Canada’s Carolinian Life Zone is a unique area found only in southwestern Ontario. It supports natural areas (those not planted by man), including woodlands, wetlands and prairies, which are more typical of areas south of the Great Lakes. In size, it makes up less than 1% of Canada’s total land area. Yet it supports one quarter of the country’s population. This zone extends as far north as Toronto in the east and Grand Bend in the west. At the same time, it forms the northern limit of the larger Deciduous Forest Region which extends down into North Carolina.
Due to its southerly location, southwestern Ontario has the warmest average yearly temperatures, longest frost-free season and mildest winters in the province. This mix of good weather combined with the fertile soils of the area have made the southwest the most intensively farmed area in the province.
Why is this area important...
Despite the area’s small size and many pressures, its unusually warm climate supports a greater variety of plants and animals than can be found in any other natural area in Canada. In addition, many of these species are found no-where else in the country. The Carolinian Life Zone is estimated to contain over 2 200 plants and 70 different trees. Maples, Oaks, Hickories, Ashes, Beech, Tulip Tree and Sassafras all commonly occur as do Dutchmen’s Breeches, Trout Lily and Bloodroot. Close to 400 bird species, over half the number found in Canada, have been recorded in the zone. Typical woodland birds include the Red-bellied Woodpecker, Wood Thrush, Tufted Titmouse, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Eastern Screech Owl and many warblers.
The Carolinian Life Zone contains one-third of the rare, threatened and endangered species in Canada. Some of these include Pawpaw, Blue Ash, American Chestnut and Kentucky Coffee Tree and plants such as the Green Dragon and Yellow Mandarin. The Acadian Flycatcher and Prothonotary Warbler are endangered. The Hooded Warbler and the Red-shouldered Hawk, which prefers forested stream and river areas, may become endangered if their Carolinian homes are not protected. Other animals that are becoming increasingly scarce in this area include the Southern Flying Squirrel, the Eastern Fox and Hognose Snakes and the Wood Frog. Examples of Canada's significant Carolinian woodlands can be found right in your backyard, on neighbouring farms and around the watershed.
The ability of fish and wildlife to thrive around us provides a measure of the health of our surroundings. This influences our own health and well being. Many private landowners, like you, can and have helped to support strong, healthy fish and wildlife by conserving natural areas on their property. Replanting Carolinian trees and shrubs to join natural areas, reduce erosion or retire non-profitable land has additional benefits for the farm, wildlife and you.
The RBWRP started a Carolinian Habitat
Restoration Initiative in the summer of 1998. Through this program,
rural landowners within and just outside of the Rondeau Bay watershed are
offered native Carolinian trees and shrubs on a
buy one get two free basis for non-landscaping purposes. In doing
so, we hope to encourage owners to replant native woodland areas along
stream-sides and shorelines and to join existing forest blocks, wind rows
and fence rows. These planting projects will aid in the protection of agricultural
and water resources over the long term. In addition, new woodland areas
will help to rebuild the integrity of the Carolinian woodland ecosystem.
This, along with providing food and shelter to a variety of wildlife species
and reintroducing significant plant species, will improve conditions for
the wildlife that depend on these areas.
If you would like to plant Carolinian trees and shrubs for landscaping purposes or are quite a distance outside of the Rondeau Bay watershed, please see our new program Re-Green Chatham-Kent.
Protecting the agriculture and livestock...
Trees and shrubs bordering streams stabilize the banks, reducing erosion. In addition, they reduce the amount of sediment, nutrient and chemical run-off from farm fields. This serves to keep valuable top soil on the fields, maintaining farm productivity while keeping our water clean. Stream-side woods also shade the water, keeping it cool and providing a home for fish and other animals. In addition, it helps to keep streams running through the dry summer months. Wooded stream borders, wind and fence rows shelter fields from wind erosion and drying. Livestock may also benefit with increased protection provided by tree and shrub plantings.
Protecting wildlife...
Replanting Carolinian trees and shrubs in blocks and corridors provides other advantages. Natural woodlands provide a home for many animals while stream-side woods, wind and fence rows will provide wildlife with food, shelter and a passage through which they may gain access to habitats that are currently inaccessible due to forest fragmentation. Reduced erosion will result in improved water quality and healthier aquatic habitats. The ability of fish and wildlife to thrive around us provides a measure of the health of our surroundings.
Recreational opportunities...
Many private landowners, like you, can and have helped to support strong, healthy fish and wildlife by conserving natural areas on their property. These actions will help to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Carolinian ecosystem for the benefit of the environment and future generations. Natural areas enhance the aesthetic value of the surrounding land. They provide recreational opportunities like hunting and bird watching. They also allow us to introduce children to the outdoors and the natural environment and they provide an area to escape, relax and appreciate nature. This influences our own health and well being.
How to get involved...
If you are interested, a representative of the RBWRP will arrange a visit to discuss the program, determine site-specific conditions, assess soil characteristics and conduct a species inventory of the surrounding natural areas. Generalized planting plans for the watershed were developed based on those species known to grow naturally in Sinclair’s Bush and Rondeau Provincial Park. The RBWRP will work with the landowner to finalize planting plans and a planting agreement for the proposed site. The local drainage superintendent will be consulted if any projects are proposed immediately adjacent to municipal drains to ensure that any concerns are addressed.
Landowners are required to prepare their site, pick up the trees and shrubs from a local storage facility and carry out the planting, complete with the installation of tree shelter and Brush Blanket protection. The RBWRP will provide landowners with guidelines regarding planting and follow-up procedures (e.g. watering) to ensure maximum survival rate.
If quantities of trees and shrubs available from the RBWRP are limited due to funding constraints, preference will be given to riparian (streamside) plantings, those that reconnect existing natural habitats and those that will result in the retirement of fragile and marginal lands.
You can help support the Carolinian Habitat Restoration Initiative!
Tree certificates featuring a pencil drawing of a tulip tree specially produced by local artist Elsie Thoonen are available for a $10 donation. Charitable receipts will be issued by the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority, our financial administrator, for donations over $10 (Charitable Registration # 10801 1677 RR0001).
For each tree certificate donated, the RBWRP will ensure that a native Carolinian tree or shrub is planted within the Rondeau Bay watershed on your behalf. Special thanks to Elsie for donating her time and beautiful artwork to this initiative.
Back to Current and Future Endeavors...
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This page was developed by Sowinski & Vicki McKay
Last revised September 13, 1999