HEART LAKE - ESCARPMENT CENTRAL 1

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1 HEART LAKE - ESCARPMENT CENTRAL 1 Region of Peel NAI Area # 9593 Credit Valley Conservation Authority Town of Caledon Size: 155 hectares Watershed: Credit River Con 3 EHS, Lots 6-9 Ownership: 100% private Subwatershed: East Credit River General Summary This area has rolling terrain with deciduous forest, ponds and cedar swamps in the lowlands, and drier forests, cultural meadows and plantations on higher terrain. Much of the surrounding land is cleared but two linking corridors exist with natural areas to the south and west. The area is linear in shape, and is narrow in some parts. For the most part, the area consists of a wet valley below the drier rolling tablelands being used for agriculture. This area contains diverse vegetation community types that support high flora and fauna biodiversity. A cold water stream runs the length of the site from north to south, and its associated cedar swamp sustains plant and wildlife species with northern affinities. This is a groundwater discharge area with the wetlands providing amphibian breeding habitat. In 2008 and 2009, NAI ELC surveyors and ornithologists inventoried vegetation communities and breeding birds and made incidental observations of other fauna (Table 1), covering 43% of the natural area (determined by access permission). Additional communities previously inventoried by CVC ELC surveyors in 2002 were added to this data set. With respect to the NAI core inventories (vegetation communities, plants, breeding birds), this area is considered to be data-complete for vegetation communities and breeding birds, but not for plants. Fish species were inventoried in 2002 from within this natural area. Table 1: NAI Field Visits Visit Date Inventory Type 08 July 2002 Fish 12 June 2008 Fauna 06 July 2008 Fauna 21 July 2009 ELC 22 July 2009 ELC 24 July 2009 ELC 27 July 2009 ELC 28 July 2009 ELC 29 July 2009 ELC Natural Feature Classifications and Planning Areas This natural area is part of: Niagara Escarpment Plan Physical Features This area is in the Oak Ridges Moraine physiographic region; characterized by hilly topography of fine-grained sand glacial deposits. Soils tend to be sandy loams that allow high rates of recharge to groundwater aquifers. In this area, the Oak Ridges Moraine buries the Niagara Escarpment although the position of the escarpment is visible as a rise in the landscape. This natural area is situated just below the escarpment rise, so the hilly terrain slopes overall to the south. This area forms the headwaters of two tributaries of the East Credit River. The East Credit River joins the main Credit River east of Inglewood. The streams that run the length of this natural area are coldwater streams.

2 HEART LAKE - ESCARPMENT CENTRAL 2 Human History This region was settled around Scottish farmers settled just north of Escarpment Sideroad along St. Andrew s Road (to the north of this natural area). They built log dwellings and later, stone houses, and a stone church in 1853 (Scheinman, 2009). Parts of this area have been historically logged as evident from differently aged forest communities, remnant large trees along fence rows, and very large old stumps. A pocket of large (>60cm dbh) remnant Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum ssp. saccharum) and American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) trees exists within a young forest of the same composition and were presumably spared from earlier logging. Other parts of the area were historically grazed and/or farmed as evident from younger regenerating forests with scattered stacks of field stones and the presence of rotting cedar fences. A few former quarries are now wetlands (landowner, pers.comm., 2009). An old cabin stands next to the large beaver pond. Part of the northern delineated edge of this natural area runs along an old railbed, now abandoned. As the railway climbed the escarpment slope, it made two horseshoe-shaped bends in order to make the grade, possibly giving the road to the east of the area its name Horseshoe Hill Rd.. Surrounding land uses are agricultural and rural estate. There are several plantation patches included in this area. The plantations are not considered natural habitat, however, they do increase the amount of tree cover with the result being that interior forest breeding birds use this otherwise narrow natural area. As plantations age, they may also be colonized by native species and may become naturalized. Vegetation Communities The general community types present here are coniferous forest (15%), deciduous forest (18%), mixed forest (2%), marsh (<1%), coniferous swamp (4%),deciduous swamp (1%), mixed swamp (2%), thicket swamp (1%), floating-leaved shallow aquatic (1%), open aquatic (<1%), cultural meadow (8%), cultural thicket (1%), cultural savannah (<1%), cultural woodland (15%) and plantation (31%). A total of 29 vegetation communities comprised of 21 different vegetation types were mapped for this area (Table 2). None are rare. Two communities were only classified to the ecosite level. Table 2: ELC Vegetation Communities Map reference * Vegetation type Size in hectares FOC2-2 Dry-Fresh White Cedar Coniferous Forest Fresh-Moist White Cedar Coniferous Forest FOC4-1 (4 communities) % of natural area FOD3-1 Dry-Fresh Poplar Deciduous Forest FOD5-2 Dry-Fresh Sugar Maple - Beech Deciduous Forest FOD5-4 Dry-Fresh Sugar Maple Ironwood Deciduous Forest FOD7-2 FOD8-1 Fresh-Moist Ash Lowland Deciduous Forest (2 communities) Fresh-Moist Poplar Deciduous Forest (2 communities) Dry - Fresh Sugar Maple - Hardwood Deciduous Forest FODM5-11 FOM7-2 Fresh-Moist White Cedar - Hardwood Mixed Forest MAM3-2 Reed-canary Grass Organic Meadow Marsh SWC1-1 White Cedar Mineral Coniferous Swamp Ash Mineral Deciduous Swamp Ecosite (2 communities) SWD2 SWD4-2 White Elm Mineral Deciduous Swamp SWDM4-5 Poplar Mineral Deciduous Swamp

