Wa l k FORKS OF THE DON This walk begins along the West , crosses to the East Don River and then passes the Forks of the Don where the two tributaries unite to form the Lower Don River. This section of the Don Valley, once heavily industrialized, now struggles to regain a natural state, and is often hampered by flood damage from heavy storms.

Public Transit: Getting there: From Eglinton Station, take bus route 34, 54, or 100 to the Leslie Street stop. On the south side of Eglinton Avenue East, The walk begins at the east of goldenrod. There are many species 1 take the set of stairs down into a parking lot. This walk will begin at the far end of the end of the parking lot at the of goldenrod and all are native. In parking lot. north end of E.T. Seton Park. Ernest spite of what many people think, no Getting home: A 10-minute walk east up Pottery Road leads to Broadview Avenue, Thompson Seton (1860-1946) was species of Goldenrod causes any where you can take any TTC bus south to Broadview subway station. an internationally known author, form of allergies. Their pollen is very *Public transit routes and schedules are subject to change. Please check with provider. naturalist, conservationist, youth heavy and sticky and attracts many TTC Information: www.ttc.ca or 416-393-4636. leader and lecturer. Much of his insects, including bees. Pollen must life and work focused on the Don be windborne to cause allergies. The Parking: Drive into the first entrance into the park system on the west side of watershed. There are two paths pollen of ragweed, oak trees and Leslie Street just nor th of Eglinton Avenue. The sign says “Wilket Creek and heading east. Take the path to your many types of grasses is windborne Sunnybrook Parks”. No matter how the road twists and turns, always keep to your right that goes over a concrete bridge. and so may cause allergies. left. You will drive under Eglinton Avenue East and enter a parking lot. This walk From the bridge, watch the flow of begins at the far (east) end of this parking lot. There is also a parking lot at the rear the West Don River. The height of the Continue walking over a of the Heritage Museum across Pottery Road from the end point of 2 water and its rate of flow varies with second concrete bridge. the walk. the weather. The water will be higher This location indicates the river’s original course. To the right, erosion Level of Difficulty/Accessibility: The trail surface varies from pavement to and flowing faster after a significant was undercutting the land above some compacted soil and there are also steps/ramps where the trail is not wet weather event. It will also look which several industries are located. stroller or wheelchair friendly. muddy from the disturbed sediment. The plants on both sides of the trail After much discussion and public Approximate Time: 3 hours. are mainly invasive species. The two consultation, it was decided the best most common are garlic mustard action was to divert this short section and dog-strangling vine. The former of the West Don River to reduce future Distance: 6.0 kilometres. has stalks with white flowers in the erosion problems. Note that many spring. The latter grows into long vines shrubs and trees were planted after Caution: Be aware of cyclists and other trail users at all times. Use the trails construction work was completed. at your own risk. with tiny maroon flowers later in the summer. In the fall you will see plenty

1 Current as of July 2018 2 Cross a low bridge with a structure is the lowest level of the brown and grab onto any clothing or others in this same grove of trees, 3 wooden floor and metal Science Centre. fur that touches them. Each of these are crack willows, a common non- railings. The water flowing beneath burrs contains many seeds that are native species of willow planted years Look at the slope on the far it is the West Don River following its 7 dispersed when the burrs are torn ago along many rivers throughout new diverted pathway. side of the river, where you off the clothing or fur and discarded. southern Ontario. will see an abundance of Phragmites, Common burdock only lives for Note the name on the a tall plant with thin leaves and a Once you are past the 4 two years, but its abundant seeds, 13 Lung Cancer Canada Grove brownish plume of flowers and/ with their very efficient dispersal hydroelectric wires, you will sign. It almost makes it sound as if we or seeds. These plants extend a mechanism, ensure a future filled with note a large expansive bridge ahead are honouring lung cancer. Of course, considerable distance up the slope. more of these plants. carrying traffic over the valley on the sign really means that trees here The position of these plants indicates Overlea Boulevard. There is a small, honour victims and survivors of this lots of available water in the soil. Note the old brown painted covered picnic shelter. There is also a 10 terrible disease. In the winter, you might be able to fence on the right. On the drinking fountain and washrooms, but see a frozen ice layer directly on the right, past the end of the painted these operate only seasonally (usually There’s a large area of mowed 5 slope that confirms the presence of fence, there is a good example of June 1 – Sept. 1). grass. The public desires groundwater discharge or seepage a snag. Snags are dead trees that mowed grass because it looks tidy and You will reach a round parking from the slope. often remain standing for years, and 14 is good for picnics. Others see mowed snags are a valuable component of lot. Stay on the paved path as it grass as a missed opportunity to carry You will come to a fork in the goes through the centre of the parking 8 any natural ecosystems. They provide out some forest restoration work. trail. Take the trail to the right. shelter and/or lookouts for a wide lot. There are a few picnic tables in On the right, you will see a clump of (Taking the left path, you will exit variety of creatures. Many animals this area. Just past another parking lot evergreen trees. They are native white the valley and reach Don Mills Road also find food in the cavities or under a sign indicates Bike Route 45 south spruce. During the summer, look with access to TTC buses.) Note