bramalea - countryside 1 - brampton · south park (city of brampton, 2010). surrounding land use is...

BRAMALEA - COUNTRYSIDE 1

Region of Peel NAI Area # 2233, 2240 Toronto and Region Conservation Authority

City of Brampton

Size: 15 hectares Watershed: Humber River

Con 5 E, Lots 15, 16 Ownership: 100% public (City of

Brampton)

Subwatershed: West Humber River

General Summary This natural area consists of a variety of wetlands and treed communities on the valley slopes along a tributary stream corridor of the West Humber River, known locally as Campbell's Cross Creek (Kilmanagh Creek). There are also regenerating cultural meadow and woodland communities and two large cultural savannah communities along the valley rim. Although not large, this natural area contains a relatively high diversity of habitat types, breeding bird species and plant species. For an urban valley site, this area supports many plant species that are TRCA regional Species of Urban Conservation Concern and area-sensitive grassland birds. TRCA ELC surveyors, botanists and ornithologists have provided complete data coverage for the core NAI inventories (vegetation communities, plant species, breeding birds) plus incidental observations of other fauna over the delineated area (Table 1). TRCA ecologists have also surveyed frog species in this area. However, the species lists have been collected across other similar natural areas nearby (including AIRPORT – COUNTRYSIDE, NAI #2274/2557/2647 and GOREWAY – CASTLEMORE, NAI #2161/2209/2212/2215/2221/2222/2223/2224/2226/ 2229/2231/2232/2234/2357/2533/2536/2542/2640/2645), so some species listed may be absent at this site, although present nearby. Table 1: TRCA Field Visits Visit Date Inventory Type 26 Oct. 2001 ELC, Flora 29 Oct. 2001 ELC, Flora

Physical Features This area is in the South Slope physiographic region; characterized by low-lying ground moraines. Soils of this region tend to be clay loams with pore sizes between soil particles so small that flow of groundwater to aquifers is slow. Most of this natural area is within a shallow valley carved from the surrounding plain by a tributary of the West Humber River. The stream and its associated wetlands are the central hydrological feature of this natural area. The valley bottom is flat and a riparian zone extends along both sides of the stream. Human History The nearby community of Tullamore, located at the crossroads of Airport Rd. and Mayfield Rd., was settled in the 1820’s and was named by an early settler after his former home in Ireland. In its heyday it was the county seat and expected to continue expanding. However, the routing of a railroad through Brampton rather than Tullamore caused its trade to decline. Instead of developing into a major centre, this area remained predominantly agricultural (Caledon Public Library, 2009). The Hawthorn (Crategus sp.) -dominated communities in this natural area suggest past grazing use.

Date of this Site Summary: October 2011


The valleylands of this natural area constitute Father Tobin Valley North Park and Father Tobin Valley South Park (City of Brampton, 2010). Surrounding land use is predominantly residential that extends to the edge of the valley corridor. The single-family housing development with manicured lots provides little additional wildlife habitat. This area of Brampton was developed over the last decade with most of the land previously being farmed (Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, 2008). This natural area is immediately south of the Countryside Villages Secondary Plan, the next urban development area north across Countryside Road. There are two stormwater management ponds on the tableland beside the natural area just upstream of Father Tobin Drive. Vegetation Communities The general community types present here are treed bluff (0.1%), deciduous forest (20%), mixed forest (19%), meadow marsh (0.7%), shallow marsh (1%), coniferous swamp (5%), deciduous swamp (3%), mixed swamp (12%), thicket swamp (3%), floating-leaved shallow aquatic (0.3%), cultural meadow (7%), cultural savannah (26%) and cultural woodland (2%). Twenty-two plant communities were mapped for this area, comprised of 18 different vegetation types, none of which are provincially rare (Table 2). Two of the communities are considered to be TRCA regional Communities of Conservation Concern: Deciduous Treed Bluff (BLT1-B, L-rank L3) and White Cedar Organic Coniferous Swamp (SWC3-1, L-rank L3). An additional nine community types present here are considered to be TRCA regional Communities of Urban Conservation Concern: Dry-Fresh Sugar Maple - Hickory Deciduous Forest (FOD5-5, L-rank L4), Fresh-Moist White Cedar - Sugar Maple Mixed Forest (FOM7-1, L-rank L4), Fresh-Moist White Cedar - Hardwood Mixed Forest (FOM7-2, L-rank L4), Narrow-leaved Sedge Mineral Meadow Marsh (MAM2-5, L-rank L4), Willow Mineral Deciduous Swamp (SWD4-1, L-rank L4), White Cedar - Hardwood Mineral Mixed Swamp (SWM1-1, L-rank L4), Alder Mineral Thicket Swamp (SWT2-1, L-rank L4), Willow Mineral Thicket Swamp (SWT2-2, L-rank L4) and Duckweed Floating-leaved Shallow Aquatic (SAF1-3, L-rank L4). Two of the communities, of one type, were classified only to the ecosite level. Table 2: ELC Vegetation Communities Map reference *

