum trilobum Highbush Cranberry VICIA VILLOSA Hairy Vetch 110

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX R4 Viola sagittata Arrow-leaved Violet Viola sororia Common Blue Violet Vitis riparia Riverbank Grape Zanthoxylem americanum Prickly-ash VU Zizia aurea Golden Alexanders

8. Faunal Inventory

No. of VISITS: 5 CNHS # 34 SPECIES DIVERSITY RANKING: 1 Approx Total Effort: 9 hours Summary Account: The study area is central to the natural areas of the Ojibway Prairie, Black Oak and Spring Garden and associated habitat types. This was the single largest study area and produced a large number of migrant and breeding bird observations. The study area was randomly accessed via Titcombe Road, Ojibway prairie trail and the hydro corridor. Total Species: 93 Confirmed Breeding: 20 Possible / Probable: 15 Total Bird Count: approx 2000

SPECIES ACCOUNT

SPECIES STATUS OBSERVATION Canada Goose MS C CB Mallard MS C CB Blue-winged Teal SI C PB Male and female in suitable habitat/on separate visits Hooded Merganser SI M NB Great Blue Heron MS CV NB Foraging in grasses and wet habitats Great Egret MS CV NB Foraging in grasses and wet habitats Green Heron MS CV UB Heard Sora SI M UB Foraging in grasses and wet habitats Semipalmated Plover SI M NB Killdeer MS C CB American Woodcock MS C CB Aerial display common Spotted Sandpiper SI C UB Wild Turkey SI Re-introduced/tracks and dung observed only Cooper’s Hawk MS C PrB Pair bonding/territorial calling and flight display Northern Harrier MS R PB Birds in suitable habitat although breeding is unlikely Red-tailed Hawk MS C UB Breeding was confirmed adjacent to the study area. Turkey Vulture MS C NB 111

SPECIES STATUS OBSERVATION American Kestrel MS C PB Breeding was confirmed adjacent to the study area. Merlin SI M NB Peregrine Falcon SI S NB Foraging / migrant or bird local to Detroit Short-eared Owl SI R NB Bird in suitable habitat although breeding is unlikely Mourning Dove A C CB Yellow-billed Cuckoo SI CV UB Ruby-throated Hummingbird MS C PrB Belted Kingfisher MS C UB Seen often in wet habitats at Ojibway Common Flicker MS C UB Red-bellied Woodpecker SI R NB Downy Woodpecker MS C CB Nest cavities Hairy Woodpecker SI C UB Eastern Kingbird MS C PB Male territorial display Eastern Pewee SI M Eastern Phoebe SI M UB Least Flycatcher MS M UB Horned Lark MS C UB Barn Swallow MS C UB Tree Swallow MS C CB Bank Swallow SI M Chimney Swift MS C UB American Crow A C PrB Many individuals transient/stick carrying was observed Blue Jay A C CB Many individuals transient/stick carrying was observed Black-capped Chickadee A C CB Many individuals transient/stick carrying was observed Tuffed Titmouse MS S PB Locally rare – known breeders in Black Oaks/Ojibway White-breasted Nuthatch MS C UB Red-breasted Nuthatch MS M NB Brown Creeper MS M NB House Wren MS C CB Carolina Wren MS C UB Breeding in artificial cavity adjacent to study area Sedge Wren SI M Golden Crown Kinglet MS M Ruby-crowned Kinglet A M Brown Thrasher MS C UB Grey Catbird MS C CB Previous season’s nest found Northern Mockingbird SI M NB

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SPECIES STATUS OBSERVATION Eastern Bluebird MS S UB Observed in ‘usual’ locations/breeding evidence absent American Robin A C CB Swainson’s Thrush SI M Veery SI M Wood Thrush SI M Known to breed locally Cedar Waxwing A C PB Red-eyed Vireo MS C PB Warbling Vireo MS C CB Northern Parula Warbler SI M Black-throated Green Warbler SI M Black-and-white Warbler MS C UB Blackpoll Warbler SI M Magnolia Warbler MS M Yellow-rumped Warbler A M Chestnut-sided Warbler A CV UB American Redstart A C UB Yellow Warbler A C CB Previous year’s nest found Wilson’s Warbler SI M Nashville Warbler SI M Mourning Warbler SI CV UB Common Yellowthroat MS C UB Known breeding adjacent to study area Yellow-breasted Chat SI R UB Locally rare Ovenbird MS C PB Red-winged Blackbird A C CB Common Grackle A C CB Bobolink MS C CB Eastern Meadowlark MS C PB In grassland areas Baltimore Oriole MS C PB Scarlet Tanager SI CV NB Northern (Slate-coloured) Junco SI CV NB Northern Cardinal MS C CB American Goldfinch A C CB Previous season’s nest found Eastern Towhee MS C PrB Bonded pair observed White-throated Sparrow A M White-crowned Sparrow A M Chipping Sparrow MS C CB Field Sparrow MS C UB Swamp Sparrow MS C UB Song Sparrow MS C PrB Individual flushed from grass enclave on ground Lincoln’s Sparrow SI M 113

City of Windsor Candidate Natural Heritage Site Inventory Update C HA PPU S S E T V A

R CNHS # 34 E

N B R R E OA Noteworthy Species ( T r e e P l a n t ) DW W AY ST C HA PP US ST BURR OAK HONEY LOCUST

SHUMARD OAK COTTONWOOD

CUM1-1 AR WHITE OAK SILVER MAPLE MA FOD8-1 ND A ST SWAMP WHITE OAK E CAREX TYPHINA V A T

S BLACK OAK R E H ST JOHNS WART N T PIN OAK R R E E P SA W RED OAK GREAT PLAINS LADIES TRESSES

BIG SHELLBARK HICKORY SUNDROPS FOD8-1 FOD8-1 TPW2-2 SHAGBARK HICKORY TPO2-1 D PURPLE MILKWEED

R RED ELM

N MAM6 E

TPO2-1 L

SA A ELC Community Types TPW2-2 M Meadow CUM1-1 Dry Moist Old Field Meadow O Plantation CUP1 RIO Deciduous Plantation TIT L Savannah CUS1-1 Hawthorn Cultural Savannah CO E B M TPW2-2 LVD CUT1 Mineral Cultural Thicket D BE Thicket R TPW2-2 CUT1-4 Gray Dogwood Cultural Thicket R D Woodland CUW1 Mineral Cultural Woodland E T TPW2-1 K FOD1-3 Dry Fresh Black Oak Deciduous Forest T E NT ST FOD7-2 Fresh Moist Ash Lowland Deciduous Forest

E TPW2-1 Deciduous Forest FOD8-1 Fresh Moist Poplar Deciduous Forest H TPW2-2 FOD9-2 Fresh Moist Oak Maple Deciduous Forest C

T FOD9-4 Fresh Moist Shagbark Hickory Deciduous Forest A CUM1-1 SA Shallow Water

M Water/Marsh MAM6 Tallgrass Meadow Marsh SWD1-1 Swamp White Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp SWD1-3 Pin Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp Deciduous Swamp SWD2-2 Green Ash Mineral Deciduous Swamp SWD3-2 Silver Maple Mineral Deciduous Swamp TPO2-1 CUP1 Tallgrass Prairie Fresh Moist Tallgrass Prairie TPW2-1 Fresh Moist Black Oak White Oak Tallgrass Woodland Tallgrass Woodland TPW2-2 Fresh Moist Pin Oak Tallgrass Woodland T ITC OM BE RD ELGIN ST 1:7,500

NIC 0 75 150 300 Meters HOLS ST

GRATIOT ST Airphoto copyright the Corporation of the County of Essex, 2004 Source: SUPERTOM D:\PROJECTS\Conservation Planning (Rebecca B)\Windsor CNHS 2006\Communities - Jan 15 - 07.mxd TD 1/16/2007 Windsor Candidate Natural Heritage Site #39 ‘Airport Woodlands’

1. Site Location Municipality: City of Windsor Each of the Woodlands, described from west to east Site A Legal Description: Part of Farm Lot 116, Concession 3, formerly Sandwich South ARN: 373909005000100 PIN: 014081310 UTM Centroid Zone 17N 340713, 4682133 Site B Legal Description: Part of Farm Lot 122, Concession 3, formerly Sandwich South ARN: 373909005000100 PIN: 014081310 UTM Centroid Zone 17N 341436, 4682156 Site C Legal Description: Part of Farm Lots 123 and 124, Concession 3, formerly Sandwich South ARN: 373909005000100 PIN: 014081239, 014081310 UTM Centroid Zone 17N 341809, 4682442

2. Size 40 hectares (98.84 acres)

3. Ownership Private

4. General Description CNHS #39 consists of three separate wooded areas. The easternmost of the three is bisected by an airport security fenceline. The Little River flows just south of the easternmost woods and is linked to it by dogwood and hawthorn thickets with meadow inclusions. About half the tree canopy was formerly ash-dominated but this component has been lost due to Emerald Ash Borer. These woods were formerly used as summer pasture with relict trees to provide shade for the stock. Some stock ponds remain from this period. Additionally some peripheral areas were formerly in cropland but then abandoned from cultivation. Acquisition by the airport has restricted access and disturbance. As a result there has been a regeneration of the tree species for several decades resulting in a continuous canopy only recently opened by tree mortality due to Dutch Elm Disease and Emerald Ash Borer. The Hawthorn component of these woods was in decline until the loss of much of the overtopping canopy; now the hawthorns and other

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sun-loving understorey species are being invigourated. The site’s soil is classified as Brookston Clay.

5. Evaluation Criteria Fulfilled The natural heritage feature fulfills the following four out of ten evaluation criteria.

Criterion No. 3 – Significant Woodland The wooded area exceeds two hectares although those portions of the tree canopy that were dominated by ash species are now reverting to hawthorn and dogwood thickets or open areas of herbaceous vegetation with vigourous tree saplings. The woodlands function as hydrological linkage as they are immediately adjacent to a tributary of the Little River. Each of the woodlands contain some 100 m interior forest. In addition, these woodlands fall within an area identified in the BCS and therefore contribute to landscape connectivity.

Criterion No. 6 – Ecological Function The site augments the linkage provided by the Little River corridor and contributes to the hydrological flow of that watercourse. An agricultural drain links the three woodlots to each other and to the Little River.

Criterion No. 7 – Diversity Diversity on the site is provided by four plant communities, ephemeral ponds and stock ponds (probably enhanced natural ponds), aquatic communities in the linking agricultural drain and the adjacent channelized course of the Little River. This area is notable for glacial ‘iceberg signatures’ and there are a few ponds that may have originated from stranded or imbedded ice blocks. Some of the wetter areas within these woods may relate to these features. There are scattered large trees present and a great deal of standing and fallen deadwood. Ten trees exceed 80 cm dbh and five of these, including one Silver Maple at 155 cm dbh, exceed 100 cm dbh. The locations of these trees are mapped on the site aerial.

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Criterion No. 8 – Significant Species The following eleven significant plant species were observed: Swamp Agrimony, Agrimonia parviflora S3 S4 Shellbark Hickory, Carya laciniosa S3 Bush’s Thorn, Crataegus persimilis S1 R1 Long-spined Thorn, Crataegus succulenta R4 Pumpkin Ash, Fraxinus profunda S2 Pin Oak, Quercus palustris S3 Shumard Oak, Quercus shumardii S3 SC Prairie Rose, Rosa setigera S3 SC Great Water Dock, Rumex orbiculatus R4 Tall Ironweed, Vernonia gigantea S3 Le Conte’s Violet, Viola affinis R1

The above species are widespread within the CNHS.

No significant faunal species were observed.

6. Comments The three woodlands could be easily linked together by a wooded corridor along the shared drain even if one side was left in a cleared state for ease of maintenance. This would also enhance the linkage to the Little River. Naturalizing areas along Little River south of the eastern woodlot should be considered for inclusion within the CNHS because they add diversity, riparian habitat and enhanced linkage. The site’s diversity and size are reflected in the 167 plant species found here. There is some cutting of dead trees for firewood and the open areas of the centre woods were, until recently, used as a shooting range. Because of the danger of collision with aircraft, large-bodied wildlife is discouraged from inhabiting these woods with the exception of Red-tailed Hawk and Great Horned Owl which are allowed to remain and control other animals and which have been observed nesting within CNHS #40. The vegetation fell into four Ecological Land Classification Types: SWD3-2 Silver Maple Mineral Deciduous Swamp Type, SWD2-2 Green Ash Mineral Deciduous Swamp Type, CUT1 Mineral Cultural Thicket Ecosite and CUM1-1 Dry-Moist Old Field Meadow Type. The first two types are ranked S5 the last two have no assigned rank. The Meadow Type exists along woodland edges and as small sedge and forb-dominated inclusions - these are rapidly succeeding to thickets. It should be noted that the removal of ash from type SWD2-2 will result in a new ELC Deciduous Swamp Type which may have a higher conservation ranking. The approximate positions of the two ELC swamp types are mapped on the site aerial.

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7. Faunal Inventory

No. of VISITS: 8 SPECIES DIVERSITY CNHS # 39 Approx Total Effort: 13 hours RANKING: 2 Summary Account: Three woodlots in close proximity making a relatively large habitat area. Fragmentation, proximity to Little River and variety of habitat and forest structure (ie. swamp forest characteristics) makes this one of the most diverse avifaunal areas of Windsor. These woodlots are closely monitored for potential bird impacts on airport operations and several species which attempt to nest and are discouraged as part of the Airports wildlife control program are identified as confirmed breeding.

Total Species: 73 Confirmed Breeding: 27 Possible / Probable: 7 Total Bird Count: approx 1400

SPECIES ACCOUNT

SPECIES STATUS OBSERVATION Canada Goose A CV CB Airport nuisance species Mallard A CV CB Airport nuisance species Wood Duck A CV CB Nest found Great Blue Heron MS CV NB Day roosting / occupying drainage features Green Heron SI M NB Killdeer A C CB Nest found American Woodcock MS C CB Nest found Common Snipe SI C PB Wild Turkey SI reintroduced Ring-necked Pheasant MS C CB naturalized Copper’s Hawk MS C PrB Red-tailed Hawk MS C CB Several breeding records – none for 2006 Red-shoulder Hawk SI M NB Bald Eagle MS S NB common visitor – Peche Island pair Turkey Vulture MS CV NB Day roosting, no evidence of breeding American Kestrel A C CB Woodlot edge - “agricultural” trees Peregrine Falcon MS S NB Foraging / migration movements – (CV) Short-eared Owl SI M NB Airport has one recent nest record - agricultural Screech Owl MS C CB Nest found Great Horned Owl MS C CB Several breeding records – none for 2006 Saw-whet Owl SI M NB Morning Dove A C CB Ruby-throated Hummingbird SI C CB Carrying food Red-headed Woodpecker MS S PB Species of interest – locally rare

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SPECIES STATUS OBSERVATION Common Flicker MS C CB Red-bellied Woodpecker MS R CB Carrying food to cavity Yellow-bellied Sapsucker SI M NB Downy Woodpecker MS C CB Hairy Woodpecker MS C PrB Excavating cavity – cavity not occupied Great Crested Flycatcher MS C CB Cavity found Eastern Phoebe MS C PB Courtship behaviour Least Flycatcher MS M Horned Lark A C CB Edge habitat use Tree Swallow A C CB American Crow A CV NB Airport Nuisance bird Blue Jay A C CB Black-capped Chickadee A CV No breeding evidence was found Tuffed Titmouse SI S NB Locally rare – single male observed White-breasted Nuthatch MS C PB Red-breasted Nuthatch SI CV NB Brown Creeper MS M NB Early migrant House Wren MS C CB Carolina Wren MS C PB Ruby-crowned Kinglet A M NB Early migrant Golden–crowned Kinglet MS M NB Early migrant Brown Thrasher SI M NB Grey Catbird MS C CB American Robin MS C CB Gray-cheeked Thrush MS M NB Swainson’s Thrush MS M NB Hermit Thrush MS M NB Veery SI M NB Wood Thrush MS M NB Cedar Waxwing MS C Breeding evidence not observed Red-eyed Vireo MS M Black-throated Green Warbler MS M Black-and-white Warbler MS M Black-throated Blue Warbler MS M Magnolia Warbler MS M Yellow-rumped Warbler MS M Canada Warbler SI M Chestnut-sided Warbler MS M American Redstart MS M Yellow Warbler MS M PB Nests from former seasons found Northern Waterthrush MS M NB Foraging in “swamp” ponds 118

SPECIES STATUS OBSERVATION Common Grackle MS C CB Bobolink A C Known breeding history – grass edges Baltimore Oriole MS C CB Slate-coloured Junco MS M NB Northern Cardinal MS C CB Rose-breasted Grosbeak SI CV NB Single male observed Chipping Sparrow MS C CB Song Sparrow MS C CB

8. Floral Inventory

STATUS ONT ESSX SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME Acalypha rhomboidea (A. virginica) Three-seeded Mercury Acer negundo Box Elder Acer x freemanii Freeman's Maple Acer saccharinum Silver Maple S3S4 Agrimonia parviflora Swamp Agrimony AGROSTIS GIGANTEA Redtop Agrostis stolonifera Creeping Bent ALLIARIA PETIOLATA (A. OFFICINALIS) Garlic Mustard Ambrosia artemisiifolia Common Ragweed Ambrosia trifida Giant Ragweed Apocynum cannabinum (A. sibiricum) Hemp Dogbane ARCTIUM MINUS Common Burdock Arisaema triphyllum Jack-in-the-pulpit Aster ericoides (Virgulus e.) Heath Aster Aster lanceolatus Eastern Lined Aster Aster lateriflorus Side-flowering Aster Aster novae-angliae (Virgulus n.) New England Aster Aster pilosus var. pilosus Hairy Aster BERBERIS THUNBERGII Japanese Barberry Bidens frondosa Common Beggar-Ticks Bidens vulgata Tall Beggar-Ticks BRASSICA NAPUS Rape;Rutabaga Cardamine pensylvanica Pennsylvania Bitter Cress Carex blanda Sedge Carex cristatella Sedge Carex granularis Sedge Carex grisea (C. amphibola var. turgida) Sedge

