TFN Nature Reserves
Our Nature Reserves program has been very satisfying. Since the 1970’s we have acquired four tracts of land (437 acres), preserving them for present and future generations to enjoy. Consisting of environmentally sensitive wetlands, the properties are located north and east of Uxbridge in Durham County. The purchase was funded entirely by donations. We are looking for new land to expand the nature reserves.
Jim Baillie Nature Reserve - JBNR (87 acres)
Our first reserve, the JBNR was purchased in two stages, in 1970 and in 1973. Jim Baillie was president of the club, a popular leader of bird walks and Assistant Curator of Ornithology at the Royal Ontario Museum.
The JBNR is in the northwest corner of a wetland complex designated as the “Uxbridge Creek Environmentally Significant Area”. It is considered a high quality undisturbed swamp forest with a diverse flora and many regionally rare species
Emily Hamilton Nature Reserve - EHNR (75 acres)
This property was purchased in 1987. Emily Hamilton was a long serving club director, an active volunteer who led many botany outings and the chief compiler of the plant lists for our reserves. Most of this property consists of a wet meadow and cedar swamp by Uxbridge Creek and its tributaries. There are no trails.
Helen and Aarne Juhola Reserve-HAJR - (75 acres)
This latest wetland was acquired in 2002 and named in honour of two of our most active members who were directors for many years, Aarne as Treasurer, Helen as President and also editor of the newsletter and co-author of many publications.
The above three reserves are located one to three kilometres north-east of Leaskdale in Uxbridge Township. All are linked by Uxbridge Creek which meanders through the centre of the new reserve. The extensive wetlands provide excellent habitat for migrating and nesting bird species as well as many mammals.
Charles Fell Nature Reserve CFNR (200 acres)
This property was purchased in 1997. The Charles Fell Foundation has made generous donations to the club. CFNR is situated in a wide, deep valley surrounding the Layton River. Three-quarters of the Reserve is open wetland with Speckled Alder and Dwarf Birch. One-quarter is forested wetland with poplar, cedar and tamarack. Two small tributaries enter the river on the property, one from the east, one from the west. The whole property consists of impassable wetland, so it is essentially self-managing. The reserve is located in Brock Township approximately 15 kilometres east of the Uxbridge Creek.
Members may obtain further information including a detailed species list by purchasing our booklet—A Guide to the Toronto Field Naturalists’ Nature Reserves available from the TFN office.
View Photos of the Nature Reserves
Photos of the nature reserves are in our Photo Gallery.