the any remaining bark. When snags fall, and a wayfinding sign that mentions among the branches of these trees life-saving post on your right. It should they provide food and shelter to a Taylor Creek and Victoria Park subway and see many vines with dark green have an orange ring and a long hook. different group of organisms. When station. Both signs point to a small leaves and maybe also pale, greenish- This equipment is a reminder of the they decompose, ultimately they add paved road to the left. Follow this yellow pods. Later in the summer and dangers during heavy rain or sudden nutrients to the soil. small paved path that will take you fall, these pods are beige and release snow melting when the river’s water away from the West Don River. seeds with fluffy attachments. This level rises quickly and its rate of flow On your left, but not usually 11 Between the path and a plant is dog-strangling vine and is a increases drastically. visible, is an archery range. 15 very invasive perennial. If you look Just past the painted fence, you will heavily used railway line, there Along the trail, you will notice is a lot of stinging nettle, a plant that can among the trees’ branches during the 9 see a small mowed path of grass to winter and early spring you will see plants that have very large your left. If you’re interested, follow cause significant burning sensations very thin beige threads. These are last green leaves. This plant is common or this mowed path to the large, fenced when it touches skin. Stay out of this year’s dead vines. In the spring, new giant burdock. It is sometimes referred archery range to see if anyone is area and away from the railway line. vines sprout from the soil and climb to as wild rhubarb but is not related practicing his or her skills. Do not As you pass under Don Mills higher and higher using last year’s to it. Common burdock produces only enter the fenced area. 16 Road, follow the old, narrow dead vines as ladders. rosettes of these large leaves in its first year. In the second year, the plant Walk under the hydroelectric wooden ramp upwards. Between the 12 To your left, past the white produces one or more tall branched lines. There is another brown ramp and the railway tracks, there is 6 spruces, note a low brown stalks that will have spiny green orbs fence on your right. On your left is a more Phragmites, the tall plant with building with a lot of glass. This topped with tiny purple flowers. When tree with four trunks and another near feathery plumes at the top. You will the flowers die, the spiny spheres turn it with two trunks. These trees, plus also notice more dog-strangling vines 3 4 that have climbed quite high into powered pumps lift water from the certain circumstances. It’s particularly used to be covered with soil, but the trees and shrubs. The reason Don River into the structures. The good in an area where ver y little plant rising water levels in the Don River the lower tree/shrub branches are water then cascades down into a life can survive. and excessive slope runoff has eroded dead is because the long vines have small wetland at ground level and the soil away from them. With less When fast–flowing water not allowed enough light to reach ultimately returns to the river. Within 22 soil to anchor their roots, these trees the lower leaves of the trees/shrubs. the structures, native plant species passes a curve in a river, it succumb to heavy winds and topple Some of these trees and shrubs are were originally planted in a substrate erodes the bank on the outside of the into the river. Along the far bank, you also covered in wild grape, another of shredded plastic and tires. The City curve, while depositing silt on the may also see small shrubs and tall vine that can cause serious damage to performs regular maintenance on the inside of the cur ve. This action grasses lying down with their tops the plants on which it grows. structures and the surrounding illustrates how rivers migrate naturally. pointed downstream, the result of wetlands to ensure that the pumps are In an urban setting, such river migration a recent heavy rain that caused a At the top of the ramp, installed causes a variety of problems. Between 17 working properly and to remove any rise in the water level and increase in 2012, there is access to non-native plants that grow within the a low metal rail fence and the river, in the speed of the water. Watch out Don Mills Road and the TTC off to structure or the ponds at the base. and also in the left side of the trail, for locations where the trail you are the left. The new steel bridge to your large pieces of natural stone have following may have been washed out. right follows Bike Route 45 south 20 Follow the wooden ramp been installed to reduce erosion. Many over the railway tracks. The road with upwards after you’ve passed types of plants grow along this trail. The trail now moves slightly 24 the heavy traffic is the Don Valley under Don Mills Road again. Directly Common mullein has tall stalks with away from the river. There Parkway. beside you is the East Don River. Look pale yellow flowers and very fuzzy are trees now between the trail and to your right along the far bank to see leaves at ground level. Sometimes the river, plus lots of different kinds The walk continues southward 18 the West Don River merging with there is a rosette of large fuzzy leaves of flowers. The trail now goes under on the opposite side of the it — hence the name “Forks of the without a flower stalk. You may also another hydroelectric line. The bridge railway tracks. If you see stalks with Don” — to form the Lower Don River see tall brown stalks bearing only the ahead is the Millwood Bridge. Note small purple flowers, they are purple from here to . (Just nor th seed pods from previous years. Teasel how the was loosestrife. People used to think that of the forks, Taylor Massey Creek joins has a tall stalk with a prickly-looking constructed halfway up the slope this plant was a nasty invasive, but the East Don River.) globe with a ring of pale, purple rather than at the bottom of the valley. studies have now shown that it really flowers. The prickly structures turn does not take over an area as once 21 Along both sides of the