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STATUS ONT ESSX SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME Carex hyalinolepis Sedge Carex rosea (C. convoluta) Wood Sedge Carex tenera Sedge Carex vulpinoidea Sedge Carya cordiformis Bitternut Hickory Carya laciniosa Shellbark Hickory Carya ovata Shagbark Hickory Chelone glabra Turtlehead Cinna arundinacea Wood Reedgrass Circaea lutetiana (C. quadrisulcata) Enchanter's Nightshade CIRSIUM ARVENSE Canadian Thistle CIRSIUM VULGARE Bull Thistle Claytonia virginica Spring Beauty Conyza canadensis (Erigeron c.) Horseweed Cornus amomum (C. obliqua) Silky Dogwood Cornus drummondii Rough-leaved Dogwood Crataegus crus-galli Cockspur Thorn Crataegus mollis Downy Hawthorn S1 R1 Crataegus persimilis Hawthorn Crataegus pruinosa Hawthorn Crataegus punctata Dotted Hawthorn R4 Crataegus succulenta Hawthorn DAUCUS CAROTA Wild Carrot Dryopteris carthusiana (D. spinulosa) Spinulose Woodfern ECHINOCHLOA CRUSGALLI Barnyard Grass Elymus histrix Bottlebrush ELYMUS REPENS (AGROPYRON R.) Quack Grass Elymus virginicus Virginia Wild Rye Epilobium coloratum Cinnamon Willow-herb Equisetum arvense Field Horsetail Erigeron annuus Annual Fleabane Erigeron philadelphicus Marsh Fleabane Erythronium americanum Yellow Trout Lily Euonymus obovata Running Strawberry Bush Eupatorium perfoliatum Common Boneset Euthamia graminifolia (Solidago g.) Grass-leaved Goldenrod Fagus grandifolia American Beech Fragaria virginiana Wild Strawberry Fraxinus pennsylvanica Red Ash S2 VU Fraxinus profunda (F. tomentosa) Pumpkin Ash Galium aparine Annual Bedstraw Galium obtusum Wild Madder Geranium maculatum Wild Geranium Geum canadense White Avens 120

STATUS ONT ESSX SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME Geum laciniatum Rough Avens Glyceria striata Fowl Manna Grass Impatiens capensis Spotted Touch-me-not Juglans nigra Black Walnut Juncus tenuis Path rush Juniperus virginiana Red Cedar LACTUCA SERRIOLA Prickly Lettuce Leersia virginica White Grass LIGUSTRUM OVALIFOLIUM Privet Lilium michiganense Michigan Lily Lindera benzoin Spicebush Lobelia inflata Indian Tobacco Lobelia siphilitica Great Blue Lobelia LONICERA MAACKII Amur Honeysuckle LONICERA TATARICA Smooth Tartarian Honeysuckle Lycopus americanus Common Water Horehound Lysimachia ciliata Fringed Loosestrife LYSIMACHIA NUMMULARIA Moneywort LYTHRUM SALICARIA Purple Loosestrife MALUS PUMILA Apple Menispermum canadense Moonseed MORUS ALBA White Mulberry Oenothera biennis Common Evening Primrose Onoclea sensibilis Sensitive Fern Oxalis stricta (O. fontana in part, O. europaea) Yellow Wood-sorrel Parthenocissus inserta (P. vitacea) Thicket Creeper PASTINACA SATIVA Wild Parsnip Penthorum sedoides Ditch Stonecrop Phragmites australis (P. communis) Reed;Giant Bulrush Plantago rugelii Red-stalked Plantain Podophyllum peltatum May Apple Polygonatum pubescens Downy Solomon Seal Polygonum hydropiper Water-pepper POLYGONUM PERSICARIA Lady's Thumb Polygonum virginianum (Tovara v.) Jumpseed Populus deltoides Cottonwood Potentilla norvegica Rough Cinquefoil POTENTILLA RECTA Rough-fruited Cinquefoil Potentilla simplex Old-field Cinquefoil PRUNELLA VULGARIS SSP. VULGARIS Heal-all Prunus virginiana Choke Cherry Quercus bicolor Swamp White Oak

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STATUS ONT ESSX SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME Quercus macrocarpa Burr Oak S3 Quercus palustris Pin Oak S3SC Quercus shumardii Shumard Oak Ranunculus abortivus Small-flowered Buttercup RHAMNUS CATHARTICA Common Buckthorn Rhus glabra Smooth Sumac Rhus radicans ssp. negundo (Toxicodendron r. ssp. n.) Poison Ivy Rhus typhina Staghorn Sumac Ribes americanum Wild Black Currant ROSA CANINA Dog Rose ROSA MULTIFLORA Multiflora Rose Rosa palustris Swamp Rose S3SC Rosa setigera Prairie Rose Rubus allegheniensis Common Blackberry Rubus idaeus (R. strigosus) Wild Red Raspberry Rubus occidentalis Black Raspberry R4 Rumex orbiculatus Great Water Dock SALIX ALBA White Willow Salix amygdaloides Peach-leaved Willow Salix eriocephala Missouri Willow Salix exigua (S. interior) Sandbar Willow SALIX FRAGILIS Crack Willow Sambucus canadensis Black Elderberry Sanicula odorata (S. gregaria) Black Snakeroot Scirpus atrovirens Bulrush Scirpus pendulus Bulrush Scutellaria lateriflora Mad-dog Skullcap SENECIO VULGARIS Common Groundsel Sium suave Water Parsnip Smilax hispida (S. tamnoides) Bristly Greenbrier SOLANUM DULCAMARA Bittersweet Nightshade Solidago canadensis Canada Goldenrod TARAXACUM OFFICINALE Common Dandelion Thalictrum dasycarpum Purple Meadow-rue Thelypteris palustris Marsh Fern Tilia americana Basswood Ulmus americana White Elm ULMUS PUMILA Siberian Elm VERBASCUM BLATTARIA Moth Mullein Verbena urticifolia White Vervain S3 Vernonia gigantea (V. altissima) Tall Ironweed Veronica serpyllifolia Thyme-leaved Speedwell Viburnum lentago Nannyberry 122

STATUS ONT ESSX SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME VIBURNUM OPULUS European Highbush Cranberry R1 Viola affinis LeConte's Violet Viola sororia Common Blue Violet Vitis riparia Riverbank Grape Zanthoxylum americanum Prickly-ash

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City of Windsor RD Candidate Natural Heritage Site Inventory Update VICE SER CNHS # 39

Noteworthy Species ( T r e e P l a n t )

Site 39 C

BURR OAK HONEY LOCUST

SHUMARD OAK COTTONWOOD

WHITE OAK SILVER MAPLE

SWAMP WHITE OAK CAREX TYPHINA

BLACK OAK

ST JOHNS WART PIN OAK

L A RED OAK GREAT PLAINS LADIES TRESSES U Z O SWD2-2 BIG SHELLBARK HICKORY N SUNDROPS

P K SHAGBARK HICKORY Site 39 B Y PURPLE MILKWEED RED ELM

ELC Community Types

Meadow CUM1-1 Dry Moist Old Field Meadow CUT1 Plantation CUP1 Deciduous Plantation Savannah CUS1-1 Hawthorn Cultural Savannah CUT1 Mineral Cultural Thicket Thicket CUT1-4 Gray Dogwood Cultural Thicket Woodland CUW1 Mineral Cultural Woodland FOD1-3 Dry Fresh Black Oak Deciduous Forest FOD7-2 Fresh Moist Ash Lowland Deciduous Forest Deciduous Forest FOD8-1 Fresh Moist Poplar Deciduous Forest FOD9-2 Fresh Moist Oak Maple Deciduous Forest FOD9-4 Fresh Moist Shagbark Hickory Deciduous Forest SA Shallow Water Water/Marsh MAM6 Tallgrass Meadow Marsh SWD1-1 Swamp White Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp SWD2-2 SWD1-3 Pin Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp Deciduous Swamp SWD2-2 Green Ash Mineral Deciduous Swamp SWD3-2 Silver Maple Mineral Deciduous Swamp Tallgrass Prairie TPO2-1 Fresh Moist Tallgrass Prairie TPW2-1 Fresh Moist Black Oak White Oak Tallgrass Woodland Tallgrass Woodland r TPW2-2 Fresh Moist Pin Oak Tallgrass Woodland e iv R

le t it L 1:5,000 CUT1

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Airphoto copyright the Corporation of the County of Essex, 2004

Source: SUPERTOM D:\PROJECTS\Conservation Planning (Rebecca B)\Windsor CNHS 2006\Communities - Jan 15 - 07.mxd TD 1/16/2007 City of Windsor Candidate Natural Heritage Site Inventory Update CNHS # 39

Noteworthy Species ( T r e e P l a n t )

BURR OAK HONEY LOCUST

SHUMARD OAK COTTONWOOD

Site 39 A WHITE OAK SILVER MAPLE

SWAMP WHITE OAK CAREX TYPHINA

BLACK OAK

ST JOHNS WART PIN OAK SWD2-2

RED OAK GREAT PLAINS LADIES TRESSES

BIG SHELLBARK HICKORY SUNDROPS

SHAGBARK HICKORY

PURPLE MILKWEED RED ELM

SWD3-2 ELC Community Types

Meadow CUM1-1 Dry Moist Old Field Meadow Plantation CUP1 Deciduous Plantation Savannah CUS1-1 Hawthorn Cultural Savannah CUT1 Mineral Cultural Thicket Thicket CUT1-4 Gray Dogwood Cultural Thicket Woodland CUW1 Mineral Cultural Woodland FOD1-3 Dry Fresh Black Oak Deciduous Forest FOD7-2 Fresh Moist Ash Lowland Deciduous Forest Deciduous Forest FOD8-1 Fresh Moist Poplar Deciduous Forest FOD9-2 Fresh Moist Oak Maple Deciduous Forest FOD9-4 Fresh Moist Shagbark Hickory Deciduous Forest SA Shallow Water Water/Marsh MAM6 Tallgrass Meadow Marsh SWD1-1 Swamp White Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp SWD1-3 Pin Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp Deciduous Swamp SWD2-2 Green Ash Mineral Deciduous Swamp SWD3-2 Silver Maple Mineral Deciduous Swamp Tallgrass Prairie TPO2-1 Fresh Moist Tallgrass Prairie TPW2-1 Fresh Moist Black Oak White Oak Tallgrass Woodland Tallgrass Woodland TPW2-2 Fresh Moist Pin Oak Tallgrass Woodland

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Airphoto copyright the Corporation of the County of Essex, 2004 D 42 ROA Source: SUPERTOM D:\PROJECTS\Conservation Planning NTY (Rebecca B)\Windsor CNHS 2006\Communities - Jan 15 - 07.mxd COU TD 1/16/2007 Windsor Candidate Natural Heritage Site #40 ‘Sundrop Bend’

1. Site Location Municipality: City of Windsor Location: west of County Road 17 and south of Division Road (Annexed Lands Planning District) ARN: 373909003001800, 373909003002100, 373909003002200 PIN: 752360070, 752360071, 752360064 UTM Zone 17N: 341708, 4681244

2. Size 6.22 hectares (15.4 acres)

3. Ownership Private

4. General Description CNHS #40 consists of dogwood and hawthorn thickets with meadow inclusions. About half the site was formerly ash-dominated woodland which has lost the ash component (including Pumpkin Ash) due to Emerald Ash Borer. Little River flows along the east side of the natural vegetation and bends westerly in the south portion; there is evidence of its pre-settlement channel within the wooded area. Except for a small ravine there is little topographical relief. Derelict stables and cages in the north portion suggest that several animal species were housed and pastured here in the recent past. The site’s soil is classified as Brookston Clay.

5. Evaluation Criteria Fulfilled The natural heritage feature fulfills the following four out of ten evaluation criteria.

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Criterion No. 3 – Significant Woodland The wooded area exceeds two hectares although most of the tree canopy which was dominated by ash species is dead or declining. The woodland functions as hydrological linkage as it is immediately adjacent to the Little River. In addition, this woodland falls within an area identified in the BCS and therefore contributes to landscape connectivity.

Criterion No. 6 – Ecological Function The site augments the linkage provided by the Little River corridor and contributes to the hydrological flow of that watercourse.

Criterion No. 7 – Diversity Diversity on the site is provided by the three plant communities, the channelized course of the Little River, a small portion of presettlement riverbed and a small ravine that conveys an intermittent tributary to Little River. There are scattered large trees present and a great deal of standing deadwood. Seven trees exceed 80 cm dbh and four of these, including one Burr Oak at 123 cm dbh, exceed 100 cm dbh. The locations of these trees are mapped on the site aerial.

Criterion No. 8 – Significant Species The following ten significant plant species were observed: Swamp Agrimony, Agrimonia parviflora S3S4 Shellbark Hickory, Carya laciniosa S3 Bush’s Thorn, Crataegus persimilis S1 R1 Pumpkin Ash, Fraxinus profunda S2 Honeylocust, Gleditsia triacanthos S2 Little Sundrops, Oenothera perennis R1 Pin Oak, Quercus palustris S3 Shumard Oak, Quercus shumardii S3 SC Prairie Rose, Rosa setigera S3 SC Tall Ironweed, Vernonia gigantea S3

Most of the above species are widespread within the CNHS but only a single tree of Honeylocust was found and the Little Sundrops grow in a discrete colony. The position of these species is mapped on the site aerial.

No significant faunal species were observed.

6. Comments Although the Little River courses through this site, it does so in a channelized reach which does not constitute a valley; therefore Criterion No. 5, Significant Valleyland, was not fulfilled. Red-tailed Hawk and Great Horned Owl have been observed nesting within CNHS #40 in years prior to 2006. The Honeylocust tree may be an escape from cultivation rather than indigenous. The vegetation fell into

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two Ecological Land Classification Types: FOD7-2 Fresh Moist Ash Lowland Deciduous Forest Type and CUS1-1 Hawthorn Cultural Savannah Type. The first type is ranked S5 the second has no assigned rank. There are small meadow inclusions in CUS1-1; in the absence of grazing or mowing, these are rapidly succeeding to shrub thicket. The approximate positions of these types are mapped on the site aerial. There is an additional area of meadow and thicket south of the study area which should be considered for inclusion within the CNHS.

7. Faunal Inventory

No. of Visits: 2 SPECIES DIVERSITY CNHS # 40 Approx Total Effort: 3.75 hr RANKING: 5 Summary Account: This relatively small woodlot produced a surprising variety of birds for the observation effort. Proximity to the larger CNHS # 12 (Airport Woodlots) and linkage with Little River perhaps accounts for transient movement. A variety of habitat types may account for the higher than expected breeding bird numbers. This site recent nest record for Red-tailed Hawk and Great Horned Owl which were not observed this year.

Total Species: 34 Confirmed Breeding: 11 Possible / Probable Breeding: 5 Total bird count: 474

SPECIES ACCOUNT

SPECIES STATUS OBSERVATION Great Blue Heron SI / CV / NB Observed both visits, in water course Killdeer SI / C / CB Feigning injury display (“at footbridge”) Spotted Sandpiper SI / C / PB Observed along water course First observation in area, lone jake, Wild Turkey SI / C / NB introduced Likely common resident – nesting Mourning Dove MS / C / PB unobserved Sharp-shinned Hawk SI / M / NB Male, hunting Turkey Vulture MS / CV / NB Over woodlot Yellow-billed Cuckoo SI / M / UB Foraging Yellow-shafted Flicker MS / C / PrB Drumming / excavating cavity Downy Woodpecker MS / C / CB Nest cavity excavation Least Flycatcher MS / M / UB Horned Lark MS / C / PB Edge habitat Tree Swallow MS / C / PrB American Crow MS / CV / NB Blue Jay A / C / CB Nest found 126

SPECIES STATUS OBSERVATION White-breasted Nuthatch SI / CV / UB Brown Creeper MS / M / NB Ruby-crowned Kinglet A / M / NB Brown Thrasher SI / C / UB Gray Catbird MS / C / CB Nest found American Robin MS / C / CB Multiple nest sites Magnolia Warbler A / M / NB Myrtle Warbler A / M / NB Multiple nests sites due to abundance of Yellow Warbler MS / C / CB hawthorn Brown-headed Cowbird MS / C / CB Parasitized nest found (American Goldfinch) Common Grackle MS / C / UB Baltimore Oriole MS / C / UB Northern Cardinal MS / C / CB Nest(s) found American Goldfinch MS / C / CB Nest found Eastern Towhee SI / M / NB White-crowned Sparrow A / M / NB White-throated Sparrow A / M / NB Chipping Sparrow MS / C / CB Carrying food Song Sparrow MS / C / CB Carrying food - edge habitat benefit

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8. Floral Inventory

STATUS ONT ESSX SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME Acer negundo Box Elder ACER PLATANOIDES Norway Maple Acer saccharum ssp. saccharum Sugar Maple; Hard Maple ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM SSP. MILLEFOLIUM Yarrow Agrimonia gryposepala Tall Agrimony S3S4 Agrimonia parviflora Swamp Agrimony AGROSTIS GIGANTEA Redtop Agrostis stolonifera Creeping Bent ALLIARIA PETIOLATA (A. OFFICINALIS) Garlic Mustard Ambrosia artemisiifolia Common Ragweed Ambrosia trifida Giant Ragweed Anemone virginiana Thimbleweed Apocynum cannabinum (A. sibiricum) Indian Hemp; Hemp Dogbane ARCTIUM MINUS Common Burdock Arisaema triphyllum Jack-in-the-pulpit; Indian-turnip Asarum canadense Wild-ginger Asclepias syriaca Common Milkweed Aster ericoides (Virgulus e.) Heath Aster Aster novae-angliae (Virgulus n.) New England Aster Aster pilosis Hairy Aster Bidens frondosa Common Beggar-ticks Carex blanda Sedge Carex grayi Sedge Carex rugosperma Sedge Carex vulpinoidea Sedge Carya cordiformis Bitternut Hickory S3 Carya laciniosa Kingnut or Shellbark Hickory Carya ovata Shellbark or Shagbark Hickory Circaea lutetiana (C. quadrisulcata) Enchanter's-nightshade CIRSIUM ARVENSE Canadian-thistle Cirsium discolor Pasture-thistle Cornus amomum (C. obliqua) Silky or Pale Dogwood Cornus drummondii Rough-leaved Dogwood Cornus foemina (C. racemosa) Gray Dogwood Crataegus crus-galli Cockspur Thorn Crataegus mollis Hawthorn S1 R1 Crataegus persimilis Hawthorn Crataegus punctata Dotted Hawthorn DAUCUS CAROTA Wild Carrot; Queen-anne's-lace DIPSACUS FULLONUM (D. FULLONUM SSP. SYLVESTRIS) Fuller's Teasel Elymus virginicus Virginia Wild-rye 128