Vegetation type Size in hectares

% of natural area

BLT1-B Deciduous Treed Bluff 0.02 0.13 FOD4-H Dry-Fresh Hawthorn - Apple Deciduous Forest 0.79 5.32 FOD5-5 Dry-Fresh Sugar Maple - Hickory Deciduous Forest 0.47 3.16 FOD7-3 Fresh-Moist Willow Lowland Deciduous Forest

(2 communities) 1.76

11.84 FOM7-1 Fresh-Moist White Cedar - Sugar Maple Mixed Forest 0.77 5.18 FOM7-2 Fresh-Moist White Cedar - Hardwood Mixed Forest

(2 communities) 2.1

14.13 MAM2-5 Narrow-leaved Sedge Mineral Meadow Marsh 0.05 0.34 MAM2-10 Forb Mineral Meadow Marsh 0.05 0.34 MAS2-1B Narrow-Leaved Cattail Mineral Shallow Marsh 0.2 1.35 SWC3-1 White Cedar Organic Coniferous Swamp 0.74 4.98 SWD4-1 Willow Mineral Deciduous Swamp 0.49 3.30 SWM1-1 White Cedar - Hardwood Mineral Mixed Swamp 1.85 12.45 SWT2-1 Alder Mineral Thicket Swamp 0.43 2.89 SWT2-2 Willow Mineral Thicket Swamp 0.04 0.27



SAF1-3 Duckweed Floating-leaved Shallow Aquatic 0.04 0.27 CUM1 Mineral Cultural Meadow Ecosite (2 communities) 0.97 6.53 CUS1-1 Hawthorn Cultural Savannah (2 communities) 3.84 25.84 CUW1-A Native Cultural Woodland 0.25 1.68 TOTAL AREA INVENTORIED 14.86

* Note: The map reference code refers to the vegetation type shown on mapping for this area and also to the Appendix list of species typically encountered in this vegetation type. Species Presence Vascular Plants A total of 149 species of vascular plants are present, of which 109 (73%) are native. One species, Hybrid Toothwort (Cardamine x maxima, S-rank S2S3) is provincially rare. Eleven regionally rare species are present (Table 4). Nineteen of the species are TRCA regional Species of Conservation Concern and an additional 26 species are TRCA regional Species of Urban Conservation Concern (Table 4). Breeding Birds Breeding bird diversity is high in this area. A total of 55 species of breeding birds occur in this natural area, of which 52 (95%) are native. Two of these are Species At Risk (Table 3). Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) and Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) are both Threatened nationally. Four of the breeding bird species present are TRCA regional Species of Conservation Concern and an additional 25 species are TRCA regional Species of Urban Conservation Concern (Table 4). Four species of colonial-nesting birds, namely Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia), Barn Swallow, Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) and Green Heron (Butorides virescens), occur here. Two species of area-sensitive forest interior birds, Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) and Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) and one wetland-nesting bird species, Wilson’s Snipe (Gallinago gallinago), are present. This area supports seven species of grassland birds, namely Eastern Meadowlark, Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla), Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis), Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus), Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris), Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) and Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii). Two of these grassland bird species (Eastern Meadowlark and Savannah Sparrow) are area-sensitive. Herpetofauna Three frog/toad species occur in wetlands of this natural area. All are native. The Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica) is a TRCA regional Species of Conservation Concern and the other two frog species are TRCA regional Species of Urban Conservation Concern (Table 4). Mammals Nine mammal species occur at this site, recorded as incidental observations, all of which are native. One of these mammal species is a TRCA regional Species of Conservation Concern and four additional species are TRCA regional Species of Urban Conservation Concern (Table 4). All of the mammals observed at this site are medium-sized and commonly seen. Target inventories for other groups of mammals such as small mammals and bats would likely reveal more species. Table 3: Designated Species At Risk Scientific name Common name COSEWIC COSSARO S rank G rank BIRDS Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow THR S5B G5 Sturnella magna Eastern Meadowlark THR S5B G5