3 HEART LAKE - ESCARPMENT CENTRAL 3 SWT2-5 Red-osier Mineral Thicket Swamp SAF1-3 Duckweed Floating-leaved Shallow Aquatic (3 communities) CUW1-A3 Native Deciduous Cultural Woodland CUP3-1 Red Pine Coniferous Plantation CUP3-3 Scotch Pine Coniferous Plantation CUP3-A Restoration Coniferous Plantation TOTAL AREA INVENTORIED * Note: The map reference code refers to the vegetation type shown on mapping for this area and also to the Appendix list of species typically encountered in this vegetation type. Species Presence Vascular Plants A total of 287 vascular plant species are recorded for this area, of which 209 (73%) are native. One of these species, Butternut (Juglans cinerea), represented by three young trees, is Endangered both nationally and provincially, as well as being provincially rare (S-rank S3?; Table 3). Eleven other plant species present here are regionally rare (Table 4). Some exotic garden plant species have escaped into the natural area along trails and waterways. Breeding Birds A total of 64 species of birds are recorded, all of which are native. Three of these species are visitors. The remaining 61 bird species were present in suitable habitat during the breeding season, over two visits, and showed some level (possible, probable or confirmed) of breeding evidence. Two of these are Species At Risk (Table 3). Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) is Threatened nationally and provincially and Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) is Threatened nationally. This site supports one colonial-nesting bird species, the Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias), and one waterfowl species, the Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus). Interior habitat is present in the forests of this natural area, which supports seven species of area-sensitive forest interior birds, namely Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus), Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus), Redbreasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis), Winter Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), Veery (Catharus fuscescens), Black-throated Green Warbler (Dendroica virens) and Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla). Successional habitat supports ten species of grassland birds, namely Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum), Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis), Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum), Clay-coloured Sparrow (Spizella pallida), Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus), Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla), Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus) and Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii). Four of these grassland birds (Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, Grasshopper Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow) are area-sensitive. The area also supports one raptor species, Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus). Fish Two species of fish, Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and Mottled Sculpin (Cottus bairdii), were recorded for this site, both of which are native. None are Species At Risk or rare. However, the presence of just these fish species is uncommon in the watershed and suggests a healthy coldwater system. One additional species is known from historical records (1984, 1985). Butterflies and Skippers A total of 18 species of butterflies/skippers were recorded as incidental observations for this natural area, of which 15 (83%) are native. None are Species At Risk or rare. The Northern Cloudywing (Thorybes pylades), which favours drier habitats with bare ground, uses the abandoned gravel pit at this site (Curry, 2008).