STATUS ONT ESSX SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME Erigeron strigosus Daisy Fleabane Euonymus obovata Running Strawberry Bush Euthamia graminifolia (Solidago g.) Grass-leaved Goldenrod Fragaria virginiana Wild Strawberry Fraxinus americana White Ash S2 Fraxinus profunda (F. tomentosa) Pumpkin Ash Galium aparine Annual Bedstraw Geranium maculatum Wild Geranium Geum canadense White Avens Geum laciniatum Rough Avens S2 Gleditsia triacanthos Honey Locust HESPERIS MATRONALIS Dame's Rocket Impatiens capensis Spotted Touch-me-not Juglans nigra Black Walnut Juncus nodosus Joint Rush Juncus tenuis Roadside Rush; Path Rush Juncus torreyi Torrey's Rush LIGUSTRUM VULGARE Common Privet LONICERA TATARICA Smooth Tartarian Honeysuckle LOTUS CORNICULATA Birdfoot Trefoil Lycopus americanus Common Water Horehound Lysimachia ciliata Fringed Loosestrife LYSIMACHIA NUMMULARIA Moneywort MALUS PUMILA Apple MEDICAGO SATIVA Alfalfa MELILOTUS OFFICINALIS Yellow Sweet-clover Menispermum canadense Moonseed R1 Oenothera perennis Little Sundrops Ostrya virginiana Ironwood; Hop Hornbeam Oxalis stricta (O. fontana in part, O. europaea) Yellow Wood-sorrel Parthenocissus inserta (P. vitacea) Thicket Creeper PHLEUM PRATENSE Timothy Phragmites australis (P. communis) Reed; Giant Bulrush PLANTAGO LANCEOLATA English Plantain; Ribgrass Platanthera lacera (Habenaria l.) Green-fringed or Ragged Fringed Orchid Poa compressa Canada Bluegrass Poa pratensis Kentucky Bluegrass Podophyllum peltatum May Apple; Mandrake Polygonum virginianum (Tovara v.) Jumpseed Populus deltoides Cottonwood Populus tremuloides Quaking Aspen Potentilla simplex Old-field or Common Cinquefoil Prunella vulgaris ssp. lanceolata Heal-all Prunus americana American Wild Plum 129

STATUS ONT ESSX SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME Prunus virginiana Choke Cherry Pycnanthemum virginianum Common Mountain Mint PYRUS COMMUNIS Pear Quercus alba White Oak Quercus macrocarpa Bur Oak S3 Quercus palustris Pin Oak S3 SC Quercus shumardii Shumard Oak RHAMNUS CATHARTICA Common Buckthorn RHAMNUS FRANGULA Glossy Buckthorn Rhus radicans ssp. negundo (Toxicodendron r. ssp. n.) Poison-ivy Rhus typhina Staghorn Sumac Ribes americanum Wild Black Currant ROSA CANINA Dog Rose ROSA MULTIFLORA Japanese or Multiflora Rose S3 SC Rosa setigera Prairie Rose Rubus allegheniensis Common Blackberry Rubus flagellaris Northern Dewberry Rubus occidentalis Black Raspberry RUMEX CRISPUS Sour or curly dock SALIX ALBA White willow Salix exigua (S. interior) Sandbar willow Sanicula trifoliata Black snakeroot Scirpus pendulus Bulrush Scirpus validus (Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani, Schoenoplectus v.) Softstem Bulrush S3? Smilax ecirrhata Upright Carrion-flower Smilax hispida (S. tamnoides) Bristly Green-brier Solidago canadensis Canada Goldenrod SONCHUS OLERACEUS Common Sow Thistle TARAXACUM OFFICINALE Common Dandelion Thalictrum dasycarpum Purple Meadow-rue Thalictrum dioicum Early Meadow-rue Tilia americana Linden; Basswood Ulmus americana White or American Elm S3 Vernonia gigantea (V. altissima) Tall Ironweed Viburnum lentago Nannyberry; Sheepberry VIBURNUM OPULUS European Highbush Cranberry Viburnum rafinesquianum Downy Arrow-wood Vitis riparia Riverbank Grape Zanthoxylum americanum Prickly-ash

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City of Windsor Candidate Natural Heritage Site Inventory Update CNHS # 40

Noteworthy Species ( T r e e P l a n t )

n i BURR OAK HONEY LOCUST a r D

r SHUMARD OAK COTTONWOOD e iv R le WHITE OAK SILVER MAPLE itt L SWAMP WHITE OAK CAREX TYPHINA

BLACK OAK

ST JOHNS WART PIN OAK

RED OAK GREAT PLAINS LADIES TRESSES FOD7-2 CUS1-1 BIG SHELLBARK HICKORY SUNDROPS

SHAGBARK HICKORY

PURPLE MILKWEED RED ELM

ELC Community Types

1:5,000

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BA SELINE RD Airphoto copyright the Corporation of the County of Essex, 2004 6th Concess Source: SUPERTOM D:\PROJECTS\Conservation Planning ion Drain (Rebecca B)\Windsor CNHS 2006\Communities - Jan 15 - 07.mxd TD 1/16/2007

Windsor Candidate Natural Heritage Site #41 ‘Fairbairn Woods’

1. Site Location Municipality: City of Windsor Legal Description: Part of lot 17, Concession 8, formerly Sandwich South ARN: 373909002008700, 373909002009300 PIN: 752360003, 752360316 UTM Centroid Zone 17N: 340054, 4681115

2. Size 2.52 hectares (6.23 acres)

3. Ownership Private

4. General Description CNHS #41 consists of open woodland with small peripheral meadows and some shrubby inclusions. Ash trees were formerly co-dominant in the woodland canopy. Dead ash trees now form the largest component of standing deadwood. There is little topographical relief but no evidence of former cultivation. There are pits and mounds and ephemeral ponds. Areas of fill are found within the woods on the east and south sides. The open nature of the woods and the large, relict oak trees suggest that farm livestock was formerly pastured here. Regeneration of all tree species including ash is common. The site’s soil is classified as Brookston Clay.

5. Evaluation Criteria Fulfilled The natural heritage feature fulfills the following three out of ten evaluation criteria.

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Criterion No. 3 – Significant Woodland The wooded area exceeds two hectares.

Criterion No. 7 – Diversity Diversity on the site is provided by three plant communities and the ephemeral ponds. The woodlands have both youthful and more mature portions. There are scattered large trees present and a great deal of standing and fallen deadwood. About 21 trees met or exceeded 80 cm dbh and four of these, were 100 cm dbh or greater. The locations of these trees are mapped on the site aerial.

Criterion No. 8 – Significant Species The following six significant plant species were observed: Swamp Agrimony, Agrimonia parviflora S3S4 Shellbark Hickory, Carya laciniosa S3 Pin Oak, Quercus palustris S3 Shumard Oak, Quercus shumardii S3 SC Prairie Rose, Rosa setigera S3 SC Tall Ironweed, Vernonia gigantea S3

The above species are widespread within the CNHS and are not mapped on the site aerial.

No significant faunal species were observed.

6. Comments Before European settlement this woods would have been a swamp forest but drainage of the surrounding agricultural lands has undoubtedly reduced the extent and duration of ephemeral ponding. Fairbairn Woods is a habitat island – it is not linked to other natural features nor does it have an obvious ecological function as defined for this study. The prevalent vegetation fits Ecological Land Classification Type SWD3-2 Silver Maple Mineral Deciduous Swamp Type. This type is ranked S5 - very common and demonstrably secure. Small areas of shrub thicket and meadow are found as inclusions within and peripheral to the above community.

7. Floral Inventory

Surveyors: G. Waldron, P. Hurst Field Dates: June 26, Sept. 1, 2006 STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX Acer x freemanii Freeman's Maple Acer negundo Manitoba Maple Acer saccharinum Silver Maple 132

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM SSP. MILLEFOLIUM Yarrow S3 S4 Agrimonia parviflora Swamp Agrimony AGROSTIS GIGANTEA Redtop AILANTHUS ALTISSIMA Tree-of-heaven ALLIARIA PETIOLATA Garlic Mustard Ambrosia artemisiifolia Common Ragweed Ambrosia trifida Giant Ragweed Apocynum cannabinum Hemp Dogbane Asclepias syriaca Common Milkweed ASPARAGUS OFFICINALIS Asparagus Aster ericoides Heath Aster Aster lanceolatus Eastern Lined Aster Aster lateriflorus Side-flowering Aster Aster novae-angliae New England Aster Aster pilosus var. pilosus Hairy Aster Bidens frondosa Common Beggar-ticks BROMUS INERMIS SSP. INERMIS Smooth Brome Carex cristatella Crested Sedge Carex hyalinolepis Hyaline-scaled Sedge Carex molesta Troublesome Sedge Carex rosea Wood Sedge Carex tenera Straw Sedge Carex vulpinoidea Fox Sedge S3 Carya laciniosa Shellbark Hickory Carya ovata Shagbark Hickory Circaea lutetiana Enchanter's Nightshade CIRSIUM ARVENSE Canada Thistle CIRSIUM VULGARE Bull Thistle Cornus amomum Silky Dogwood Cornus drummondii Rough-leaved Dogwood Cornus foemina Gray Dogwood Crataegus crus-galli Cockspur Thorn Crataegus mollis Downy Hawthorn Crataegus punctata Dotted Hawthorn DAUCUS CAROTA Wild Carrot ELYMUS REPENS Quack Grass Elymus virginicus Virginia Wild Rye Epilobium coloratum Cinnamon Willow-herb Euthamia graminifolia Grass-leaved Goldenrod FESTUCA ARUNDINACEA Tall Fescue Fraxinus pennsylvanica Red Ash Geum canadense White Avens Geum laciniatum Rough Avens

133

STATUS SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ONT ESSEX Glyceria striata Fowl Manna Grass HESPERIS MATRONALIS Dame's Rocket Impatiens capensis Spotted Touch-me-not Juncus tenuis Path Rush Lilium michiganense Michigan Lily Lycopus americanus Common Water Horehound Lysimachia ciliata Fringed Loosestrife LYSIMACHIA NUMMULARIA Moneywort MORUS ALBA White Mulberry NEPETA CATARIA Catnip Oxalis stricta Yellow Wood-sorrel Parthenocissus inserta Thicket Creeper PHLEUM PRATENSE Timothy Phragmites australis Reed;Giant Bulrush Poa compressa Canada Bluegrass Poa pratensis Kentucky Bluegrass Populus deltoides Cottonwood POTENTILLA RECTA Rough-fruited Cinquefoil Prunella vulgaris ssp. lanceolata Heal-all Quercus macrocarpa Burr Oak S3 Quercus palustris Pin Oak Quercus rubra Red Oak S3 SC Quercus shumardii Shumard Oak RHAMNUS CATHARTICA Common Buckthorn Rhus radicans ssp. negundo Poison Ivy Rhus typhina Staghorn Sumac ROSA MULTIFLORA Multiflora Rose S3 SC Rosa setigera Prairie Rose Rubus occidentalis Black Raspberry SALIX ALBA White Willow Sambucus canadensis Elderberry Solidago canadensis Canada Goldenrod Tilia americana Basswood Ulmus americana White Elm VERBASCUM BLATTARIA Moth Mullein S3 Vernonia gigantea Tall Ironweed Viburnum lentago Nannyberry VIBURNUM OPULUS European Highbush Cranberry Vitis riparia Riverbank Grape Zanthoxylum americanum Prickly-ash

134

7. Faunal Inventory

No. of VISITS: 2 CNHS # 41 SPECIES DIVERSITY RANKING: 9 Approx Total Effort: 1.25 hr Summary Account: A small woodlot in the area of the larger CNHS # 12 (Airport Woodlots) with virtually no linkage to any other natural features. A single habitat type but a relatively tall forest stand in proximity to a variety of land uses may account for the continued use by breeding raptors. This site has recent and historic nest record for Red-tailed Hawk and Great Horned Owl. This woodlot is monitored as part of the Airports Wildlife Control Program. Total Species: 14 Confirmed Breeding: 2 Possible / Probable Breeding: 2 Total bird count: 44

SPECIES ACCOUNT

SPECIES STATUS OBSERVATION Cooper’s Hawk MS C NB Red-tailed Hawk MS C CB 2006 active Turkey Vulture MS C NB Roost American Kestrel MS C NB Breeding in adjacent agricultural operation Great Horned Owl SI C NB Has been a confirmed breeder for this site Morning Dove A C Nesting evidence not found Yellow-billed Cuckoo SI M NB Downy Woodpecker SI C PrB Excavating cavity American Crow MS C NB Roosting, harassing RTHA Black-capped Chickadee MS CV NB American Robin MS C CB White-throated Sparrow MS M NB White-crowned Sparrow MS M NB Chipping Sparrow SI C PrB Carrying nesting material

135

City of Windsor Candidate Natural Heritage Site Inventory Update CNHS # 41

Noteworthy Species ( T r e e P l a n t ) 42 OAD TY R COUN

BURR OAK HONEY LOCUST

SHUMARD OAK COTTONWOOD

WHITE OAK SILVER MAPLE

SWAMP WHITE OAK CAREX TYPHINA

BLACK OAK

ST JOHNS WART PIN OAK

RED OAK GREAT PLAINS LADIES TRESSES

BIG SHELLBARK HICKORY SUNDROPS

SHAGBARK HICKORY

PURPLE MILKWEED RED ELM

SWD3-2 ELC Community Types

Meadow CUM1-1 Dry Moist Old Field Meadow Plantation CUP1 Deciduous Plantation Savannah CUS1-1 Hawthorn Cultural Savannah CUT1 Mineral Cultural Thicket Thicket CUT1-4 Gray Dogwood Cultural Thicket Woodland CUW1 Mineral Cultural Woodland FOD1-3 Dry Fresh Black Oak Deciduous Forest FOD7-2 Fresh Moist Ash Lowland Deciduous Forest Deciduous Forest FOD8-1 Fresh Moist Poplar Deciduous Forest FOD9-2 Fresh Moist Oak Maple Deciduous Forest FOD9-4 Fresh Moist Shagbark Hickory Deciduous Forest SA Shallow Water Water/Marsh MAM6 Tallgrass Meadow Marsh SWD1-1 Swamp White Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp SWD1-3 Pin Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp Deciduous Swamp SWD2-2 Green Ash Mineral Deciduous Swamp SWD3-2 Silver Maple Mineral Deciduous Swamp Tallgrass Prairie TPO2-1 Fresh Moist Tallgrass Prairie TPW2-1 Fresh Moist Black Oak White Oak Tallgrass Woodland BASEL Tallgrass Woodland INE RD TPW2-2 Fresh Moist Pin Oak Tallgrass Woodland 6th Co ncession Drain 6 th Concession Road Dra in 1:5,000

0 50 100 200 Meters

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Windsor Candidate Natural Heritage Site #42 ‘KOA Kamp’

1. Site Location Municipality: City of Windsor Legal Description: Part of Lot 13, Concession 8, formerly Sandwich South ARN: 373909002011200 PIN: 752360035 UTM Centroid Zone 17N: 340170, 4678859

2. Size 3.25 hectares (8.03 acres)

3. Ownership Private

4. General Description The natural portion of the campground property has been considerably reduced through expansion of the camping facilities. Fill has been placed in low areas and the road system extended to new campsites. Over most of the wooded area only the original tree canopy remains to provide shade to the campsites - all of the understorey is in a disturbed, groomed state with little prospect of regeneration.

5. Evaluation Criteria Fulfilled The natural heritage feature fulfills one of ten evaluation criteria.

Criterion No. 8 – Significant Species The following two significant plant species were observed:

Shumard Oak, Quercus shumardii S3 SC Prairie Rose, Rosa setigera S3 SC

136

Criterion No. 8 – Significant Species The following four significant plant species were observed:

Pin Oak, Quercus palustris S3 Shumard Oak, Quercus shumardii S3 SC Prairie Rose, Rosa setigera S3 SC Tall Ironweed, Vernonia gigantea S3

138

City of Windsor Candidate Natural Heritage Site Inventory Update CNHS # 42

Noteworthy Species ( T r e e P l a n t )

BURR OAK HONEY LOCUST

SHUMARD OAK COTTONWOOD

WHITE OAK SILVER MAPLE

SWAMP WHITE OAK CAREX TYPHINA

BLACK OAK

ST JOHNS WART PIN OAK

RED OAK GREAT PLAINS LADIES TRESSES

BIG SHELLBARK HICKORY SUNDROPS

SHAGBARK HICKORY

PURPLE MILKWEED RED ELM CUW1

ELC Community Types

Meadow CUM1-1 Dry Moist Old Field Meadow Plantation CUP1 Deciduous Plantation Savannah CUS1-1 Hawthorn Cultural Savannah CUT1 Mineral Cultural Thicket Thicket CUT1-4 Gray Dogwood Cultural Thicket H Woodland CUW1 Mineral Cultural Woodland IG FOD1-3 Dry Fresh Black Oak Deciduous Forest HW AY FOD7-2 Fresh Moist Ash Lowland Deciduous Forest 4 Deciduous Forest FOD8-1 Fresh Moist Poplar Deciduous Forest 01 FOD9-2 Fresh Moist Oak Maple Deciduous Forest FOD9-4 Fresh Moist Shagbark Hickory Deciduous Forest SA Shallow Water Water/Marsh H MAM6 Tallgrass Meadow Marsh IGH WA SWD1-1 Swamp White Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp Y SWD1-3 Pin Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp 40 Deciduous Swamp 1 SWD2-2 Green Ash Mineral Deciduous Swamp SWD3-2 Silver Maple Mineral Deciduous Swamp Tallgrass Prairie TPO2-1 Fresh Moist Tallgrass Prairie TPW2-1 Fresh Moist Black Oak White Oak Tallgrass Woodland Tallgrass Woodland TPW2-2 Fresh Moist Pin Oak Tallgrass Woodland

1:5,000

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Windsor Candidate Natural Heritage Site #43 ‘Ireland Farm Woods’

1. Site Location Municipality: City of Windsor Legal Description: Part of Lot 16, Concession 10, formerly Sandwich South ARN: 373909003006200 PIN: 752370017 UTM Centroid Zone 17N: 342443, 4680385

2. Size 2.79 hectares (6.89 acres)

3. Ownership Private

4. General Description CNHS #43 is an open woodlot used for summer pasturage. The overstorey has been greatly reduced by Emerald Ash Borer, Dutch Elm Disease and lack of recruitment due to stock browsing. Although exceeding two hectares in extent, the present condition of the woods makes it doubtfully significant. The understorey is generally open and the herbaceous layer is dominated by meadow species. There are extensive trails and debris throughout. If management of the site shifted from stock pasturing to forest management, the ecosystem could recover in a few decades. Although access was denied to this property it was examined from the neighbouring property to the south. The site is apparently level and without water features. The soil is classified as Brookston Clay.