trail are brown and remain for years. Late Closer to the bridge, the open area thought. At the south end of a small many staghorn sumacs. Their summer is when you will see the seems to present an opportunity for parking lot, note the bronze plaque on young branches and leaf buds are biggest variety of wildflowers. There restoration work, but possibilities are a rock to your right about the Charles covered with a fine fuzz much like also may be sightings of groundhogs, limited because of the hydro lines. Sauriol Conservation Reserve and the horns of young deer. Each bright– beavers, red foxes, raccoons, coyotes The trail curves and has a lot the map showing the very elongated green leaf has many small leaflets. and White-tailed deer. The ducks you 25 shape of this special area. This native plant turns a vivid red in of vegetation on both sides. see will usually be mallards. The most Look to your right, across the Lower the fall and adds a lot of colour to the common large bird seen above this The rounded, concrete bridge Don River, and see a fence and 19 Don Valley. There is also a lot of part of the Don Valley is the red-tailed passes over the East Don mowed grass surrounding the North Virginia creeper and more dog- Hawk. River. Straight ahead, you will see strangling vine in this area. What may Sewage Treatment Plant. the elevated wetlands. Take the path appear to be mounds of lush green Look along the far bank of the You may not actually see the building. 23 to your right (Bike Route 45 south). vegetation are often small shrubs river and note the large number Note the paved road coming down the Read the sign describing the original completely covered and killed by of trees that seem to have a major far slope toward the river to the left of purpose of these structures. Solar- these two vines. Virginia creeper is a portion of their roots exposed. They the facility. native plant, but it can be invasive in did not grow this way. Their roots 5 6 is the wooded The wooden rail fence on your to the space between the concrete Turn right into the entrance to 26 28 31 area to the left of this facility. left separates a restored barriers. Walk to your left and find Todmorden Mills Heritage It extends also behind and to the wetland from the trail. Stop and read the end of the second barrier allowing Museum and find the parking lot at right of the facility. Crothers Woods the sign about Beechwood Wetland. you to cross the second lane of traffic the rear of this proper ty, or walk up contains many mature trees, The initial work to create ponds coming from your right. Follow Potter y Pottery Road to reach Broadview including black walnut, red and white and remove invasives was done by Road to your left, but walk behind the Avenue to get a bus to Broadview oak, butternut, hickory, american machines, but then volunteers took guardrail if you can. subway station. beech and sugar maple and is one of over to plant a huge variety of native Ontario’s most northerly and easterly species. They continue to work to Trail Users’ Guide pockets of Carolinian forest. A trail keep invasive species from once again • Be advised that you are responsible for your own safety and wellbeing. management plan has been prepared taking over the area. by the City of Toronto to help protect • Be aware of cyclists and other trail users at all times. Further along on the right, the trees and understorey from 29 • Walk with others. various forms of overuse by walkers, you can observe the railway • Keep your children in sight at all times. cyclists and dogs. Implementation tracks crossing the river. The trail is of this plan was about 80 per cent now directly beside the Lower Don • Trails may involve stairs and slopes. River. Just past hydro post #204, complete by 2011. • Trails may not be lit or cleared of ice and snow. look into the water and see a weir Stop to read the information creating a small waterfall. This • Stay on the trails or mown areas; do not leave them at any time. 27 on the sign facing away from structure is made of cement and there • Cross roads only at intersections, lights or crosswalks. the trail and then continue walking are pieces of metal overhanging the • Keep your pet on a leash and clean-up after it. straight ahead. A lot of the trees lip of the weir to prevent sea lampreys in this somewhat open area are from migrating upstream. This also • Do not pick, damage, or plant any vegetation. trembling aspens. Even the slightest prevents the movement of non- • Beware of poison ivy: “Leaflets of three let it be.” breeze makes the leaves tremble. jumping fish species, but does allow • Respect and do not feed wildlife. At the next trail intersection, continue rainbow trout and chinook salmon to walking straight ahead. The area to continue up the river. Because fish • Do not light fires. the right across the railway tracks have difficulty getting over a high weir, • Leave nothing behind. and behind some trees/shrubs is an extended rocky ramp has been • Remember that washrooms operate seasonally. very flat and has been used for years created on the downstream side of the as a City snow dump. In spite of the weir to raise the water level below the • Avoid the trails during and after a storm; water levels can rise suddenly. large snowfall in 2007, it was not barrier. This has created spawning • Wear footwear for pavement, loose or broken surfaces and bare earth. used and, in 2009, the area was areas for species such as white completely removed from the list of sucker and deep resting pools for • Wear clothing to suit the weather and protect against insects. snow dump areas. Toronto Parks, migrating fish. • Carry drinking water. Forestry, and Recreation plans When you reach Pottery Road, Learn more about the Don River watershed at www.trca.ca to restore this area with several 30 interesting features. Note that this go out the little path to the area lies between the railway line and right. Be ver y careful of vehicular the Lower Don River. traf fic! Directly across from this little path is an opening in one side of a double concrete barrier. Cross one Prepared by the Don Watershed Regeneration Council & Toronto and Region Conservation Authority lane of traf fic coming from your left, 7 8 9