Explore 

The most northern 20% of the Arboretum is really quite special. At one time, before settlement, it was probably forested, then it became farmland, followed by grassland. Today it’s a grassland we call ‘The Meadow’. It’s increasingly rare today to find a meadow in an urban setting in Southern Ontario. This unique environment provides habitat for meadow birds, along with a number of other animals and a vast array of insects. Part of what we do is ensure a diversity of areas within the arboretum and the meadow is one such area.

In order to maintain this area as a meadow, it must be mowed periodically and have any encroaching shrubs removed or they would take over the space if not controlled.

The Meadow was the site chosen for our first educational sign to help visitors and school groups learn more about meadows and some of their inhabitants. It’s not empty space, just different…a difference we value greatly; an area of ecological diversity.