5. Evaluation Criteria Fulfilled The natural heritage feature fulfills the following one of ten evaluation criteria.

137

Criterion No. 8 – Significant Species The following four significant plant species were observed:

Pin Oak, Quercus palustris S3 Shumard Oak, Quercus shumardii S3 SC Prairie Rose, Rosa setigera S3 SC Tall Ironweed, Vernonia gigantea S3

138

City of Windsor Candidate Natural Heritage Site Inventory Update CNHS # 43

Noteworthy Species ( T r e e P l a n t )

Site 45 BURR OAK HONEY LOCUST

SHUMARD OAK COTTONWOOD

WHITE OAK SILVER MAPLE CUW1

SWAMP WHITE OAK CAREX TYPHINA

a BA r SE LINE RD BLACK OAK

n ST JOHNS WART o PIN OAK s

W RED OAK GREAT PLAINS LADIES TRESSES

Site 43 BIG SHELLBARK HICKORY SUNDROPS

SHAGBARK HICKORY

PURPLE MILKWEED RED ELM

CUW1 ELC Community Types

FOD9-2 Fresh Moist Oak Maple Deciduous Forest D FOD9-4 R Fresh Moist Shagbark Hickory Deciduous Forest SA Y Shallow Water Water/Marsh T MAM6 Tallgrass Meadow Marsh N SWD1-1 Swamp White Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp U SWD1-3 Pin Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp O Deciduous Swamp SWD2-2 Green Ash Mineral Deciduous Swamp C SWD3-2 Silver Maple Mineral Deciduous Swamp Tallgrass Prairie TPO2-1 Fresh Moist Tallgrass Prairie TPW2-1 Fresh Moist Black Oak White Oak Tallgrass Woodland Tallgrass Woodland TPW2-2 Fresh Moist Pin Oak Tallgrass Woodland

1:5,000

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Windsor Candidate Natural Heritage Site #44 Wagon Wheel Woods’

1. Site Location Municipality: City of Windsor Legal Description: Part of Lot 16, Concession 9, formerly Sandwich South ARN: 373909003002600 PIN: 752360075 UTM Centroid Zone 17N: 341845, 4680497

2. Size 0.7 hectares (1.73 acres)

3. Ownership Private

4. General Description CNHS #43 is a very small, formerly ash-dominated, woodland. For its size it has a remarkable diversity of eight native tree species. The woods have been considerably disturbed through brushing the understorey, mowing of the herbaceous layer and raising the grades with fill, thus eliminating ephemeral ponds. It is now generally an extension of the groomed home landscape to the south. The site’s soil is classified as Brookston Clay.

5. Evaluation Criteria Fulfilled The natural heritage feature fulfills the following one of ten evaluation criteria.

Criterion No. 8 – Significant Species The following three significant plant species were observed: Swamp Agrimony, Agrimonia parviflora S3S4 Pin Oak, Quercus palustris S3 Prairie Rose, Rosa setigera S3 SC 139

City of Windsor Candidate Natural Heritage Site Inventory Update FOD7-2 CNHS # 44

Noteworthy Species ( T r e e P l a n t )

BURR OAK HONEY LOCUST

SHUMARD OAK COTTONWOOD

WHITE OAK SILVER MAPLE

SWAMP WHITE OAK CAREX TYPHINA 6th C oncess n ion Drain i a BLACK OAK

ST JOHNS WART

n PIN OAK

t BAS a ELINE RD RED OAK GREAT PLAINS LADIES TRESSES W

BIG SHELLBARK HICKORY SUNDROPS

SHAGBARK HICKORY

PURPLE MILKWEED RED ELM

n CUW1

D ELC Community Types

r e Meadow CUM1-1 Dry Moist Old Field Meadow v

i Plantation CUP1 Deciduous Plantation R Savannah CUS1-1 Hawthorn Cultural Savannah e

l t CUT1 Mineral Cultural Thicket t i Thicket

L CUT1-4 Gray Dogwood Cultural Thicket Woodland CUW1 Mineral Cultural Woodland FOD1-3 Dry Fresh Black Oak Deciduous Forest FOD7-2 Fresh Moist Ash Lowland Deciduous Forest

7 Deciduous Forest FOD8-1 Fresh Moist Poplar Deciduous Forest

1 FOD9-2 Fresh Moist Oak Maple Deciduous Forest D FOD9-4 Fresh Moist Shagbark Hickory Deciduous Forest

R SA Shallow Water

Y Water/Marsh MAM6 Tallgrass Meadow Marsh T

N SWD1-1 Swamp White Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp

U SWD1-3 Pin Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp Deciduous Swamp O SWD2-2 Green Ash Mineral Deciduous Swamp C SWD3-2 Silver Maple Mineral Deciduous Swamp Tallgrass Prairie TPO2-1 Fresh Moist Tallgrass Prairie TPW2-1 Fresh Moist Black Oak White Oak Tallgrass Woodland Tallgrass Woodland TPW2-2 Fresh Moist Pin Oak Tallgrass Woodland

1:5,000

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Windsor Candidate Natural Heritage Site #45 ‘Baseline Woods’

1. Site Location Municipality: City of Windsor Legal Description: Part of Lot 17, Concession 10, formerly Sandwich South ARN: 374456000001300 PIN: 752380155 UTM Centroid Zone 17N: 342437, 4680629

2. Size 0.95 hectares (2.35 acres)

3. Ownership Private

4. General Description CNHS #45 is a small (under two hectares) roadside woodlot with dogwood and hawthorn dominated edges. About half the tree canopy was formerly composed of ash species including Pumpkin Ash ( Fraxinus profunda ). Disturbance to the site consists of internal lanes, debris and fill, particularly in the west end, and exotic species including Norway Maple ( Acer platanoides ), and Jetbead ( Rhodotypos scandens ). A roadside swale along the north side of Baseline Road carries water from the site so that ponding is limited in duration and extent. The site’s soil is classified as Brookston Clay.

5. Evaluation Criteria Fulfilled The natural heritage feature fulfills the following one out of ten evaluation criteria.

140

Criterion No. 8 – Significant Species The following four significant plant species were observed:

Long-spinned Thorn, Crataegus succulenta R4 Pumpkin Ash, Fraxinus profunda S2 Shumard Oak, Quercus shumardii S3 SC Prairie Rose, Rosa setigera S3 SC

141

City of Windsor Candidate Natural Heritage Site Inventory Update CNHS # 45

Noteworthy Species ( T r e e P l a n t )

BURR OAK HONEY LOCUST

SHUMARD OAK COTTONWOOD

D WHITE OAK SILVER MAPLE

Y SWAMP WHITE OAK T CAREX TYPHINA

U BLACK OAK O

C ST JOHNS WART PIN OAK

RED OAK GREAT PLAINS LADIES TRESSES

BIG SHELLBARK HICKORY Site 45 SUNDROPS SHAGBARK HICKORY

PURPLE MILKWEED RED ELM

CUW1

ELC Community Types BASEL INE RD Meadow CUM1-1 Dry Moist Old Field Meadow Plantation CUP1 Deciduous Plantation

n i Savannah CUS1-1 Hawthorn Cultural Savannah

r CUT1 Mineral Cultural Thicket Thicket D CUT1-4 Gray Dogwood Cultural Thicket

n Woodland CUW1 Mineral Cultural Woodland

s FOD1-3 Dry Fresh Black Oak Deciduous Forest

a FOD7-2 Fresh Moist Ash Lowland Deciduous Forest FOD8-1 W Site 43 Deciduous Forest Fresh Moist Poplar Deciduous Forest FOD9-2 Fresh Moist Oak Maple Deciduous Forest FOD9-4 Fresh Moist Shagbark Hickory Deciduous Forest SA Shallow Water Water/Marsh MAM6 Tallgrass Meadow Marsh SWD1-1 Swamp White Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp SWD1-3 Pin Oak Mineral Deciduous Swamp Deciduous Swamp SWD2-2 Green Ash Mineral Deciduous Swamp CUW1 SWD3-2 Silver Maple Mineral Deciduous Swamp Tallgrass Prairie TPO2-1 Fresh Moist Tallgrass Prairie TPW2-1 Fresh Moist Black Oak White Oak Tallgrass Woodland Tallgrass Woodland TPW2-2 Fresh Moist Pin Oak Tallgrass Woodland

1:5,000

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Table 2.0 Candidate Natural Heritage Site Inventory Update – Status Report

142

Table 2.0 City of Windsor- Candidate Natural Heritage Site Inventory Update- Status Report all CNHS Sites

No. Location CNHS criteria fulfilled Ownership Official Plan designation Status Size in the Current Size of 1992 report 1992 CNHS feature Report

CNHS #1 Farm Field west of East End Landfill 2/8 - size and condition City Schedule D: Land Use, Natural Heritage Schedule C: Protected through designation 2.3ha 2.7ha (East Riverside Planning Area) Development Const., Natural Heritage and public ownership

CNHS #2 East of Little River Corridor (East 2/8- size and diversity City and Private Schedule D: Land Use, Residential Schedule C: This woodlot was removed from 4ha 0ha Riverside Planning Area) Development Const., EPA A the landscape CNHS #3 North of Bertha Street (East Riverside 3/8- size, condition and ecological City Schedule D: Land Use, Open Space Schedule C: A portion of the original CNHS 1.84ha 1.9ha Planning District) function Development Const., EPA B remains under public ownership CNHS #4 South of the Pollution Control Plant (East 2/8-significant ecological function and Private Schedule D: Land Use, Open Space Schedule C: This feature is existing, it was 1.5ha 1.5ha Riverside Planning District) condition Development Const., EPA A not selected for study update due to its lack of signficance CNHS #5 Adjacent ot Penang Lane Park (East 3/8- ecological function, size and City Schedule D: Land Use, Natural Heritage Schedule C: Protected through designation 5ha 5ha Riverside Planning District) condition Development Const., Natural Heritage and public ownership

CNHS #6 Lands off Flora Street (East Riverside 1/8- ecological function Private Schedule D: Land Use, Residential Schedule C: This site has been developed 2.8ha 0ha Planning District) Development Const., EPA A CNHS #7 Peche Island (East Riverside Planning 4/8- significant species, condition, size Province Schedule D: Land Use, Natural Heritage Schedule C: Protected through designation 35ha 35ha District) and significant earth science feature Development Const., Natural Heritage and public ownership

CNHS #8 West of Lauzon Road (Riverside 1/8- size City and Private N/A This site has been developed 7ha 0ha Planning District)

CNHS #9 Schiller's Bush (Riverside Planning 3/8- size, diversity and condition Private Schedule D: Land Use, Residential and Business Park This site has been partially 10ha 7ha District) Schedule C: Development Const., EPA B developed

CNHS #10 Forest Glade and Lauzon Road (Forest 3/8- condition, significant ecological City and Private Schedule D: Land Use, Open Space Schedule C: The City has acquired more land 1ha 1.6ha Glade Planning District) function and size Development Const., EPA A in this area to enhance the Little River corridor CNHS #11 Derwent Park (Forest Glade Planning 2/8- significant ecological function City Schedule D: Land Use, Open Space Schedule C: Protected through designation 1.4ha 5ha District) and condition Development Const., EPA A and public ownership CNHS #12 Former Twin Oaks (Forest Glade 2/8- size and ecological function City Schedule D: Land Use, Open Space Schedule C: Site was improved as a part of 4.5ha 6.5ha Planning District) Development Const., EPA A the Twin Oaks industrial development CNHS #13 Jefferson & CN Tracks (Forest Glade 2/8- size and condition Private Schedule D: Land Use, Business Park This feature is existing 11ha 5.9ha Planning District) Schedule C: Development Const., EPA B CNHS #14 Central and Temple (Walker Farm 3/8- significant species, size and City and Private Schedule D: Land Use, Business Park This feature has been partially 6.4ha 2.9ha Planning District) condition Schedule C: Development Const., EPA A developed CNHS #15 Walker and Provincial (Devonshire N/A Private N/A This site has been cleared by the 4.5ha 0ha Plannning District) owner CNHS #16 Auto Wrecker east of Walker N/A Private N/A This site has been cleared by the 0.9ha 0ha (Devonshire Planning District) owner CNHS #17 Across from Lighting Boutique N/A Private N/A This site was cleared by the 0ha 0ha (Devonshire Planning District) owner during the 1992 CNHS field work CNHS #18 Walker North of E.C.Row (Remington 3/8- significant species, size and Private and City N/A 2.4ha remains (according to the 4.4ha 2.3ha Park Planning District) condition owned Planning history, Council filed an offer to purchase 1.42ha on Oct 30, 1995.) CNHS #19 Fogolar Furlan (Remington Park 0/8 Private N/A This site is manicured and lacks 4ha 0.94ha Planning District) natural heritage significance No. Location CNHS criteria fulfilled Ownership Official Plan designation Status Size in the Current Size of 1992 report 1992 CNHS feature Report

CNHS #20 Adjacent to Devonwood Conservation 0/8 Private N/A This site has been developed 3.8ha 0ha Area (Remington Park Planning District)

CNHS #21 Home Depot (Devonshire Planning 2/8- significant ecological function Private N/A This site has been developed unknown 0ha District) and condition CNHS #22 Cabana/Provincial/Division (Devonshire 0/8 Private This site has been developed This site has been developed and 2ha 0ha Planning District) remaining trees are part of the landscaping CNHS #23 Southwood Lakes Subdivision (Roseland 2/8- significant ecological function City Schedule D: Land Use, Natural Heritage Schedule C: Protected through designation 12ha 0.9ha Planning District) and size Development Const., Natural Heritage and public ownership

CNHS #24 Highway 401 and Howard - behind 4/8- diversity, significant species, size Private Schedule D: Land Use, Residential This site is existing 7ha 7.3ha Canadian Tire (Roseland Planning and condition Schedule C: Development Const., CNHS District) CNHS #25 Howard& South Cameron - Kennilworth 4/8- diversity, significant species, size City Schedule D: Land Use, Natural Heritage Schedule C: A Small portion of the original 15ha 2ha Subdivision (South Windsor Planning and condition Development Const., Natural Heritage woodlot is existing District) CNHS #26 South Cameron &Northwood (South 3/8-significant species, size and Private Schedule D: Land Use, Residential and Business Park This site is existing 4.8ha 5.1ha Cameron Planning District) condition Schedule C: Development Const., EPA B CNHS #27 North of Edinborough (Remington Park 1/8- size Private N/A This site has been developed 3.8ha 0ha Planning District) CNHS #28 Ouellette &CP Tracks (Remington Park 2/8- size and diversity Private N/A This site does not qualify for 7.7ha 0ha Planning District) natural heritage significance CNHS #29 South Cameron &Totten (South Cameron 3/8- diversity, significant species, size Private Schedule D: Land Use, Industrial, Commercial Centre This site is existing 15ha 27.7ha Planning District) Schedule C: Development Const., EPA B CNHS #30 Randolph, Totten &Northwood (South 4/8- diversity, significant species, size City and Private Schedule D: Land Use, Open Space/Residential/Natural Some of this site has been 98ha 54ha Cameron Planning District) and condition Heritage Schedule C: Development protected through City purchase Const., EPA B and designation, other portions of the site are currently being developed CNHS #31 St.Clair College Prairie (Roseland 5/8- diversity, significant Private and City Schedule D: Land Use, Residential This site is existing 15ha 14.9ha Planning District) communities, significant species, size owned Schedule C: Development Const., EPA A and condition CNHS #32 Oakwood Woodlot (South Windsor 6/8- significant ecological function, City Schedule D: Land Use, Open Space/ Natural Heritage Protected through designation 17ha 17ha Planning District) diversity, significant communities, Schedule C: Development Const., Natural Heritage and public ownership significant species, size and representation CNHS #33 Spring Garden (Malden Planning 7/8- significant ecological function, Private and City Schedule D: Land Use, Natural Heritage Schedule C: Protected through designation 170ha 170ha District) diversity, significant communities, owned Development Const., Natural Heritage and public ownership significant species, size, representation and condition CNHS #34 Titcombe &Matchette (Malden Planning 7/8- significant ecological function, Private and City Schedule D: Land Use, Residential/Natural Heritage This site is existing 30ha 53.4ha District) diversity, significant communities, owned Schedule C: Development Const., Natural Heritage/EPA A significant species, size, representation and condition CNHS #35 Malden Park (Sandwich Planning 4/8- diversity, significant species, size City Schedule D: Land Use, Open Space/ Natural Heritage Protected through designation 10.3ha 10.3ha District) and condition Schedule C: Development Const., Natural Heritage and public ownership

CNHS #36 Broadway Avenue &Highway 18 3/8- significant ecological function, City N/A This site does not qualify for 1.7ha 1.7ha (Malden Planning District) size and condition natural heritage significance CNHS #37 Morton Terminal (Ojibway Planning 4/8- significant ecological function, Port Authority Schedule D: Land Use, Natural Heritage Boundary refined through EER 24.8ha 100ft strip District) significant species, size and condition Schedule C: Development Const., Natural Heritage to a 100' strip protected No. Location CNHS criteria fulfilled Ownership Official Plan designation Status Size in the Current Size of 1992 report 1992 CNHS feature Report

CNHS #38 Ojibway Industrial Park (Ojibway 5/8- significant ecological function, City Schedule D: Land Use, Natural Heritage This site is existing 77ha 77ha Planning Area) signficant species, size, condition and Schedule C: Development Const., Natural Heritage earth science feature CNHS #39 Airport Woodlands (Annexed Lands Serco N/A This site is existing N/A 40.3ha Planning Area) CNHS #40 Sundrop Bend (Annexed Lands Planning Private N/A This site is existing N/A 6.3ha Area) CNHS #41 Fairbairn Woods (Annexed Lands Private N/A This site is existing N/A 2.6ha Planning Area) CNHS #42 KOA Kamp (Annexed Lands Planning Private N/A This site is existing N/A 3.7ha Area) CNHS #43 Ireland Farm Woods (Annexed Lands Private N/A This site is existing N/A 2.8ha Planning Area) CNHS #44 Wagon Wheel Woods (Annexed Lands Private N/A This site is existing N/A 0.7ha Planning Area) CNHS #45 Baseline Woods (Annexed Lands Private N/A This site is existing N/A 0.9ha Planning Area)

References

Carolinian Canada. 2006. Carolinian Species and Habitats, (http://www.carolinian. org/SpeciesHabitats.htm)

Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority (CRCA). August 2006. Central Cataraqui Region Natural Heritage Study- Final Draft Report. .127 pp.

Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA), 2006. Land and Water Conservation- Ecological Land Classification, (http://www.cloca.com/lwc/wetlands elc.php)

Corporation of the County of Essex. 2005. County of Essex Official Plan. 76 pp. (http://www.countyofessex.on.ca/countyservices/documents/CountyOfficialPlanFinalApp rovedJuly192005-movedindex.pdf)

Detroit River Remedial Action Plan (RAP). 1996. Detroit River Remedial Action Plan Report. Environment Canada, Ontario Ministry of Environment & Energy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Publication. 420 pp.

LaSalle, Town of. 1996. Town of LaSalle Official Plan Review- Candidate Natural Heritage Area Biological Inventory and Land Use Planning Policy Direction (Discussion Paper No.1). Prepared by Prince, Silani & Associates Ltd., Urban and Rural Planning Consultants and G.Waldron, Consulting Biologist. 104pp.

