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The
Dutton-Dunwich Prairie
The
West Elgin Nature Club in partnership with the Elgin Stewardship
Council leased 2 miles of abandoned railroad right-of-way from
CSX rail system. This 24-acre tract is found in the township
of Dutton-Dunwich and is bisected by the Coyne Road. The area
is rich in provincially rare and endangered prairie plants such
as the compass plant, gray headed coneflower, ohio goldenrod,
blazing star, and pale purple coneflower. The more abundant grasses
included such species big bluestem, indian and cord grass.
The
site had been neglected for some years and a great deal of woody
vegetation had grown into the prairie. A prescribed burn was performed
on the property in 2000 with future burns planned for the next 3
years.
How
to Locate the Prairie:
- Exit
Hwy 401 at interchange #149 (Currie road-Dutton)
- Go
south to the first road - Pioneer Line
- Turn
right (go west) on Pioneer Line to the Coyne road.
- Turn
left (go south) on the Coyne road to the railroad tracks.
- Look
for signage on the left along the abandoned right-of-way.
The
Aldborough Memorial Forest Reserve
The West Elgin Nature Preserve
In
1983. the Aldborough Township council appointed the W.E.N.C. to
manage a closed landfill site. This area became known as the Aldborough
Memorial forest. The 32 acre forest is located in the Carolinian
zone. Such Cottonwood and Hackberry are found growing in the preserve
in some abundance. Early spring flowers such as red and white trilliums
and marsh marigolds cover the forest floor in early May. The maidenhair
and rattlesnake ferns emerge shortly after the spring flowers finish
blooming. Summer and autumn see such plants as turtlehead, tall
bellflower and closed gentian start to flower.
A
system of paths throughout the forest was upgraded in year 2000
to make it more accessible for hiking and birding. Future plans
for the preserve will included and area to plant more memorial
trees and varied prairie plants.
How
to locate the Forest Reserve
- Exit
Hwy #401 at interchange 137 (West Lorne, Graham Road)
- Go
north to first road - Downie Line
- Turn
left on Downie Line and go to Number 24514.
West
Elgin Nature Club
P.O.Box 7
West Lorne ON
N0L 2P0
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