The Long Point Basin along Lake Erie (extending from Port Stanley to Port Dover), is home to 19 species of reptiles, encompassing 7 turtle species and 12 snake species. This region contains the largest remaining natural habitats on the Canadian side of Lake Erie, with a very high concentration of
Northern Map Turtle
Introducing Long Point’s Turtles
Ontario has 9 native species of turtles: the Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina), Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera), Northern Map Turtle (Graptemys geographica), Yellow-throated or Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii), Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta), Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta), Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata), Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene
Flowering Dogwood
Description and habitat
Eastern Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) is one of North America’s most showy Dogwood species, featured on the Norfolk County’s coat-of-arms and flag (often viewed flying in small towns, such as St. Williams). Each May, the branches are smothered with beautiful white-petaled flowers, measuring up to 3 cm
American Hazel
Description and habitat
American Hazel (Corylus americana) is one of ~15 species of Hazel worldwide, and one of only 2 species native to North America’s Great Lakes Region. The other species is the Beaked Hazel (Corylus cornuta). American Hazel is widely distributed throughout Eastern North America south to Louisiana, while
Tuliptree
Description and habitat
Tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera) is among the tallest deciduous tree species in the Great Lakes Region, the coniferous Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus) is slightly taller in old-growth forests. The species name Liriodendron tulipifera translates to “tulip-bearing lily tree”. There are only two species of Liriodendron in the
Wild Crabapple
Description and habitat
Wild Crabapple (Malus coronaria) is the only species of apple native to Ontario. Like all apple trees, it is a member of the Rose family, Rosaceae. This tree is distributed from southern Ontario to Ohio Valley and Central Appalachian Region of the eastern United States. Escaped Common
Yellow Birch
Description and habitat
Yellow Birch (Betula lutea, syn. Betula alleghaniensis) is a large deciduous tree abundant throughout Ontario’s Great Lakes Region. Yellow Birch can grow 35 m in ideal conditions, though most trees are shorter. It is one of Ontario’s 3 birch species – the other two are Paper Birch
Newly Open: Walking Arboretum at Spring Arbour Farm Nature Reserve
Welcome to the Walking Arboretum and Biodiversity Tour
The Arboretum Tour at Spring Arbour Farm Nature Reserve offers a serene walk through a collection of 13 native tree species, each marked with an informative sign and a yellow dot to aid in identification. As you explore, you’ll learn about the
Blue-beech (American Hornbeam)
Description and habitat
Blue-beech or American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) is a small tree or large shrub of moist deciduous forests. It is the only hornbeam native to North America, one of more than 25 species in the world. Blue-beech occurs in Ontario and Quebec south of the Canadian Shield and
Shagbark Hickory
Description and habitat
Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) is a large deciduous tree in the Walnut Family (Juglandaceae), reaching 20-40 m tall. This tree is named for its peeling bark, which is often described as shaggy. This the most distinguishing feature of Shagbark Hickories, making it easily identifiable. Shagbark Hickory is