Lee, H., Bakowsky, J., Riley, J., Bowles, M., Puddister, P., Uhlig, and S. McMurray. 1998. Ecological Land Classification for Southern Ontario: First Approximation and Its Application. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Southcentral Science Section, Science Development and Transfer Branch. SCSS Field Guide FG 02.

Department of Finance Canada. May 25, 2001. Speech by the Honourable Paul Martin, Minister of Finance, at a Breakfast Organized by the National Roundtable on the Environment and the Economy, Toronto, Ontario, (http://www.fin.gc.ca/news01/01- 053e.html)

Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC). 1998. NHIC Database. (http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/nhic.html.) Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Peterborough, Ontario.

Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. 2005. Provincial Policy Statement. Issued under Section 3 of the Planning Act. Queen’s Printer for Ontario. (http://www.mah.gov.on.ca /userfiles/HTML/nts_1_23137_1.html)

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OMNR. 1999b. Natural Heritage Reference Manual for Policy 2.3 of the Provincial Policy Statement. 127 pp. (http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca /MNR/pubs/nat_heritage_manual.pdf)

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR). 2002. Significant Wildlife Habitat Decision Support System. Science and Information Section. Kemptville, ON. (http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/mnr/pubs/wildlife/swhtg.html)

OMNR. 2000. Significant Wildlife Habitat Technical Guide. 151 pp. (http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/mnr/pubs/wildlife/swhtg.html)

OMNR. 1994. Ontario Wetland Evaluation System Southern Manual - Covering Hill’s Site Regions 6 and 7. 3 rd Edition.

Ontario Nature - Federation of Ontario Naturalists (FON). 2004. Suggested Conservation Guidelines for the Identification of Significant Woodlands in Southern Ontario. 195 pp. (http://www.ontarionature.org/pdf/Significant_Woodlands_Guidelines(Draft%20Aug%2 02004).pdf)

Riley, J.L. and P. Mohr. 1994. The Natural Heritage of Southern Ontario’s Settled Landscapes, Ministry of Natural Resources.

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AppendicesAppendices

APPENDIX A

5. Environment

5.0 Preamble

A healthy and sustainable environment represents a balance between human activities and natural features and functions. In order to attain this balance, Council will enhance the quality of Windsor’s natural environment and manage development in a manner that recognizes the environment as the basis of a safe, caring and diverse community and a vibrant economy.

This chapter of the Official Plan provides goals, objectives and policies for the environmental designations identified on Schedule B: Greenway System and Schedule C: Development Constraint Areas and should be read in conjunction with the other parts of this Plan.

5.1 Goals

In keeping with the Strategic Directions, Council’s environment goals are to achieve:

HEALTHY & 5.1.1 A healthy and sustainable natural environment. SUSTAINABLE COOPERATION 5.1.2 Cooperation and coordination among all stakeholders to & maintain a flourishing natural environment. COORDINATION

ENVIRONMENTAL 5.1.3 An awareness, appreciation, and responsibility for the natural AWARENESS environment and its functions and features.

COMPATIBLE 5.1.4 Development that is compatible with environmental functions and DEVELOPMENT features.

REDUCE 5.1.5 The reduction of pollution. POLLUTION

5.2 General Policies

SCHEDULE B: 5.2.1 The following environmental quality designations shall be GREENWAY identified on Schedule B: Greenway System: SYSTEM

City of Windsor Official Plan ! Volume I ! Environment 5 - 1 (a) Natural Heritage;

(b) Waterfront Recreation;

(d) Waterway Corridors;

(e) Recreationways; and

(f) Linkages.

SCHEDULE C: 5.2.2 The following environmental management designations shall be DEVELOPMENT identified on Schedule C: Development Constraint Areas: CONSTRAINT AREAS (a) Natural Heritage;

(b) Environmental Policy Area A and B;

(d) Aggregate Resource Sites;

(e) Mineral Mining Sites;

(f) Airport Operating Area;

(g) Floodplain Areas;

(h) Shoreline and Floodprone Areas;

(i) Known or Suspected Waste Disposal Sites;

(j) Pollution Control Plants; and

(k) Rail Yards. (amended by OMB order 1485 – 11/01/2002)

5.3 Environmental Quality

5.3.1 Objectives

ECOSYSTEM 5.3.1.1 To provide a means to maintain and improve ecosystem functions HEALTH and processes within an urban area.

City of Windsor Official Plan ! Volume I ! Environment 5 - 2 NATURAL 5.3.1.2 To protect, conserve and improve the quality and quantity of RESOURCES Windsor’s natural features and functions.

PROTECT 5.3.1.3 To protect biological diversity and the habitats of endangered, BIOLOGICAL threatened and vulnerable species. DIVERSITY

INCREASE 5.3.1.4 To increase the quantity and quality of naturalized habitat. NATURALIZED HABITAT

INTEGRATE 5.3.1.5 To integrate environmental, social, and economic considerations CONSIDERATIONS in growth and development matters.

PROTECT 5.3.1.6 To protect the visual, aesthetic and recreational benefits of the BENEFITS natural environment.

LINKAGES 5.3.1.7 To establish recreational and natural linkages between open space areas and natural areas.

URBAN 5.3.1.8 To guide urban forestry within Windsor. FORESTRY

WATER QUALITY 5.3.1.9 To improve the water quality of watercourses within Windsor.

WATERSHED 5.3.1.10 To integrate water related resource management strategies and PLANNING land use planning processes through watershed planning.

AIR QUALITY 5.3.1.11 To improve atmospheric air quality through the planning process.

5.3.2 Greenway System Policies

GREENWAY 5.3.2.1 For the purpose of this Plan, the Greenway System is a planned SYSTEM network of natural environment and recreational elements. DEFINITION

GREENWAY 5.3.2.2 The specific components of the Greenway System designated on SYSTEM Schedule B: Greenway System consist of the following: COMPONENTS

City of Windsor Official Plan ! Volume I ! Environment 5 - 3 (a) lands designated as Natural Heritage on Schedule D: Land Use and described in the Land Use chapter of this Plan;

(b) lands designated as Waterfront Recreation on Schedule D: Land Use and Schedule E: City Centre Planning District and described in the Land Use chapter of this Plan;

(d) Waterway Corridors which consist of the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, Little River, Turkey Creek (Grand Marais Drain) and their tributaries;

(e) Recreationways as described in the Transportation chapter of this Plan; and

(f) Linkages which are potential natural and/or recreational corridors between lands designated as Community and Regional Parks, Natural Heritage, Waterfront Recreation and/or Waterway Corridors.

NEIGHBOURHOOD 5.3.2.3 Notwithstanding policy 5.3.2.2, Neighbourhood Parks as PARKS described in section 6.7.3 of this Plan and Environmental Policy Areas as described in section 5.3.4 of this Plan may be considered to be a part of the Greenway System and be identified in a secondary plan or guideline plan.

EXPAND 5.3.2.4 Council shall encourage the expansion and refinement of the GREENWAY Greenway System within Windsor as opportunities arise through SYSTEM the planning approval process or through other measures as may be appropriate.

REGIONAL 5.3.2.5 Council, in cooperation with the Town of LaSalle, Town of EXTENSIONS Tecumseh, the Essex Region Conservation Authority and other organizations, shall encourage regional extensions of the Greenway System as opportunities arise through the planning approval process or through other measures as may be appropriate.

DETERMINING 5.3.2.6 Council shall determine the exact physical boundaries of the EXACT Greenway System within Windsor on an area or site specific basis BOUNDARIES as a part of the planning approval process having regard to the following:

City of Windsor Official Plan ! Volume I ! Environment 5 - 4 (a) natural features and functions on the site or in the area;

(b) existing and/or proposed land use designations and zoning;

(d) any boundaries between the existing Greenway System and a new site or area;

(e) property ownership;

(f) the location of future Linkages and/or Recreationways; and

(g) any relevant studies or reports.

INCORPORATE 5.3.2.7 The exact physical boundaries of the Greenway System within INTO OTHER Windsor will be incorporated into other planning documents such PLANNING DOCUMENTS as secondary plans, guideline plans and plans of subdivision, where appropriate.

PRIVATE 5.3.2.8 The designation of the Greenway System does not infer a OWNERSHIP commitment to purchase areas that are not currently under public ownership, nor is it implied that such areas under private ownership are available for public use.

PROTECTION 5.3.2.9 Lands identified as part of the Greenway System may be METHODS protected by the Municipality through:

(a) conveyance or dedication as a part of the planning process;

(b) purchase of all or part of the identified area;

(d) the conservation of all or part of the identified area as a condition of planning approval;

(e) the arrangement of leases with private property owners to provide for the protection and appropriate management of all or part of the identified area;

(f) an exchange of lands;

City of Windsor Official Plan ! Volume I ! Environment 5 - 5 (g) donations, gifts, or bequests from individuals or corporations;

(h) conservation easements;

(i) the use of land stewardships agreements and techniques (refer to the Procedures chapter of this Plan); and

(j) other measures as may be appropriate.

PUBLIC ACCESS 5.3.2.10 Public access to elements of the Greenway System will be established by the Municipality, where appropriate.

RECREATIONWAYS 5.3.2.11 The Recreationways designated on Schedule B: Greenway System will provide for recreational movement within the Greenway System and are further described in section 7.2.3 of this Plan.

LINKAGES 5.3.2.12 Council will endeavour to establish Linkages between the areas designated as Waterway Corridors, Natural Heritage, Community and Regional Parks and Waterfront Recreation on Schedule B: Greenway System.

WATERWAY 5.3.2.13 Council will encourage the enhancement of Waterway Corridors CORRIDORS by:

(a) using the other provisions of this Plan related to water quality, floodplain and floodprone areas and stormwater management;

(b) retaining and enhancing vegetation adjacent to a watercourse;

(c) ensuring the protection of watercourses during construction in accordance with federal and provincial legislation, polices and guidelines; and

(d) other methods as may be appropriate.

NATURALIZE 5.3.2.14 Council shall encourage the naturalization of those components of the Greenway System that are deficient in existing natural cover.

City of Windsor Official Plan ! Volume I ! Environment 5 - 6 EER 5.3.2.15 Council may require an Environmental Evaluation Report (EER), REQUIREMENT or other suitable study, for lands proposed for development or infrastructure undertakings within or adjacent to the Greenway System (refer to the Procedures chapter of this Plan).

PORT OF 5.3.2.16 Council will have regard to the existing and future operations of WINDSOR the Port of Windsor when considering the development and/or expansion of the Greenway System adjacent to the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair.

5.3.3 Natural Heritage Policies

Lands identified as Natural Heritage provide for the protection and conservation of Windsor’s most environmentally significant and sensitive natural areas, including provincially designated areas of natural and scientific interest (ANSI) and wetlands.

NATURAL 5.3.3.1 Lands designated as Natural Heritage appear on Schedules B: HERITAGE Greenway System, C: Development Constraints and D: Land Use. DESIGNATION

REFER TO LAND 5.3.3.2 The policies which establish the permitted uses, ancillary uses, USE CHAPTER evaluation criteria, protection and conservation of lands designated as Natural Heritage are further described in the Land Use Chapter of this Plan.

5.3.4 Environmental Policy Area Policies

ENVIRONMENTAL 5.3.4.1 For the purpose of this Plan, an Environmental Policy Area (EPA) POLICY AREA is an environmentally significant and/or sensitive natural area DEFINITION which may be able to tolerate appropriately designed development. Environmental Policy Areas are further classified as follows:

(a) Environmental Policy Area A may be partially developed provided that the development conserves the significant natural features and/or functions; and

(b) Environmental Policy Area B may be developed provided the significant natural features are incorporated as a part of the development.

City of Windsor Official Plan ! Volume I ! Environment 5 - 7 EPA A 5.3.4.2 Council shall evaluate development proposals within the LAND USE developable portion of an Environmental Policy Area A DESIGNATION according to the other provisions of this chapter and the land use designation(s) of the site on Schedule D: Land Use.

EPA B 5.3.4.3 Council shall evaluate development proposals within an LAND USE Environmental Policy Area B according to the other provisions of DESIGNATION this chapter and the land use designation(s) of the site on Schedule D: Land Use.

EVALUATION 5.3.4.4 Council shall designate an Environmental Policy Area A or B CRITERIA according to an assessment of the land’s environmental significance and sensitivity based on the evaluation of the following criteria:

(a) the biophysical characteristics of the area serve one or more ecological functions such as providing a migratory stop-over, linking other natural areas and serving a hydrological function;

(b) the area exhibits a high degree of biological diversity at the species, community or structural level;

(c) the area contains natural communities which are poorly represented from a local perspective, or are rare from a provincial or national perspective;

(d) the area provided habitat for species which are vulnerable, threatened or endangered from a national, provincial or regional perspective;

(e) the area is of sufficient size (at least one hectare) to enable biological communities and species to sustain themselves in a healthy state;

(f) the area is representative of at least one community and/or habitat of the natural landscape of Windsor that is not adequately represented in existing protected areas;

(g) the area is in a relatively natural condition and exhibits low levels of disturbance from intrusions such as infrastructure corridors, development and exotic species;

City of Windsor Official Plan ! Volume I ! Environment 5 - 8 (h) the area contains earth science features which are poorly represented from a local perspective, or are rare from a provincial or national perspective; and,

(i) the area is of visual, aesthetic or recreational importance to the city, its planning districts, neighbourhoods and streetscapes.

NATURAL 5.3.4.5 Council may amend this Plan to redesignate an Environmental HERITAGE Policy Area A or B to Natural Heritage in accordance with the provisions of section 6.8 of this Plan.

DEVELOPMENT 5.3.4.6 Proponents of development or infrastructure undertakings within PROPOSALS an Environmental Policy Area A or B shall be required to WITHIN AN EPA A OR B complete an Environmental Evaluation Report or other suitable study to the satisfaction of the Municipality in accordance with the Procedures chapter of this Plan.

ADJACENT 5.3.4.7 The Municipality may require proponents of development on LANDS lands adjacent to an Environmental Policy Area A or B to complete an Environmental Evaluation Report or other suitable study to the satisfaction of the Municipality in accordance with the Procedures chapter of this Plan. The identification of adjacent lands subject to this requirement will be determined by the Municipality on a site-specific basis, with regard to provincial legislation, policies and appropriate guidelines, and in accordance with policy 10.2.5.4 of this Plan.

INCREASE 5.3.4.8 Council, in cooperation with other public agencies, will make the AWARENESS public aware of the value and significance of lands designated as Environmental Policy Areas and Natural Heritage through educational programmes, outreach activities and stewardship.

5.3.5 Candidate Natural Heritage Sites Policies

CNHS 5.3.5.1 For the purpose of this Plan, a Candidate Natural Heritage Site is DEFINITION land characterized by potentially significant and/or sensitive environmental features or functions.

REDESIGNATION 5.3.5.2 Council may amend this Plan to redesignate a Candidate Natural Heritage Site to an Environmental Policy Area A or B in accordance with section 5.3.4 of this Plan and/or Natural Heritage in accordance with section 6.8 of this Plan.

City of Windsor Official Plan ! Volume I ! Environment 5 - 9 EER REQUIRED 5.3.5.3 Proponents of development or infrastructure undertakings within WITHIN OR or adjacent to a Candidate Natural Heritage Site may be required ADJACENT by the Municipality to successfully complete an Environmental Evaluation Report or other suitable study to determine:

(a) the environmental significance and sensitivity of the site;

(b) if, where and under what conditions development may be permitted; and

FRAGMENTED 5.3.5.4 Where there is fragmented ownership within a Candidate Natural OWNERSHIP Heritage Site that inhibits the coordinated study of the site, the AREAS Municipality may undertake an Environmental Evaluation Report or other suitable study in accordance with the Procedures chapter of this Plan to determine the factors provided for in policy 5.3.5.3.

COST 5.3.5.5 Council may assess and recover costs for the Environmental RECOVERY Evaluation Report or other suitable study undertaken in accordance with policy 5.3.5.4 as development occurs.

UNAFFECTED 5.3.5.6 The requirements of policy 5.3.5.3 shall not apply to lands used in LANDS accordance with the Zoning By-law.

NEW SITES 5.3.5.7 Council may designate a Candidate Natural Heritage Site following the completion of a watershed/subwatershed plan, or other suitable study (refer to the Procedures chapter of this Plan).

5.3.6 Urban Forestry Policies

PROTECT 5.3.6.1 Council will recognize and encourage the protection of trees as TREES essential to the health and welfare of the community and the natural environment.

URBAN FOREST 5.3.6.2 Council will recognize that a diversity of trees contribute to the distinctive character of neighbourhoods and promotes the planting of species which further enhance this character.

City of Windsor Official Plan ! Volume I ! Environment 5 - 10 DIVERSITY OF 5.3.6.3 Council will encourage the planting of trees on public and private TREES property, in particular those species most tolerant of Windsor’s climatic conditions and those less susceptible to disease.

NATIVE TREES 5.3.6.4 Council will encourage the planting of native tree species associated with the Carolinian forest region.

TREED 5.3.6.5 Council will encourage the planting of trees along watercourses CORRIDORS and Linkages to reduce flooding and erosion and to improve natural habitat.

CREATE & 5.3.6.6 The Municipality will create, maintain and enhance treed areas ENHANCE along infrastructure rights-of-way and in public open spaces.

CONSERVATION 5.3.6.7 Council may require proponents of development and PLAN infrastructure undertakings to submit an inventory of trees on site and prepare and implement a tree conservation and replacement plan.

PREVENT 5.3.6.8 The Municipality will endeavour to protect trees on public and DAMAGE private lands from damage by mechanical equipment during construction and maintenance activities by developing guidelines and standards to protect trees from damage associated with construction and maintenance operations.

TREE 5.3.6.9 The Municipality will maintain a city-wide inventory of trees INVENTORY along public rights-of-way as the basis to monitor the effectiveness of urban forestry policies and practices.

TREE 5.3.6.10 The Municipality will encourage the relocation and transplanting RELOCATION of trees to municipal lands in situations where trees would have been lost due to development activities.

STREET TREES 5.3.6.11 The Municipality will maintain the character of its mature tree- lined streets by replacing any tree within the public right-of-way requiring removal with a new tree planted as close as practical to the location of the original.

TREE BY-LAW 5.3.6.12 Council will consider the adoption of a by-law to foster the conservation of trees and/or woodlots.

City of Windsor Official Plan ! Volume I ! Environment 5 - 11 5.3.7 Atmospheric Air Quality Policies

PUBLIC 5.3.7.1 Council, in cooperation with other agencies, will actively INVOLVEMENT encourage public participation, information and education to foster awareness of atmospheric change and of local initiatives to reduce atmospheric air pollution.

