Thickson's Woods Nature Reserve © Nela Jankechova
About
One of the few remaining natural areas along the northern Lake Ontario shoreline, Thickson’s Woods Nature Reserve protects the area’s last remnant of old-growth white pines and provides and important stopover for migratory birds. Accessible by public transit, this urban nature reserve offers unique opportunities for people to connect with nature.
Old growth white pines, Thickson's Woods Nature Reserve © Lois Gillette
History
Thickson’s Woods was first established as a protected area in 1984, after its purchase and logging by a developer in 1983 spurred a group of local naturalists to form the Thickson’s Woods Heritage Foundation (later renamed Thickson’s Woods Land Trust). The property was expanded four times between 2001 and 2009, growing to protect the meadow north of the woods as well as the heritage forest. In 2026, Thickson’s Woods, comprised of all five parcels totalling 10.8 hectares, was transferred to Ontario Nature for permanent protection.
Ontario Nature staff and Thickson's Woods Land Trust members, Thickson's Woods Nature Reserve © Jenna Quinn
Stewardship
The Durham Region Field Naturalists
are the official stewards of the nature reserve. They are integral in maintaining trails and caring for the lands.
If you are interested in assisting or joining the club, please email DRFN1955@hotmail.com.
To learn more about volunteering as a nature reserve steward, please visit Ontario Nature’s volunteer stewardship webpage.
James Kamstra and Youth at Thickson's Woods Nature Reserve BioBlitz © Noah Cole
Plants and Animals
Surrounded by intense urban development, the nature reserve provides refuge to an incredible diversity of wildlife. The property hosts a great diversity of habits including mixed forest, open meadow and cattail marsh wetlands which are part of the larger Corbett Creek Coastal Wetland Complex.
Located along the north Lake Ontario Shoreline watershed, the property supports 75 rare and at-risk species including prothonotary warbler, northern myotis, eastern milksnake, monarch and cucumber tree.
Monarch Butterflies Roosting, Thickson's Woods Nature Reserve © James Kamstra
Visiting
The 1.8-kilometre marked trail system can be accessed from the Waterfront Trail. Walk east along the Waterfront Trail to the marked entrance to the woods (south side) or meadow (north side) to access the path network throughout the Thickson’s Woods Nature Reserve. Please stay on the marked trails and obey the signs posted at the property entrance.
We do not charge a fee for entrance and there are no operating hours on any of our nature reserves. Properties are monitored by volunteer stewards. We rely on visitors to be safe, minimize their impact on nature and be respectful of others. For more information about visiting the reserves, please read our Permitted Activities Policy.
We welcome donations to support this nature reserve and our system of 27 nature reserves.
Mayapples, Thickson's Woods Nature Reserve © Lois Gillette
Directions
From Highway 401 in Whitby, Ontario, go south on Thickson Road S past Wentworth Street to the Waterfront Trail. Park along Thickson Road or in the Waterfront Trail parking lot along Thickson Road.
By transit: take the Lakeshore East GO Train to either the Whitby GO Station or the Durham College GO Station. From Whitby GO Station, walk south and follow the Waterfront trail to Thickson’s Woods (approximately one hour walk). From Durham College GO Station, catch Durham Region Transit bus 403 south and exit on Wentworth Street and walk to the Waterfront Trail.
View Thickson’s Wood Nature Reserve in a larger map.
Virginia Waterleaf, Thickson's Woods Nature Reserve © Lois Gillette
Wood Thrush, Thickson's Woods Nature Reserve © Lois Gillette
Photo Gallery
The Thickson’s Woods Nature Reserve is generously supported by:
The Estate of
Hazel May Broker
The Zita and Mark Bernstein Family Foundation
Donations to the Thickson’s Woods Nature Reserve through the Thickson’s Woods Land Trust have been made in recognition of many special people, whose names will be forever linked with this precious wildlife sanctuary. We gratefully recognize the following supporters who donated In Memoriam and Meadow gifts between 1983 and 2025.