4 HEART LAKE - ESCARPMENT CENTRAL 4 Dragonflies and Damselflies A total of 12 species of dragonflies/damselflies were recorded as incidental observation at this site. All are native. One species, Amber-winged Spreadwing (Lestes eurinus; S-rank S3) is provincially rare. It is also regionally rare in adjacent Halton Region (Dwyer, 2006). Herpetofauna A total of 10 herpetofaunal species were recorded as incidental observations at this site. All are native. One snake species found here, Eastern Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum), is designated Special Concern both nationally and provincially (Table 3). The Eastern Milksnake is also provincially rare (S-rank S3). It was found here under a board. The remaining herpetofaunal species consist of six frog/toad species, one newt species, one turtle species and one snake species. Abundant wetlands contribute to the number of herpetofauna found here. Mammals Nine mammal species were recorded as incidental observations. All are native. Fresh Beaver (Castor canadensis) feeding evidence was visible (2009). A dead Star-nosed Mole (Condylura cristata) was found on a mowed path, following a heavy rain storm the night before. Table 3: Designated Species At Risk Scientific name Common name COSEWIC COSSARO S rank G rank VASCULAR PLANTS Juglans cinerea Butternut END END S3? G4 BIRDS Dolichonyx oryzivorus Bobolink THR THR S4B G5 Sturnella magna Eastern Meadowlark THR S5B G5 HERPETOFAUNA Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum Eastern Milksnake SC SC S3 G5T5 Table 4: Regionally Rare Vascular Plant Species (Kaiser, 2001) Scientific name Common name S rank G rank VASCULAR PLANTS Carex lurida Sallow Sedge S5 G5 Carex pallescens Pale Sedge S5 G5 Equisetum pratense Meadow Horsetail S5 G5 Glyceria canadensis Rattlesnake Manna-grass S4S5 G5 Milium effusum American Milletgrass S4S5 G5 Monotropa hypopithys American Pinesap S4 G5 Osmunda claytoniana Interrupted Fern S5 G5 Oxalis acetosella ssp. montana Mountain Woodsorrel S5 G5 Penstemon digitalis Foxglove Beardtongue S4S5 G5 Petasites frigidus Sweet Coltsfoot S5 G5 Rubus hispidus Bristly Dewberry S4S5 G5 Site Condition and Disturbances This area is in good condition and is currently minimally disturbed. This area has been impacted by historic logging, grazing, quarrying and potentially cultivation. Treed areas range in age from young to mature with a small amount of logging disturbance.

5 HEART LAKE - ESCARPMENT CENTRAL 5 This area has a higher percentage of exotic species as compared to other natural areas in this part of the watershed, partly due to a number of escaped garden/ornamental species. Problematic invasive species include scattered localized patches of Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata), a small amount of Dog-strangling Vine (Cynanchum rossicum) in a conifer plantation, Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) and Tartarian Honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica). A network of private, wide, mowed trails connect some of the individual properties. Tree health diseases include Beech bark disease, Butternut canker and Dutch Elm disease. Ecological Features and Functions This area includes parts of the Caldwell Woods Wetland. With forest communities greater than 4 ha, wetlands over 0.5 ha in size, and adjacent grasslands over 10 ha, this natural area has the potential to support and sustain biodiversity, healthy ecosystem functions and to provide long-term resilience for the natural system. The riparian areas provide a transitional zone between terrestrial and aquatic habitats, helping to maintain the water quality of the streams, and providing a movement corridor for plants and wildlife. By containing a relatively high number of habitat types, this natural area has the potential for high biodiversity function, particularly for species that require more than one habitat type for their life needs. The wide extent of agricultural land use in the countryside around this area restricts connectivity between this and other natural areas. This natural area extends southerly to The Grange Road, along the stream valley, providing a narrow linkage across the road to the downstream section of the vegetated valley. This natural area also has some linkage with natural and successional habitat across Heart Lake Rd. to the northwest. This corridor is largely facilitated by plantation and successional community patches on both sides of the road. The relatively close proximity of other areas of natural habitat creates above-average potential for wildlife movement between natural areas, species dispersal and recovery from disturbance, creating additional resilience for the ecosystem. This area is the headwaters of the East Credit River, a major tributary of the Credit River, and thus supports the connectivity function of the Credit River and its tributaries by providing a natural habitat corridor that facilitates the cross-regional movement of wildlife along this corridor between major provincial corridors. Seeps occur in this natural area. Four Species At Risk (one plant species, two bird species, one snake species) occur in this natural area. Three provincially rare species (one plant, one snake, one dragonfly) and 11 regionally rare plant species also occur in this area. Extensive adjacent plantations contribute to the width of natural forest habitat, allowing interior forest habitat to exist. Thus the breeding of seven species of area-sensitive forest interior birds is supported here. Grasslands and successional open country habitat present in this area, in conjunction with adjacent agricultural lands and regenerating old fields, provides sufficient habitat to meet the breeding requirements of four species of area-sensitive grassland birds. In addition, six other species of grassland birds (not area-sensitive) breed here as well. This area supports one colonial-nesting bird species, one waterfowl species and one raptor species.