REDUCE AIR 5.3.7.2 Council will contribute to the reduction of air pollution by using POLLUTION the following land use planning approaches:

(a) increasing opportunities for non-automotive transportation modes including walking, cycling and public transportation in accordance with the Infrastructure chapter of this Plan;

(b) regulating development which has the potential to increase atmospheric pollution in accordance with the Land Use chapter of this Plan;

(d) locating compatible residential, commercial and employment uses in a manner that reduces distance and vehicle trips as outlined in the Land Use chapter of this Plan; and

(e) protecting and improving trees and natural areas.

5.3.8 Water Quality Policies

The following policies should be read in conjunction with section 7.3.4 of this Plan.

HABITAT 5.3.8.1 Council, in cooperation with owners of riparian lands, private ENHANCEMENT organizations and public agencies, will support the strategic placement of habitat enhancement elements in and along watercourses to provide for the spawning, feeding, and nesting of aquatic related species.

IMPROVE 5.3.8.2 Council will work with property owners, public agencies, and WATERCOURSES other interested groups to maintain watercourses free from litter, refuse, and other debris in order to augment the flow and flushing ability of waterways and to improve aquatic habitat.

City of Windsor Official Plan ! Volume I ! Environment 5 - 12 OTHER 5.3.8.3 Council will support the actions undertaken by other public AGENCIES agencies and organizations to remediate polluted surface and ground water.

CONSTRUCTED 5.3.8.4 Council, in cooperation with property owners, local organizations WETLANDS and public agencies, will support the creation of constructed wetlands, where appropriate.

WATER QUALITY 5.3.8.5 Council will support efforts to improve the water quality of the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, Turkey Creek and Little River.

WATERSHED 5.3.8.6 Council may authorize the preparation and implementation of a PLAN watershed or subwatershed plan in accordance with the Procedures Chapter of this Plan to assist in improving water quality.

5.4 Environmental Management

5.4.1 Objectives

SUSTAINABLE 5.4.1.1 To ensure the long-term sustainability of environmental resources. RESOURCES AGGREGATE & 5.4.1.2 To recognize the importance of aggregate resource operations and MINING SITES mineral mining industries to Windsor’s economy.

MINIMIZE 5.4.1.3 To minimize any adverse environmental impacts caused by the ENVIRONMENTAL development and operation of aggregate resource, wayside pits and IMPACTS quarries, portable asphalt plants and mineral mining sites.

REHABILITATION 5.4.1.4 To rehabilitate and restore abandoned aggregate resource extraction, mineral mining and contaminated sites to land uses compatible with the surrounding area.

NOISE 5.4.1.5 To protect the residents of Windsor from unacceptable levels of ATTENUATION noise which may negatively impact their health and well being.

FLOODPLAINS & 5.4.1.6 To protect human life and property located within and adjacent to SHORELINES floodplains and shorelines.

POLLUTION 5.4.1.7 To ensure that development is compatible with the operation of CONTROL pollution control plants. PLANTS

City of Windsor Official Plan ! Volume I ! Environment 5 - 13 5.4.2 Aggregate Resource Sites Policies

AGGREGATE 5.4.2.1 For the purpose of this Plan, Aggregate Resource Sites are areas RESOURCE where aggregate extraction and/or operations are taking place, or SITES DEFINITION where there is a high potential for aggregate extraction to occur due to the quantity and quality of the mineral deposits.

LAND USE 5.4.2.2 Council shall permit existing Aggregate Resource Sites as an DESIGNATION interim land use. As such, Aggregate Resource Sites are designated on Schedule D: Land Use for their ultimate intended land use.

INCOMPATIBLE 5.4.2.3 Council shall protect Aggregate Resource Sites from incompatible LAND USES adjacent land uses except where it can be shown that:

(a) resource extraction and/or operations would not be feasible;

(b) the proposed use or development serves a greater long term interest to the public than does aggregate extraction and/or operations;

(d) the proposed use or development would not be in keeping with provincial legislation, policy or appropriate guidelines.

SEPARATION 5.4.2.4 Council shall require sensitive land uses to be separated and/or DISTANCES buffered from Aggregate Resource Sites in accordance with provincial legislation, policies and appropriate guidelines.

NEW SITES 5.4.2.5 Council may permit new Aggregate Resource Sites in any land use designation on Schedule D: Land Use without requiring an amendment to this Plan provided:

(a) the use is in keeping with provincial legislation, policies and appropriate guidelines; and

(b) the proponent mitigates potential negative impacts of the extraction and/or operation on surrounding and/or sensitive land uses.

City of Windsor Official Plan ! Volume I ! Environment 5 - 14 REHABILITATION 5.4.2.6 Council shall require Aggregate Resource Sites be rehabilitated and restored in keeping with the land use designation(s) identified on Schedule D: Land Use.

5.4.3 Mineral Mining Sites Policies

MINERAL 5.4.3.1 For the purpose of this Plan, Mineral Mining Sites are mining MINING SITES operations and associated facilities, or past producing mines with DEFINITION remaining mineral potential that have not been permanently rehabilitated and restored to another land use.

INCOMPATIBLE 5.4.3.2 Council shall protect Mineral Mining Sites from incompatible LAND USES adjacent land uses except where it can be shown that:

(a) mineral mining would not be feasible;

(b) the proposed use or development serves a greater long term interest to the public than does mineral mining; and

SEPARATION 5.4.3.3 Council shall require sensitive land uses to be separated and/or DISTANCES buffered from Mineral Mining Sites in accordance with provincial legislation, policies and appropriate guidelines.

REHABILITATION 5.4.3.4 Council shall require Mineral Mining Sites to be rehabilitated after mining and related activities have ceased in accordance with relevant provincial legislation, policies and appropriate guidelines.

MINING WELLS 5.4.3.5 Upon cessation of production from mining wells, the mining wells and the associated facilities shall be plugged and rehabilitated to allow for the development of the uses designated on Schedule D: Land Use of this Plan.

SALT SOLUTION 5.4.3.6 Council shall require that proponents of development within or MINING immediately adjacent to the Mineral Mining Area designated on Schedule C: Development Constraint Areas where there is known present or past underground salt or salt solution mining activity to successfully complete a geo-technical study prepared by a qualified professional to confirm that the site is suitable for the proposed development.

City of Windsor Official Plan ! Volume I ! Environment 5 - 15

5.4.4 Wayside Pits and Quarries and Portable Asphalt Plants Policies

DEFINITION 5.4.4.1 Wayside Pits and Quarries and Portable Asphalt Plants shall be defined in accordance with provincial policy.

NEW PITS, 5.4.4.2 Council may permit Wayside Pits and Quarries and Portable QUARRIES & Asphalt Plants in any land use designation on Schedule D: Land PORTABLE ASPHALT Use without requiring an amendment to this Plan provided: PLANTS (a) the use is in keeping with provincial legislation, policies and appropriate guidelines; and

(b) the proponent mitigates potential negative impacts of the extraction and/or operation on surrounding and/or sensitive land uses.

5.4.5 Noise and Vibration Policies

REGARD FOR 5.4.5.1 Council shall require the proponent of development in proximity NOISE & to existing or proposed sources of noise and vibration, or the VIBRATION proponent of development that may be a source of noise or vibration, to evaluate the potential negative impacts of such noise and vibration on the proposed future land use. In determining the exact distances for the application of this policy, the Municipality shall have regard to provincial legislation, policies and appropriate guidelines. (Amended by OPA 43 – 06/13/2006 – OMB Order 1695) REQUIRE STUDY 5.4.5.2 If a proposed development is expected to be subject to noise or vibration, or to cause noise or vibration, the proponent shall be required to complete a noise and/or vibration study to the satisfaction of the Municipality to support the feasibility of the proposal in accordance with the Procedures chapter of this Plan. (Amended by OPA 43 – 06/13/2006 – OMB Order 1695) ABATEMENT 5.4.5.3 Abatement measures may include one or more of the following, MEASURES depending on the physical characteristics of the specific location and the source of the noise and/or vibration:

(a) increased setbacks from the noise or vibration source;

(b) sound barriers such as landscaped berms, walls, buildings, and fences;

City of Windsor Official Plan ! Volume I ! Environment 5 - 16 (c) building design, including specific attention to height, massing, internal layout and fenestration;

(d) building construction, including materials for acoustical and/or vibration insulation, glaze or ventilation;

(e) registered notice on title of possible excessive noise and/or vibration, and;

(f) any other appropriate attenuation measures.

IMPLEMENTATION 5.4.5.4 Council shall require that appropriate noise and/or vibration abatement measures be implemented by the proponent as a condition of development approval.

AIRPORT 5.4.5.5 For the purpose of this Plan, the Airport Operating Area includes OPERATING those lands within the Noise Exposure Forecast and Noise AREA DEFINITION Exposure Projection contours approved by the federal government and extended to the nearest right-of-way.

REFER TO 5.4.5.6 Council shall evaluate a proposed development within the Airport TRANSPORTATION Operating Area designated on Schedule C: Development CHAPTER Constraint Areas in accordance with the Transportation chapter of this Plan.

RAIL YARD 5.4.5.7 For the purpose of this Plan, Rail Yard includes the lands DEFINITION associated with a designated rail yard. (amended by OMB order 1485 – 11/01/2002)

REFER TO 5.4.5.8 Council shall evaluate a proposed development adjacent to a Rail TRANSPORTATION Yard designated on Schedule C: Development Constraints, in CHAPTER accordance with the Transportation chapter of this Plan. (amended by OMB order 1485 – 11/01/2002)

5.4.6 Floodplain Areas Policies

The following policies apply to lands within the Floodplain Areas designated on Schedule C: Development Constraint Areas and should be read in conjunction with the Infrastructure chapter of this Plan. Floodplains contain both a floodway (where flood depths and velocities are the greatest) and a flood fringe.

City of Windsor Official Plan ! Volume I ! Environment 5 - 17 FLOODPLAIN 5.4.6.1 The Floodplain Areas subject to the following policies were BOUNDARIES determined in consultation with the Essex Region Conservation Authority and follow the general boundaries shown on Schedule C: Development Constraint Areas.

FLOODWAY 5.4.6.2 Council will prohibit new development within the floodway of inland watercourses. The Municipality, in consultation with the Essex Region Conservation Authority, will identify the floodway on a site-specific basis and may include it in secondary plans and/or the zoning by-law as appropriate.

DEVELOPMENT 5.4.6.3 Council will prohibit buildings or structures in Floodplain Areas WITHIN except: FLOODPLAIN

(a) in accordance with policies set out below; and

(b) works and facilities related to flood and erosion control.

DEVELOPMENT 5.4.6.4 Council may permit development in a floodplain in recognized CRITERIA flood fringe areas outside of the floodway, including behind flood control dykes (so as to address the matter of the potential failure of protective works) provided:

(a) sufficient information accompanies the application to show that the proposed development and its occupants will be protected from the effects of a Regulatory Flood;

(b) the potential upstream and downstream impacts of the development proposal will not significantly affect the hydrology or hydraulics of the floodplain; and

(c) that adequate floodproofing measures, determined in consultation with the Essex Region Conservation Authority, are incorporated in the development.

MINOR 5.4.6.5 Council may permit renovations, minor additions and alterations to ADDITIONS existing buildings or structures in the floodplain provided:

(a) no adverse affects on the hydraulic characteristics of flood flows are created; and

(b) such renovations, additions or alterations are generally flood proofed to the Regulatory Flood elevation with reductions as determined appropriate and feasible.

City of Windsor Official Plan ! Volume I ! Environment 5 - 18 REPLACEMENT 5.4.6.6 Council will require that structures which are replaced due to fire OF or unusual loss to be flood proofed to the Regulatory Flood STRUCTURES elevation as appropriate.

MUNICIPAL 5.4.6.7 The City will consult with the Essex Region Conservation WORKS Authority to determine the necessary design requirements to mitigate against any adverse impacts of flooding prior to undertaking municipal works on or adjacent to the floodplain.

HAZARDOUS 5.4.6.8 Council will not permit development and/or uses primarily SUBSTANCES associated with substances of a chemical, hazardous or toxic nature, which would pose a threat to public safety if damaged as a result of flooding or the failure of flood proofing measures, in the floodplain.

INSTITUTIONAL 5.4.6.9 Council will not permit the development of Institutional uses in the USES floodplain unless adequate flood proofing measures are implemented to ensure public safety in the event of flooding.

EMERGENCY 5.4.6.10 Council will not permit emergency services such as police, fire or SERVICES ambulance stations in a floodplain unless adequate flood proofing measures are implemented to ensure that the delivery of such services would occur in the event of flooding.

5.4.7 Shoreline and Floodprone Areas Policies

The following policies apply to lands within the Lake St. Clair and Detroit River Shoreline and Floodprone Areas designated on Schedule C: Development Constraint Areas and should be read in conjunction with the Infrastructure chapter of this Plan.

GENERAL 5.4.7.1 The Shoreline and Floodprone Areas subject to the following BOUNDARIES policies were determined in consultation with the Essex Region Conservation Authority and follow the general boundaries shown on Schedule C: Development Constraint Areas.

DEVELOPMENT 5.4.7.2 Council may permit development in a floodprone area provided: REQUIREMENTS (a) the effects of the proposal on wave and current patterns, water flows and levels, and water quality are considered by the Municipality, in consultation with the Essex Region Conservation Authority and/or federal or provincial governments, to be acceptable;

City of Windsor Official Plan ! Volume I ! Environment 5 - 19 (b) that adequate floodproofing measures, determined in consultation with the Essex Region Conservation Authority, are incorporated in the development;

(c) that the development be set back an appropriate distance from the shoreline. The setbacks for development will be determined in consultation with the Essex Region Conservation Authority on a site specific basis and may be incorporated into secondary plans and/or the zoning by-law as appropriate. When determining such setbacks, consideration will be given to:

(i) the type of shoreline;

(ii) bank stability;

(iii) angle of bank slope;

(iv) degree of erosion protection, and;

(v) other relevant aspects.

ALTERATIONS 5.4.7.3 Any alterations and other related works within Shoreline and OR OTHER Floodprone Areas will be evaluated based on the following: WORKS

(a) the potential negative impact of the proposal on the natural features and functions of the area, including fish habitat;

(b) any proposed measures to mitigate potential negative environmental impacts;

(d) the effects of the proposal on wave and current patterns, water flows and levels, and water quality are considered by the Municipality, in consultation with the Essex Region Conservation Authority and/or federal or provincial governments, to be acceptable;

(e) the extent to which the proposal provides for maintaining the desirable natural features and functions, and;

(f) how the site layout and project design relate to the adjacent land uses.

City of Windsor Official Plan ! Volume I ! Environment 5 - 20 5.4.8 Potentially Contaminated Sites Policies

POTENTIALLY 5.4.8.1 For the purpose of this Plan, Potentially Contaminated Sites CONTAMINATED include lands, buildings and/or structures where it is reasonable to SITES DEFINITION suspect that substances, either individually or collectively, are present which may pose a danger to public health, safety and/or the environment.

DETERMINING 5.4.8.2 Council shall not approve development applications on a NEED FOR A Potentially Contaminated Site until the site has been assessed STUDY and/or remediated in a manner consistent with federal and provincial legislation, policies and appropriate guidelines and the policies of this Plan. Accordingly, at the time of submission, the proponent of development of a Potentially Contaminated Site shall be required to demonstrate that development is feasible having regard to the other provisions of this Plan and the following:

(a) when the planning application involves the division of land for residential purposes or lands associated with a former industrial or commercial use the Municipality shall require the proponent to follow the environmental site assessment process outlined in policy 5.4.8.3; and

(b) when the planning application involves anything other than that outlined in (a) above, the Municipality may require the proponent to follow the environmental site assessment process outlined in policy 5.4.8.3 where there is a reasonable expectation that the site may be contaminated.

5.4.8.3 When an environmental site assessment is required by this Plan, it ENVIRONMENTAL shall be prepared by a qualified professional having regard to SITE ASSESSMENT federal and provincial legislation, policies and appropriate guidelines. The process of preparing an environmental site assessment may involve as many as four phases, which are summarized as follows:

(a) a Phase I site assessment where the proponent is required to gather information to identify actual or potential contamination related to current or historical land use of the site;

(b) a Phase II sampling and analysis where the proponent is required to confirm and delineate the presence or absence of contamination found or suspected from the Phase 1 site assessment;

City of Windsor Official Plan ! Volume I ! Environment 5 - 21 (c) a Phase III site clean up where the proponent is required to:

(i) stage 1 - develop a Remediation Action Plan; and

(ii) stage 2 - implement the Remedial Action Plan to clean up or remediate the contamination found on the property to federal and/or provincial policies and guidelines; and

(d) a Phase IV verification and documentation of the clean up.

REVIEW 5.4.8.4 When an environmental site assessment is completed, it shall be PROCEDURE reviewed as follows:

(a) if a Phase I environmental site assessment does not find or suspect contamination, the qualified professional who prepared the report shall be required to sign and submit a statement to the Municipality confirming that no further environmental site assessment is required prior to the scheduling of a Public Meeting under the Planning Act; or

(b) if a Phase I environmental site assessment finds or suspects contamination the proponent shall be required to prepare a Phase II environmental site assessment. If the Phase II environmental site assessment concludes that a Phase III environmental site assessment is not required, the qualified professional who prepared the report shall be required to:

(i) sign and submit a statement to the Municipality confirming that no further environmental site assessment is required; and

(ii) submit the environmental site assessment to the Municipality for review and, where appropriate, concurrence by an independent peer reviewer prior to the scheduling of a Public Meeting under the Planning Act; or

City of Windsor Official Plan ! Volume I ! Environment 5 - 22 (c) if a Phase II environmental site assessment confirms the need for a Phase III environmental site assessment, the proponent shall be required to prepare a Phase III stage 1 Remedial Action Plan. The Phase III stage 1 Remedial Action Plan shall be prepared by a qualified professional and submitted for review by the Municipality and concurrence by an independent peer reviewer prior to the approval of the planning application; and

(d) when a Phase III stage 2 environmental site assessment and Phase IV environmental site assessment are completed, the qualified professional who completed the environmental site assessment shall:

(i) sign and submit a statement to the Municipality confirming that the site is suitable for the proposed development; and

(ii) submit all documentation covering implementation to the Municipality for review and concurrence by an independent peer reviewer prior to the issuance of the Building Permit.

PEER REVIEW 5.4.8.5 Where an independent peer review is required in accordance with policy 5.4.8.4, the proponent shall be required to pay for the review.

5.4.9 Waste Disposal Sites Policies

KNOWN SITES 5.4.9.1 Schedule C: Development Constraint Areas identifies the location of all Known or Suspected Waste Disposal Sites within Windsor and adjacent municipalities within approximately 500 metres of the municipal boundary.

