Habitat Restoration at George G. Newton Nature Reserve

Join Ontario Nature and Huron Bruce Nature this spring at Ontario Nature’s George G. Newton Nature Reserve near Goderich to restore the understory of a mature deciduous forest through a garlic mustard pull and native wildflower planting event. Learn to identify and manage invasive plants and contribute to the long-term protection of this important refuge for wild species!

Huron Bruce Nature (HBN) has cared for the George G Newton Nature Reserve since 1996 creating and maintaining trails and working with partners to return former farmland to a natural state. In addition to regular upkeep, each year HBN organizes several work parties to remove invasive plant species.

Garlic mustard is a fast-spreading, invasive herb brought to Canada from Europe in the early 1800s. Garlic mustard produces abundant seeds that are easily spread by humans and animals and can remain viable for many years. It releases chemicals in the soil that disrupt natural processes, preventing native plants from growing. Several areas of the George G. Newton Reserve are heavily infested by garlic mustard, and volunteers from HBN work hard each year to manage these infestations. To date, results have been very encouraging, with significant decrease in garlic mustard density and regrowth of native species seen throughout the property. Join us to help prevent the spread of garlic mustard into the nature reserve!

Schedule:
9:30-9:45am – Registration
9:45-10:00am – Land Acknowledgement and Welcome
10:00am-12:00pm- Invasive Removal
12:30-1 pm- Lunch break (please bring your own lunch, light snacks and water will be provided by Ontario Nature)
1:00-3:00pm – Native species planting
3:00-3:30pm- Educational tour of property and goodbyes!

Refreshments: Please bring your own refillable water bottle and lunch if you are attending both sessions. Water and light snacks will be provided by Ontario Nature.

Clothing: Please wear a hat, closed-toed shoes and long pants. Long shirts, and knee pads are recommended. The event will happen rain or shine.

Directions: The nature reserve lies southeast of Goderich, between Highways 8 and 21. From the hamlet of Holmesville, take Cut Line Road west to Porter’s Hill (marked by a red schoolhouse on a hill). Turn north on Porter’s Hill Line (also called the 6th Concession) and proceed to the next intersection. The nature reserve is on the southeast corner of this crossroads. Turn east onto Kitchigami Road and park along the south side of the road. The property is marked by a kiosk sign and civic address marker number 35913, approximately 60 metres to the east of the intersection and can be found on Google Maps. We kindly ask that guests carpool where possible.

Accessibility: The event will include a round-trip hike (1 kms) carrying equipment between 5 and 10 lbs. The event will include physical removal of garlic mustard plants and planting of wildflowers that involves kneeling and bending at your own pace. Please let

staff know if you have difficulty carrying heavy objects. All equipment will be provided. An outhouse will be available at the entrance.

Note: Please arrive early for registration as we will start promptly at 10:00a.m. Be prepared for a day spent outdoors.

Make sure to dress for the weather and wear sturdy closed-toed shoes or rain boots. We will be going ahead rain or shine! Please bring a hat, bug jacket, raincoat (if needed), re-fillable water bottle, and binoculars if you have them.

Contact for more information: Melissa Thomas at melissat@ontarionature.org or 416-894-0884

This event was made possible thanks to funding from TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.

By participating in the event, you agree to abide by the Event Code of Conduct.