6 HEART LAKE - ESCARPMENT CENTRAL 6 The wetlands of this area provide breeding habitat for amphibians. A number of frogs were observed and were heard calling during breeding season in suitable habitat indicating on-site breeding. Based on the above features, this area should be evaluated to determine if significant wildlife habitat is present in accordance with the Provincial Policy Statement, Region of Peel Official Plan, and area municipal Official Plan. The large beaver pond has high biodiversity and aesthetic value. It contains an old beaver lodge and many standing cedar snags. A Great Blue Heron and Belted Kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon) were observed perched on the snags. Spotted Sandpipers (Actitis macularius) were observed flying low over the pond. A variety of sedge and spikerush species line its banks. A number of dragonflies and damselflies were noted. Opportunities Maintenance, or enhancement where possible, of existing natural linkages with other natural areas, including those across roads, will benefit the biodiversity and ability of this area to withstand and adapt to change. Increasing the width of connecting corridors by plantings of native tree and shrub species or by allowing natural regeneration of a wider corridor improves opportunities for wildlife movement between natural areas and increases the stability and resilience of ecosystems. Opportunities to increase the width of narrow parts of this linear, natural area should be taken where possible. A variety of naturalization techniques and future habitat types should be considered with future management planning with landowners. Control of the most problematic invasive species is desirable, where feasible. This is still possible for populations that exist in small localized patches (e.g. Dog-strangling Vine, Garlic Mustard). One Yellow Flag Iris (Iris pseudacorus) plant, a non-native and invasive species, was found in a stream crossing along a mowed path. Removal of this invasive species before it spreads would benefit the integrity of the natural communities here. The health of the Butternut trees present at this site could be assessed by a Butternut Assessor in order to determine whether any are candidates for inclusion in the Butternut recovery program. This natural area has three mature forest communities and they could be checked for old-growth forest characteristics. A plant species inventory of this area by a botanical specialist would complete the core NAI inventories for this site. Data gaps exist for dragonflies/damselflies and butterflies, since the records reported here are only incidental observations made during the course of the breeding bird inventory. Targeted inventories for these faunal groups should extend over the full summer season as species have different flight periods. Literature Cited Curry, B. Peel Natural Areas Inventory Bird and Faunal Surveys Prepared for Credit Valley Conservation. Dwyer, J. Halton Natural Areas Inventory volumes. Volume 1: Site Summaries.Volume 2: Species Checklists. ISBN , Self-published. Kaiser, J The Vascular Plant Flora of the Region of Peel and the Credit River Watershed. Prepared for: Credit Valley Conservation, the Regional Municipality of Peel, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Scheinman, A Town of Caledon Cultural Heritage Landscapes Inventory. Envision The Hough Group.

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SIXTH LINE - HIGHWAY 7 1

SIXTH LINE - HIGHWAY 7 1 Region of Halton NAI Area # 7409 Credit Valley Conservation Authority Town of Halton Hills Size: 202 hectares Watershed: Credit River Con 7, Lots 23-27 Ownership: 92% private,