DISPOSAL SITE 5.4.9.2 Council shall require proponents of development within 500 REPORT metres of a Known or Suspected Waste Disposal Site to prepare a report in accordance with provincial legislation, policy and appropriate guidelines to demonstrate the site is suitable for development.

City of Windsor Official Plan ! Volume I ! Environment 5 - 23 RESTRICT 5.4.9.3 Council shall prohibit residential, commercial, employment, DEVELOPMENT mixed use and institutional development within 30 metres of a known waste disposal site and restrict development within 500 metres of a known or suspected waste disposal site if the site has any adverse environmental effects or poses a risk to public health and safety.

DEVELOPMENT 5.4.9.4 Where development is proposed on a waste disposal site, an APPROVALS official plan amendment, zoning by-law amendment, or building permit will not be adopted or granted until applicable approvals from the province are obtained.

5.4.10 Pollution Control Plant Policies

The following policies should be read in conjunction with the Infrastructure chapter of this Plan. POLLUTION 5.4.10.1 For the purpose of this Plan, a Pollution Control Plant refers to CONTROL sewage treatment facilities and associated uses. PLANTS DEFINITION

SCHEDULE C: 5.4.10.2 The Lou Romano Water Reclamation Plant and the Little River DEVELOPMENT Pollution Control Plant and any known Pollution Control Plant CONSTRAINT AREAS within approximately 300 metres of the municipal boundary are identified on Schedule C: Development Constraint Areas.

PROHIBIT 5.4.10.3 Council shall prohibit residential, commercial, mixed use and INCOMPATIBLE institutional development within 300 metres of a Pollution DEVELOPMENT Control Plant. The 300 metre distance shall be measured from the property line of the Pollution Control Plant to the property line of the proposed development.

COMPATIBLE 5.4.10.4 Council may permit Industrial or Open Space uses within 300 DEVELOPMENT metres of a Pollution Control Plant:

(a) in accordance with provincial legislation, policy, and appropriate guidelines; and

(b) where the proponent demonstrates that the development is feasible given the operations of the plant, and in particular, the emission of odours.

ACQUISITION OF 5.4.10.5 Council may acquire land within 300 metres or more of the Lou 300M BUFFER Romano Water Reclamation Plant or the Little River Pollution AREA Control Plant to facilitate the operation and/or expansion of the facility.

City of Windsor Official Plan ! Volume I ! Environment 5 - 24

APPENDIX B 5.2 Greater Detroit River Study Area: Detroit River AOC, Little River, Turkey Creek, and River Canard Sub-watersheds

5.2.1 Study Area

The greater Detroit River study area includes the Detroit River AOC, and the sub-watershed areas of Little River, Turkey Creek, and the River Canard (Figure 14).

5.2.2 Existing Habitat

Landuse percentages have been calculated for the entire study area. Agriculture and urbanization are the predominant landuses, accounting for approximately 68% and 25% of the landuse, respectively, in the study area (Table 7). Table 8 summarizes the results of the spatial analysis and compares them to the habitat guidelines. Detailed results of the analyses for the Greater Detroit River study area can be found in Appendix VI. In addition, Figures 15 - 18 illustrate the existing natural habitat conditions in each of the sub-watersheds.

Table 7: Greater Detroit River Landuse Summary Study Area/Landuse Summary Area Landuse/Sub-watershed Ha Ac Percent Agricultural 40302.23 99588.99 67.93% Natural 3562.46 8803.03 6.01% Built-up & Roads 14931.34 36896.15 25.17% Quarries 156.57 386.89 0.26% Recreation 372.62 920.77 0.63%

Detroit River 12249.39 30268.90 20.65% Little River 6737.26 16648.14 11.36% River Canard 34257.95 84653.24 57.75% Turkey Creek 6080.61 15025.53 10.25% Total Study Area 59325.22 146595.82 100.00%

37 Essex Region Biodiversity Conservation Strategy Figure 14: Greater Detroit River Study Area Map

38 Essex Region Biodiversity Conservation Strategy Table 8: Greater Detroit River Habitat Guidelines vs. Existing Habitat Conditions

Existing (Based on GIS Analysis)

Parameter Guideline Local Target Little River Detroit River River Canard Turkey Creek Turkey Total Study Area Total Study

% Natural cover (all 12 8.21 2.51 5.09 10.59 6.01 habitats)

Size (ha) of largest forest 100 100 62.41 24.49 57.22 62.41 62.41 patch

% Forest cover (>0.5 ha) 30 2.62 2.51 4.54 10.22 4.49 (upland + swamp)

% Forest cover 100 m or >10 0.18 0.04 0.37 0.80 0.34 farther from edge

% Forest cover 200 m or >5 0.05 0.00 0.03 0.13 0.04 farther from edge

% Riparian habitat naturally vegetated along first- to third-order streams >75 >75 7.18 3.06 7.89 13.95 7.87 (guideline: 30 m optimum; local target: not less than 3 - 10 m wide)

% Wetlands in a sub- >6 5.59 0.06 0.60 0.38 1.55 watershed

% Imperviousness < 15 22.67 13.55 22.91

39 Essex Region Biodiversity Conservation Strategy Figure 15: Detroit River Sub-watersheds - Existing Habitat Map

40 Essex Region Biodiversity Conservation Strategy Figure 16: Little River Sub-watershed - Existing Habitat Map

41 Essex Region Biodiversity Conservation Strategy Figure 17: River Canard Sub-watershed - Existing Habitat Map

42 Essex Region Biodiversity Conservation Strategy Figure 18: Turkey Creek Sub-watershed - Existing Habitat Map

43 Essex Region Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 5.2.2.1 Forest Habitat

Results indicate that there is 6.01% natural cover within the study area and 4.49% is forested woodlands (Table 8). The existing forest cover does not meet the habitat guideline of 30%, which would support most bird species expected. The current forest cover falls in the < 10% threshold, which should provide habitat for about 50 to 60% of bird species but only about 20% of forest-interior bird species (Environment Canada et al., 1996). Although ecologically- speaking, 100% of each guideline is needed, acceptable threshold levels should be set by the organizations and communities residing in each individual sub-watershed area.

The majority of the forest woodlands are smaller than 10 ha in size. Currently there area no woodlands greater than 100 ha in area. The largest forest patch is part of the Ojibway Prairie Complex (Spring Garden ANSI/ESA) and is 62.41 ha in size (0.11% of the study area) (Figure 18). In addition, there are 4 other woodland polygons greater than 50 ha in area (Canard Valley Kentucky Coffee Tree Woods ESA, New Canaan Valley ESA (2 polygons), and a woodland located near the intersection of Essex Co. Rd. 15 and Conc. 8 in the former Township of Colchester South). These forest patches will support some forest-interior and area-sensitive bird species, but several will be missing and edge species will dominate (Environment Canada et al., 1996).

The next habitat guideline indicates that greater than 10% of the watershed should have forest cover that is 100 m for further from the woodland edge and greater than 5% of the watershed with forest cover further than 200 m from the woodlot edge. All of the sub-watersheds within the greater Detroit River Study area fall well below the lowest threshold for interior forest cover. This means that the entire study area will support very few forest-interior and a maximum of 50% of edge bird species, usually restricted to 1 or 2 locations (Environment Canada et al., 1996).

Table 9 and Appendix IX outline the analysis comparing the data from the Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Ontario (Cadman et al., 1987). Results indicate that approximately 35% of the forest- associated birds within our range are present in the study area. We can deduce from the above that the Ojibway Area, and forested areas along the River Canard are most likely the only sites within the study area where these 7 forest interior bird species are found.

44 Essex Region Biodiversity Conservation Strategy Table 9: Number of Forest-associated Bird Species in the Greater Detroit River Study Area

% Forest Cover 4.49 Total Number of Species within Range 102 Number of Species Occurring 74 % of Total Number of Species within Range Present 72.55 Number of FIE and FI Species within Range 66 Number of FIE and FI Species within Range Present 27 Percent of FIE and FI Species within Range Present 40.91 Number of FI Species within Range 20 Total FI Species Present 7 Percent of FI Species within Range Present 35.0 FIE = Forest Interior/Edge FI = Forest Interior

5.2.2.2 Riparian Habitat

In the study area, the total length of all streams is 568.19 km. Of that, 44.70 km of these streams flow through forested areas. The amount of riparian habitat that is forested along first- to third-order streams is therefore 7.87% (Table 8). This is under the habitat guideline of 75% forested riparian habitat. At 7.87%, it falls in the < 25% threshold category. This measure indicates that streams will be degraded, and fisheries severely limited (Environment Canada et al., 1996).

Only 9.61% of first- to third-order streams in the watershed have a 30 m wide buffer of forest cover, well below the habitat guideline of 75% (see Appendix VI). This means that the stream may be degraded and wildlife movement may be inhibited (Environment Canada et al., 1996).

The percent imperviousness for the urbanized sub-watersheds are as follows: Detroit River: 22.67%, Little River: 13.55%, and Turkey Creek: 22.91%. Only the Little River sub-watershed does not exceed the habitat guideline of less than 15% imperviousness. This indicates that the Detroit River and Turkey Creek sub-watersheds are likely to lose their integrity and become degraded (Environment Canada et al., 1996). However, the method for determining imperviousness only takes into account urban development in the watershed and does not touch on the physical attributes of the watershed such as soil type, surficial geology and groundwater movement. As a result, the measure of imperviousness for the Detroit River AOC is probably underestimated.

45 Essex Region Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 5.2.2.3 Wetland Habitat

In order to test the per cent wetland guidelines for watersheds and sub-watersheds, two pieces of information were required: the present extent of wetlands, and the historic extent of wetlands. The data on wetlands for the greater Detroit River study area study area are from the inventory of evaluated wetlands compiled by the MNR. This information provides a picture of existing conditions; however it is based toward larger wetlands, so it is likely that a number of small, isolated wetlands exist but have not been identified in the wetland evaluations.

5.2.2.4 Tallgrass Prairie, Savanna, and Alvar

The Ojibway Complex contains some of the most significant tracts of remnant tallgrass prairie and savanna habitats in all of southern Ontario. These areas are identified in the GIS database and included in the potential/ongoing restoration opportunities layer.

5.2.3 Habitat Restoration Opportunities

Major nodes and linkages were identified by the steering committee to determine the highest priority habitat rehabilitation opportunities (Figure 19). Table 10 lists the resulting habitat percentages if all the identified areas were restored. Figures 20 - 23 illustrate the high priority areas where habitat restoration/rehabilitation opportunities exist, based on the collective expertise of the steering committee and the GIS analysis using overlay and buffering techniques. If all these areas are restored, the amount of habitat in the study area would increase by approximately 8%.

46 Essex Region Biodiversity Conservation Strategy Figure 19: Greater Detroit River Study Area - Restoration Concept Map

47 Essex Region Biodiversity Conservation Strategy Table 10: Greater Detroit River Habitat Guidelines vs. Proposed Restoration Conditions

Proposed (Based on GIS Analysis)

Parameter Guideline Local Target Little River Detroit River River Canard Turkey Creek Turkey Total Study Area Total Study

% Natural cover (all habitats) 12 12.81 10.83 13.66 19.64 13.77

Size (ha) of largest forest 100 100 123.21 59.62 179.01 156.20 179.01 patch

% Forest cover (>0.5 ha) 30 2.96 2.66 4.82 10.73 4.80 (upland + swamp)

% Forest cover 100 m or >10 0.53 0.24 0.74 1.88 0.76 farther from edge

% Forest cover 200 m or >5 0.15 0.05 0.20 0.49 0.20 farther from edge

% Riparian habitat naturally vegetated along first- to third- order streams >75 >75 91.90 97.38 92.44 83.23 91.99 (guideline: 30 m optimum; local target: not less than 3 - 10 m wide)

% Wetlands in a sub- >6 5.59 0.00 0.55 0.37 1.51 watershed

48 Essex Region Biodiversity Conservation Strategy Figure 20: Detroit River Sub-watersheds - Restoration Opportunities Map

49 Essex Region Biodiversity Conservation Strategy Figure 21: Little River Sub-watershed - Restoration Opportunities Map

50 Essex Region Biodiversity Conservation Strategy Figure 22: River Canard Sub-watershed - Restoration Opportunities Map

51 Essex Region Biodiversity Conservation Strategy Figure 23: Turkey Creek Sub-watershed - Restoration Opportunities Map

52 Essex Region Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 5.2.3.1 Forest Habitat

The total amount of forest cover across the study area should increase from 4.49% to 4.80% (Table 10), indicating that the resulting forest cover still falls in the < 10% threshold, which should provide habitat for about 50 to 60% of bird species but only about 20% of forest-interior bird species (Environment Canada et al., 1996). There would be 2 woodlands (representing 0.5% of the study area) greater than 100 ha in area. The largest, would be part of the Canard Valley Kentucky Coffee Tree Woods ESA located along the River Canard and would be 179.01 ha (Figure 22). The other woodland would be the LaSalle Woods ESA and would be 114.75 ha (Figure 23). Each of these large woodlands will support between 60% and 80% of the forest interior bird species (Environment Canada et al., 1996). In addition, there would be 6 woodlands greater than 50 ha in area. These would be located at the New Canaan Valley ESA (2 polygons), the woodland located near the intersection of Essex Co. Rd. 15 and Conc. 8 in the former Township of Colchester South, the Ojibway Prairie Complex (2 polygons - Spring Garden and Tallgrass Prairie Heritage Park), and 1 woodland formed from the linking of Town of LaSalle Candidate Natural Heritage Areas M3, M4, and M5 (LaSalle, 1996). These forest patches will support some forest interior bird species, but several will be missing and edge species will dominate (Environment Canada et al., 1996).

Although the squaring-off or connecting of existing forest patches would help to increase the interior forest habitat in the study area (Figure 19), the amount is by only 0.58% of the study area. There would be forest cover greater than 100 m from the edge in 0.76% of the area, up from only 0.34% that exists now. Forest cover greater than 200 m form the woodland edge would also increase, from the existing 0.04% to 0.16%. All of the sub-watersheds within the greater Detroit River study area still fall well below the lowest threshold for interior forest cover. This means that the entire study area will support very few forest-interior and a maximum of 50% of edge bird species, usually restricted to 1 or 2 locations - the Ojibway area and forested areas along the River Canard.

5.2.3.2 Riparian Habitat

Riparian habitat and water quality would also increase if all the identified opportunity areas were restored. The amount of riparian habitat that is vegetated along first-, second-, and third-order streams should increase from 7.87% to 91.99% which should maintain functional warmwater streams (Table 10). The percent of riparian habitat with at least 30 m wide vegetated buffers will also increase, from 9.61% to 93.75% which should maintain functional warmwater streams and relatively good wildlife corridors (Figures 20 - 23).

If all identified areas were reforested, the percent imperviousness of the watershed, as measured, will remain the same since reforestation would occur in areas previously classified as agricultural. This analysis calculated that the imperviousness of the watershed would not change. However, these areas would likely be reforested over a period of time and urban development across the AOC would probably increase. Accordingly, the imperviousness of the study area, as measured, could increase. The imperviousness of the watershed may also change if the physical attributes of the watershed were taken into account.

53 Essex Region Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 5.2.3.3 Wetland Habitat

To determine appropriate wetland restoration opportunities, historic wetlands, utilizing the Snell (1989) and OMAFRA soils data were examined. It was determined that for all of the sub- watersheds, the original wetland per cent fell below the six per cent guideline. Some sub- watersheds historically would not have contained a substantial amount of wetland coverage at all. Therefore, potential wetland restoration opportunities were not proposed at this time but should be considered on a site by site basis within the areas identified as potential areas for restoration of upland nesting habitat adjacent to wetlands.

5.2.3.4 Tallgrass Prairie, Savanna, and Alvar

No specific Tallgrass Prairie, Savanna, and/or Alvar restoration sites have been identified in this study area. However, opportunities to create prairie and/or savanna habitat would most likely occur on those lands within the potential 30 m riparian buffer along first- to third- order streams, or within the 240 m upland nesting habitat adjacent to wetlands. Every effort should be made to increase these habitat types across the landscape.

54 Essex Region Biodiversity Conservation Strategy

APPENDIX C INTRODUCTION

As part of the Conserving Southern Woodlands Project, Ontario Nature has engaged a broad coalition of partners in bringing together workable and ecologically defensible guidelines for the identification and protection of significant woodlands. This document should not be considered independently, but rather the centre-piece of a number of supporting documents designed to provide easy-to-use methodologies for the identification and conservation of significant woodlands by planning authorities and the provincial government across southern Ontario. By providing a recommended minimum standard for significant woodland identification that is adaptable and adoptable across a wide array of landscape scenarios, these guidelines can be used by planning authorities with different levels of resources in natural heritage planning.

The guidelines have been reviewed by a multi-stakeholder technical review panel, represented by planners, ecologists, biologists, foresters, Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) staff, Conservation Authority staff, and consultants, and are supported by a glossary of terms, and literature review of scientifically-defensible support for the criteria.

Additional documents prepared by Ontario Nature in support of these recommendations include the following:

• Glossary of terms • Annotated bibliography of scientific support for criteria • GIS Case Studies / other case studies • An Evaluation of Significant Woodlands in Southern Ontario: A Review of the State of the Art • Guide to the development of tree conservation by-laws (prepared by the Forest Conservation By-law Committee: a group of municipal and provincial staff and other agencies, including Ontario Nature) • Southern Ontario Greenway Strategy

The full range of tools and recommendations will be helpful to planning authorities considering the incorporation of a landscape approach to natural heritage system planning within their official plans. The approach outlined within this document is intended to be but one tool that can be used in the development of a southern Ontario wide natural heritage system.

Woodlands and the Provincial Policy Statement

The Planning Act, which currently guides municipal planning matters with respect to significant woodlands, states that planning authorities “shall have regard for” policy statements issued under this act. The Provincial Policy Statement (Section 2.3) specifies “development and site alteration may be permitted in significant woodlands south and Ontario Nature - Federation of Ontario Naturalists August 2004 Suggested Conservation Guidelines for the Identification of Significant Woodlands in Southern Ontario Appendix I – Annotated Bibliography - 2 - east of the Canadian Shield, if it has been demonstrated that there will be no negative impacts on the natural features or the ecological functions for which the area is identified.” Without clear guidelines for the identification of significant woodlands, planning authorities cannot be expected to be able to prove whether or not woodlands would suffer negative impacts from proposed development or site alteration.

Unlike the specific technical guidelines provided for the identification of Provincially Significant Wetlands, the MNR has, to date, only provided very general guidance to planning authorities with respect to the identification of significant woodlands through the Natural Heritage Reference Manual (for Policy Statement Section 2.3).

