Amazing Places, Norfolk County

Biosphere

Biosphere

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front cover You will know an amazing place the moment you see it...

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“Amazing Places” is a sustainable tourism initiative. Locally it is led by the Long Point World Biosphere Reserve Foundation in partnership with Norfolk County and was financially supported by the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

In 1986, Long Point was designated as one of a handful of biosphere reserves in Canada by UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme.

The Long Point region contains the largest area of wetlands and woodlands remaining in southern Ontario.

This exceptionally rich mix of habitats consists of open lake, beaches, dunes, ponds, marshes and forests.

20 distinct biotic communities have been described on the Point, containing about 700 species of vascular plants, 90 of which are classified as rare and at least four of which are found nowhere else in Canada.

To date, over 280 species of birds have been observed in the Long Point area.

Meet the locals – local wildlife, that is – at locations across Norfolk County. Sites designated as Amazing Places by the Long Point World Biosphere Reserve have named which “locals” you may find when visiting.

Norfolk County Amazing Places The Long Point World Biosphere Foundation is dedicated to conserving biodiversity, promoting sustainable communities, and partnering in research, monitoring, outreach and education.

P.O. Box 338 Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0 www.longpointbiosphere.com info@discoverlongpoint.ca

Amazing Places are must-visit destinations that are rich in natural history, have breathtaking scenery, and are home to extraordinary plants and wildlife.

An agency of the Government of Ontario Un organisme du gouvernement de l’Ontario

Discover

Long Point World Biosphere Reserve

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Amazing Places in Norfolk County

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8 Joe Csubak Viewing Area: Whether it’s first thing in the morning or a late sunset, this is one of the most picturesque vistas of the Inner Bay of Long Point.

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6 Canada’s First Forestry Station: The Interpretive Centre features the history of the area and is at the entrance to the Forest Capital Trail which features 100 year old white pines and other native species 7 Deer Creek Conservation Area: Experience the tranquility of northern Ontario, without taking the drive. This scenic conservation area has often been called the best-kept secret in Norfolk County.

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5 Bonnieheath Estate Lavender and Winery: An ecological agri-tourism destination that provides a small farm experience through culture and education from field to final product

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9 Long Point Bird Observatory: During spring and fall migrations, visitors to LPBO’s Old Cut Research Station can watch as volunteer biologists and birders from across Canada and around the world count and band migratory birds.

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Attawandaron Cycling Route

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Each location is marked with a number

1 Backus Heritage Conservation Area: Nestled in the heart of Carolinian Canada, BHCA is a special place where you can spend the day enjoying nature and history.

2 Backus Woods: Maintained walking trails guide you through numerous habitats such as dry forested ridge, wet slough, buttonbush swamp and floodplain.

Explore old growth hardwood forests nestled in the Carolinian Life Zone.

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3 Big Creek National Wildlife Area: An essential staging, feeding and resting habitat for over 390 species of waterfowl and other migratory birds passing through the Long Point area during migration; a two km trail through the marsh is accessible on the Hwy 59 causeway.

4 Black Bridge - Waterford Heritage Trail: Breathtaking views from a 166 metre long bridge overlooking the Waterford Ponds to the west and the picturesque town of Waterford to the east.

10 Long Point Eco-Adventures: An ecological enterprise consisting of zip-line canopy tours, stargazing, kayaking, kayak fishing and much more.

11 Long Point Provincial Park Beach: Long Point Provincial Park and its 1.5 km sandy beach along the shores of Lake Erie is located within a designated World Biosphere Reserve.

12 Lynn Valley Trail: A 10 km former rail line was converted into a pedestrian trail. Starting In Port Dover and ending in Simcoe, you can hike or cycle the trail to enjoy some stunning scenery.

13 Port Dover Harbour Museum: Visit an authentic net shanty and learn about the commercial fishing industry while discovering the town’s history and marine heritage. Discover shipwrecks, tales of heroism, and more!

14 Port Rowan Wetlands: Former sewage lagoons were converted successfully into a functioning wetland which serves as a riparian buffer to downstream tributaries and Lake Erie. The alternative use of land creates an innovative, first-of-its-kind project with numerous ecological and cultural benefits.

15 Quance Dam & Mill: The Park highlights the beauty of the Big Creek valley as it meanders through the Town of Delhi. Big Creek is a significant waterway for migratory Rainbow and Brown Trout and serves as a natural habitat for many native birds and animals.

16 Sandhill Park: Climb to the top of 350 foot sand dunes for the best view of Lake Erie in Norfolk County.

17 Sutton Conservation Area: The removal of the Sutton Pond Dam has provided several natural functions through better surface and ground water quality, more coldwater fish habitat and homes for wildlife.

18 Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum: Exhibits the rich and diverse history of Waterford and its surrounding communities through engaging permanent and temporary displays. It is home to the Norfolk County Agricultural Hall of Fame and is located on the Norfolk Trails system.

19 Whistling Gardens: What was once a former cornfield is now home to the largest public collection of conifers in the world with over 2,500 species. The property is “hand sculpted” into six major gardens all seamlessly connected with nearly frour km of accessible walking paths.

20 Attawandaron Cycling Route: Enjoy breathtaking scenery, while you “cruise” along historical pathways of the indigenous people who called this home in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Amazing Places