The Natural Heritage Reference Manual states, “The identification and evaluation of significant woodlands is a planning authority responsibility. Approaches to compiling and assessing woodland information will vary depending on the resources of the planning authority, availability of information, development pressures and the nature and extent of the woodlands present in the planning authority.” It provides the definition of ‘woodlands’ as “treed areas that provide environmental and economic benefits such as erosion prevention, water retention, provision of habitat, recreation and the sustainable harvest of woodland products. Woodlands include treed areas, woodlots or forested areas and vary in their level of significance.” Furthermore, it states that significance is determined to be “[woodlands] important in terms of features, functions, representation or amount, and contributing to the quality and diversity of an identifiable geographic area or natural heritage system.” Criteria for determining significance may be recommended by the Province, but municipal approaches that achieve the same objective may also be used.

The Natural Heritage Reference Manual provides this general direction in defining significant woodlands:

• Woodland size: bigger is better (within the context of percent forest cover across the landscape or planning area); • Ecological function: woodland shape, linkages, diversity and proximity are all considerations relative to woodland function; • Uncommon woodlands: rare tree species or forest community types, old or older growth, woodland size, highly productive tableland woodlands; • Woodland economic and social values: (active management, historical value);

Need for Consistency across Planning Authorities

With the responsibility of defining and evaluating significant woodlands currently resting with the planning authority, significant woodlands are being evaluated across the province using various methodologies and standards, and in many cases significant woodland evaluation is not being done. Lack of consistency is an impediment to effective bioregional planning and conservation, or planning for a natural heritage system

Ontario Nature - Federation of Ontario Naturalists August 2004 Suggested Conservation Guidelines for the Identification of Significant Woodlands in Southern Ontario Appendix I – Annotated Bibliography - 3 - that is interconnected and functioning on a landscape level. Furthermore, there is no mechanism for standard data collection or evaluation provincially. Also at issue is the variation among planning authorities with respect to their ability to identify significant woodlands, as different levels of resources may be available to them. A planning authority with limited data processing capability (e.g. Geographic Information Systems) or limited human resources (e.g. staff with expertise) or limited financial resources should not be excluded from participating.

There is a need for consistent and defensible “best practices” or “commonly accepted practices” for planning authority approaches. This is particularly important if it becomes necessary for the planning authority or others to defend their position at the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). A survey of municipalities carried out as part of this project found that at least some planning authorities have not identified significant woodlands because of uncertainty of approaches or concerns about the cost of developing new approaches.

A recent review by Ontario Nature of Ontario Municipal Board hearings involving natural heritage and development disputes revealed that a primary factor in an unfavourable outcome for nature was the fact that proponents of natural heritage had fewer resources to prepare their case, were less well-prepared, and presented information and data without consistent scientific support. A defensible and adaptable approach to identifying significant woodlands across the province will help to alleviate this.

Methods for significant woodland evaluation should not take a “one size fits all” approach. The process should be adoptable and adaptable, at a level appropriate to the planning authority’s resources, while remaining consistent with a broader, technically sound approach. Any entry level approach should be consistent with more detailed approaches so that “scaling up” is possible as resources become available.

Overview

Given the variation in resource availability among planning authorities, the significant woodland evaluation could be done at three possible levels. Each level builds on the previous one and requires successively more efforts and resources in data collection and analysis. Ultimately, it is most desirable to practise significant woodland evaluation at the highest level of sophistication.

Level 1 All municipalities should employ Level 1. This includes designating the woodland areas already recognized as ecologically or socially important by the municipality or province, but which may not have protection in the Official Plan (e.g. woodlands within ANSIs, ESAs, etc.). Level 1 evaluation can be described as a consolidation of those data layers that are already available and accessible to all planning authorities. It does not require any fieldwork or GIS analysis (although GIS can be used as a simple map-making tool).

Level 2 The Level 2 approach, which is the focus of this report, is recommended as a reasonable starting point for those municipalities not yet engaged in protection of significant woodlands. The Level 2 approach also incorporates Level 1, and explains how woodland significance can by evaluated using five different criteria.

Level 2 is a practical and recommended approach to the evaluation of significant woodlands. At Level 2, it is intended that any Level 1 significant woodland already identified will be included. Application of Level 2 strictly involves employing GIS to generate significant woodland maps, based on the suggested criteria and thresholds that follow. This level will not require field-collected data, but can be obtained from existing land information databases, aerial photography and other remote sensing. Any woodland satisfying any one criterion is considered significant, and the following criteria are not ranked.

Level 3 Level 3 woodland evaluation is highly desirable, but would require on-the-ground data collection on a site-by-site basis. For those planning authorities initially engaged in Level 2 analysis, some or all components of a Level 3 analysis can and should be incorporated when and where resources and expertise allow, complementing and enhancing a Level 2 analysis. Examples of criteria for significance could be, but are not limited to:

• Floristic quality index • The presence of rare species • The presence of uncommon characteristics Ontario Nature - Federation of Ontario Naturalists August 2004 Suggested Conservation Guidelines for the Identification of Significant Woodlands in Southern Ontario Appendix I – Annotated Bibliography - 5 - • Economic or social values • The presence of common or representative communities (e.g. for the conservation of examples of characteristic vegetation types) • The presence of uncommon woodland types • Woodlands exhibiting older-growth characteristics including old trees, pit and mound topography, significant woody debris, little evidence of human disturbance, significant numbers of snags and den trees, etc. • Succession (pioneer forests) and buffering capacity.

The criteria and thresholds below represent the recommendations of Ontario Nature for identifying and evaluating significant woodlands south and east of the Canadian Shield, and are based on the Level 2 approach. This approach could be complemented by field analysis suggested in a Level 3 approach. These guidelines include five criteria and a number of thresholds for each criterion. Any woodland satisfying any one criterion is considered significant. The criteria are not in any preferential or weighted order.

I) WOODLAND SIZE

Recommended threshold for significance based on woodland patch size1 for landscapes with different levels of forest cover.

Forest Cover (by planning area) Minimum patch size for significance < 5%, including urban areas2 All woodlands 5-10% 2ha 11-15% 4ha 16-20% 10ha 20-30% 15ha 31-50% 25ha >50% 40ha

Rationale: Woodland size

It is important to conduct this evaluation at a scale that will minimize inaccuracies and account for more localized differences in woodland cover. It is recommended that assessment of percent woodland cover be evaluated at the planning authority level or at a watershed level. This level of resolution will better enable the identification of the smaller woodlands across the landscape.

It is recommended that, within each planning authority, percent woodland cover be assessed within delineated areas of relatively homogeneous woodland cover distribution3

1 The Level 2 analysis approach assumes that in the absence of a digital woodland polygon layer, that a digital OBM vegetation layer can provide a good approximation of woodland polygons. As noted, use of recent air photos (or other remote sensing) for cross-referencing will ensure that spatial and temporal errors are eliminated. The delineated edge of a woodlot should be defined as the drip-line of the outermost trees within a treed area as defined above (i.e. >35% cover). The delineation of woodland polygons from mapping or remotely sensed data will require consistency in addressing narrow ‘gaps’ or spaces between polygons as well as gaps within polygons. As a benchmark, the Natural Heritage Reference Manual states, “woodland areas are considered to be generally continuous even if intersected by standard roads (e.g. 21m (69’) wide).” I.e. gaps less than this width would not break one polygon into two separate polygons. With respect to ‘gaps’ wholly within a woodlot, the planning authority may choose to ignore those gaps that represent less than 25% of the treed area for the purposes of evaluating woodland size. They may wish, however, to exclude these areas from forest interior calculations. 2 Urban areas are as defined by the official plan. 3 Percent woodland cover should be assessed within delineated areas of relatively homogeneous woodland cover distribution (i.e. land cover, not forest type). Ideally, each planning area should achieve a minimum of 30% woodland Ontario Nature - Federation of Ontario Naturalists August 2004 Suggested Conservation Guidelines for the Identification of Significant Woodlands in Southern Ontario Appendix I – Annotated Bibliography - 7 - (i.e. land cover, not forest type) so as to avoid ‘averaging’ percent cover values across the planning authority. Specific protocols for assessing differences in distribution are variable. Some of these examples can be found in the Eastern Ontario Model Forest (EOMF) case study4. This study analyzed 5 km2 grids (OBM tiles) and determined percent woodland cover within each tile. Tiles with the same cover values were lumped into homogeneous cover groupings. The Regional Municipality of Halton chose a more simplified approach and analyzed percent woodland cover on and off the Niagara Escarpment, owing to obvious differences in woodland cover between the two landscapes.

The Natural Heritage Reference Manual notes the importance of woodland size. It indicates “larger woodlands are more likely to contain a greater diversity of plant and animal species and communities than smaller woodlands and are better buffered against the harmful edge effects of agricultural or urban activities than smaller areas.”

Environment Canada recommends a minimum threshold of 30% forest cover in a watershed. Many planning areas do not meet this threshold. It is also important to note that 30% is a minimum recommendation only. Forman (1995) cites an example in a coniferous forest landscape in the U.S. Pacific Northwest and states “… the most critical time for land planning and conservation appears to be when the landscape has 60-90% of its area in natural vegetation.”

The thresholds listed have been expanded from those found within the Natural Heritage Reference Manual so as to more accurately address variation in percent woodland cover across southern Ontario.

cover, and strive to maintain woodlands on all representative terrain and soil types. While this document cannot provide exacting guidelines for assessing percent cover, we can provide examples of approaches in other jurisdictions. The Regional Municipality of Halton asked the question, “What constitutes the planning area?” (for the purposes of assessing percent forest cover across the landscape). “Within Halton, three Conservation Authorities have jurisdiction in parts of the Region, representing seven major watershed systems. The Region can be further partitioned politically into nine planning areas that represent the urban cores of the four municipalities and their associated rural areas. When viewed in this holistic manner, it is apparent that even if all of the woodlands in the Region were designated significant, the minimum threshold of 30% is achieved only above the escarpment, where these woodlands compensate for the extremely poor coverage below the escarpment.” As such, the Region of Halton chose to assess percent cover from the perspective of on the escarpment and off the escarpment. 4 EOMF conducted a test run of the guidelines on four regions within eastern Ontario. They tested a number of methods for assessing percent cover based upon the data available. Two of the methodologies are outlined in brief below. Using recently updated Forest Resource Inventory mapping from Ottawa-Carleton, EOMF used watershed boundaries as their planning areas to determine percent forest cover for woodland patch size classification. The watershed boundaries were provided by the MNR through the Watershed Resources Information Project (WRIP). There are four scales of watershed boundary found in this layer (largest area to smallest area): primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary. For this study, quaternary was used because there were visible patterns in forest cover that paralleled the watershed boundaries. Ecodistrict boundaries were also tested as a possible boundary theme for woodland patch size. The ecodistrict data was received from the MNR. In this example it was proposed that a generic grid be used to calculate percent forest cover. Equal area grids would be compared and neighbouring grids with similar woodland cover would be grouped together. The percent cover of each of these groupings would then be assessed as discrete planning areas. This method assists in eliminating any source of bias in terms of area or land-use independent of the natural environment. The size of the grid will be very important: too small and the forest cover will appear to be too variable, too large and there will be too much generalization. It was proposed that a generic grid be used to calculate percent forest cover.

No upper limit has been placed upon the use of woodland size as a criterion in order to address the need for larger, contiguous areas of woodland.

The addition of “all woodlands” for areas below 5% cover has been added in order to afford protection to the increasingly fragmented woodlands found across southern Ontario, particularly within urban development boundaries.

The number of percent-cover categories (thresholds) as a whole has been increased from 3 to 7 in order to minimize the loss of woodland in landscapes with higher percentage of cover composed primarily of many, small fragmented woodlands.

II) HYDROLOGICAL LINKAGE

Recommended threshold for significance based on woodland association with hydrological features5. A woodland6 is considered significant if any portion is within 30 metres7 of any hydrological feature, including:

1. All streams (including intermittent), all wetlands, all lakes 2. All headwater sources, including: • Springs • Seepage areas • Areas of groundwater upwelling 3. The catchment area of all 1st order watercourses

Rationale: Hydrological Linkage

The Natural Heritage Reference Manual suggests the significance of woodlands can, in part, be determined by their overlap with other natural heritage features and areas, have the potential to provide a link with water bodies, are in, close to, or adjacent to, groundwater discharge, recharge or headwater regions. Furthermore, by removing nutrients, sediments and toxins from surface water runoff and sub-surface flows, woodland vegetation contributes to the maintenance of water quality in lakes and streams. The shade provided by woodlands to water bodies also keeps water temperatures cool, helping to maintain high quality habitat for fish species. Woodlands also contribute to the protection of groundwater recharge areas.

This criterion addresses the ecological importance of the linkage between woodlands and water and incorporates the well-understood principles of protecting riparian and shoreline areas.

5 ’Hydrological’ means lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, wetlands, seeps, springs, upwellings and shallow aquifer areas. 6 The entire woodland is considered significant, not just the portion within the buffer. 7 The 30 metre buffer would be measured “from the high water mark or the erosion hazard limit, whichever is greater” as described for Hazard Lands (MNR, 2001). Ontario Nature - Federation of Ontario Naturalists August 2004 Suggested Conservation Guidelines for the Identification of Significant Woodlands in Southern Ontario Appendix I – Annotated Bibliography - 9 -

III) FOREST INTERIOR

Threshold for significance based on the presence of forest interior for planning areas with <30% forest cover: Any woodland with a minimum of 4 ha interior forest defined using a 100 metre buffer measured from the interface between woodland and another land use, OR any woodland containing ANY forest interior where total forest interior is less than 10% of the total forest area within the planning area.

Threshold for significance based on the presence of forest interior for planning areas with > = 30% forest cover: Any woodland with a minimum of 4 ha interior defined using a 200 m buffer measured from the interface of the woodland and another land use

Rationale: Forest interior

The Natural Heritage Reference Manual states that “in areas where interior habitat is in limited supply, and/ or where forest interior-dependent species are declining, select woodlands that provide more interior habitat if choosing between similar sized woodland blocks.”

The thresholds recommended in this document have sought to highlight the importance of maintaining interior habitat wherever possible, across all landscapes.

IV) LANDSCAPE CONNECTIVITY

Any woodland that falls within, or overlaps with, a core area or corridor, as identified within the Big Picture 2002 system or any other natural heritage system as developed and designated by the planning authority, would be significant.

Rationale: Landscape Connectivity

The Natural Heritage Reference Manual recognizes the importance of connectivity in terms of woodland proximity to other woodlands and other natural heritage features or areas, and as a corridor for movement between habitats.

Though the literature strongly supports the concept that connectivity is species and landscape-specific, it is not practical to determine a threshold for connectivity based upon the selection of a single species or even a group of species for the purposes of broad landscape planning. Consequently, it is recommended that other approaches to landscape connectivity be considered.

Woodlands within, or overlapping with, a natural heritage system identified using Big Picture 2002 or any other natural heritage system as designated by a planning authority would be identified as significant, as they would function as part of a broader system of connected cores and corridors. Ontario Nature - Federation of Ontario Naturalists August 2004 Suggested Conservation Guidelines for the Identification of Significant Woodlands in Southern Ontario Appendix I – Annotated Bibliography - 10 -

The Big Picture 2002 approach aims to assist with the design of a long-term natural heritage vision for Canada’s southernmost ecological regions (ecoregions 7E, 6E and parts of 5E).

Using multiple data sets in a geographic information systems (GIS) environment, the Big Picture 2002 identifies existing natural cores, corridors and outlying natural areas, as well as potential connecting links and meta-sites. It provides planning authorities with a means of identifying potential natural heritage systems that could potentially link to those of neighbouring planning authorities.

Any natural heritage system as designated by a planning authority would be appropriate to use in designating significant woodlands.

V) SLOPE

Any woodland on slopes greater than or equal to 10%, or on soils subject to wind and water erosion would be considered significant.

Rationale: Slope

The Natural Heritage Reference Manual states that woodlands perform a number of important ecological functions. They affect both water quantity and water quality by reducing the intensity and volume of storm water runoff and decreasing soil erosion and flooding.

Halton Region’s Rationale and Methodology for Determining Significant Woodlands in the Regional Municipality of Halton (2002) provides rationale for using slope as one criterion for significance. Their recommendation, in brief, is as follows:

• The role that woodlands play in stabilizing the landscape operates throughout the landscape, but becomes more significant as slopes increase; • The factors necessary to create erosion are complex and can be considerably different for different sets of factors however; • Site erosion potential is a function of slope gradient, slope length and soil erodibility, and depositional history; • To be able to simplify this process by relating the susceptibility to erosion of any slope to only two external factors, such as vegetative cover and slope, can be scientifically criticized. However, if a number has to be chosen to alert people that the potential risk of erosion is greater, then a 10% slope would be that number, and this risk will escalate for slopes steeper than 10%.

Environment Canada, MNR, MOE. 1998. A Framework for Guiding Habitat Rehabilitation in Great Lakes Areas of Concern.

Forman, R.T.T. 1995. Land Mosaics: The ecology of landscapes and regions. Pg. 416. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, pp 632.

Halton Region. 2002. Region of Halton 2002 Official Plan Review, Technical Background Paper #6 “Rationale and Methodology for Determining Significant Woodlands in the Regional Municipality of Halton”

Ministry of Natural Resources. 1999. Natural Heritage Reference Manual. For Policy 2.3 of the Provincial Policy Statement.

Ministry of Natural Resources. 2000. A Silvicultural Guide to Managing Southern Ontario Forests.

Ministry of Natural Resources. 2001. Understanding natural hazards. Queen’s Printer for Ontario. 40 p. (also available at http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/water/publications.html)

Ministry of Natural Resources. 2000. Significant wildlife habitat technical guide. Queen’s Printer for Ontario. 151 p. (also available at http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/pubs/pubmenu.html)

Environment Canada, OMNR and MOE. 1998. A Framework for guiding Habitat Rehabilitation in Great Lakes Areas of Concern. (relating to forest-interior birds). Threshold > 10% of watershed forest should be >100m from the edge.

“Methods and Rationale for Assigning Woodland Value at the Patch Scale for Consideration in Planning and Conservation in Eastern Ontario”. 2003. Eastern Ontario Model Forest.

APPENDIX A: CATALOGUE OF SCIENTIFIC LITERATURE ON CRITERIA FOR WOODLAND SIGNIFICANCE (for Conservation Guidelines of the Identification of Significant Woodlands in Southern Ontario)

Prepared for Ontario Nature

by Snell and Cecile Environmental Research October 2003

Ontario Nature - Federation of Ontario Naturalists August 2004 Suggested Conservation Guidelines for the Identification of Significant Woodlands Appendix I - Annotated Bibliography - 13 -