Table 4: Regionally Rare Species (shown in bold), TRCA Regional Species of Conservation Concern (L1-L3) and TRCA Regional Species of Urban Conservation Concern (L4) (Kaiser, 2001; Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, 2007) Scientific name Common name S rank G rank L-rank VASCULAR PLANTS Acorus americanus American Sweetflag S4 G5 L3 Allium tricoccum Small White Leek S5 G5 L4 Alnus incana ssp. rugosa Speckled Alder S5 G5T5 L3 Amelanchier arborea Downy Serviceberry S5 G5 L4 Anemone acutiloba Liverleaf S5 G5 L3 Angelica atropurpurea Great Angelica S5 G5 L3 Calamagrostis canadensis Canada Blue-joint S5 G5 L4 Cardamine concatenata Cutleaf Toothwort S5 G5 L3 Cardamine diphylla Two-leaf Toothwort S5 G5 L4 Cardamine x maxima Hybrid Toothwort S2S3 GNA L4 Carex aurea Golden-fruited Sedge S5 G5 L4 Carex gracillima Graceful Sedge S5 G5 L4 Carex intumescens Bladder Sedge S5 G5 L4 Carex lacustris Lake-bank Sedge S5 G5 L4 Carex laevivaginata Smooth-sheath Sedge S4 G5 L3 Carex lupulina Hop Sedge S5 G5 L3 Carex stricta Tussock Sedge S5 G5 L4 Carya cordiformis Bitter-nut Hickory S5 G5 L4 Caulophyllum giganteum Giant Blue Cohosh S4? G4G5Q L4 Ceratophyllum demersum Common Hornwort S5 G5 L3 Claytonia caroliniana Carolina Spring-beauty S5 G5 L3

Claytonia virginica Narrow-leaved Spring-beauty S5 G5 L3

Dicentra canadensis Squirrel-corn S5 G5 L3 Dryopteris cristata Crested Shield-fern S5 G5 L3 Elymus riparius River Wild-rye S4? G5 L4 Epilobium coloratum Purple-leaf Willow-herb S5 G5 L4 Fagus grandifolia American Beech S4 G5 L4 Glyceria grandis American Manna-grass S4S5 G5 L4 Heracleum lanatum Cow-parsnip S5 G5 Larix laricina American Larch S5 G5 L3 Mitella nuda Naked Miterwort S5 G5 L3 Picea glauca White Spruce S5 G5 L3 Polygonatum pubescens Downy Solomon's-seal S5 G5 L4 Polystichum acrostichoides Christmas Fern S5 G5 L3 Prunus nigra Canada Plum S4 G4G5 L3 Quercus macrocarpa Bur Oak S5 G5 L4 Quercus rubra Northern Red Oak S5 G5 L4 Ranunculus hispidus var. hispidus Bristly Buttercup S3 G5T5 Salix amygdaloides Peach-leaved Willow S5 G5 L4 Scirpus cyperinus Cottongrass Bulrush S5 G5 L3 Solidago patula Roundleaf Goldenrod S5 G5 L3 Sorbus americana American Mountain-ash S5 G5 Thuja occidentalis Eastern White Cedar S5 G5 L4

Tiarella cordifolia Heart-leaved Foam-flower S5 G5 L4

Trillium erectum Red trillium S5 G5 L4 Tsuga canadensis Eastern Hemlock S5 G4G5 L4



Typha latifolia Broad-leaf Cattail S5 G5 L4 BIRDS Scolopax minor American Woodcock S4B G5 L3 Riparia riparia Bank Swallow S4B G5 L4 Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow S5B G5 L4 Ceryle alcyon Belted Kingfisher S4B G5 L4 Petrochelidon pyrrhonota Cliff Swallow S4B G5 L4 Geothlypis trichas Common Yellowthroat S5B G5 L4 Tyrannus tyrannus Eastern Kingbird S5B G5 L4 Sturnella magna Eastern Meadowlark S5B G5 L4 Contopus virens Eastern Wood-pewee S4B G5 L4 Spizella pusilla Field Sparrow S4B G5 L4 Dumetella carolinensis Gray Catbird S5B G5 L4 Myiarcyhus crinitus Great Crested Flycatcher S4B G5 L4 Bubo virginianus Great Horned Owl S5 G5 L4 Butorides virescens Green Heron S4B G5 L4 Picoides villosus Hairy Woodpecker S5 G5 L4 Eremophila alpestris Horned Lark S5B G5 L4 Passerina cyanea Indigo Bunting S4B G5 L4 Colaptes auratus Northern Flicker S4B G5 L4 Sitta canadensis Red-breasted Nuthatch S5 G5 L4 Vireo olivaceus Red-eyed Vireo S5B G5 L4 Pheucticus ludovicianus Rose-breasted Grosbeak S4B G5 L4 Passerculus sandwichensis Savannah Sparrow S4B G5 L4 Actitis macularius Spotted Sandpiper S5B G5 L4 Tachycineta bicolor Tree Swallow S4B G5 L4 Pooecetes gramineus Vesper Sparrow S4B G5 L3 Sitta carolinensis White-breasted Nuthatch S5 G5 L4 Empidonax traillii Willow Flycatcher S5B G5 L4 Gallinago gallinago Wilson's Snipe S5B G5 L3 Hylocichla mustelina Wood Thrush S4B G5 L3 HERPETOFAUNA Bufo americanus American Toad S5 G5 L4 Rana clamitans Green Frog S5 G5 L4 Rana sylvatica Wood Frog S5 G5 L2 MAMMALS Tamias striatus Eastern Chipmunk S5 G5 L4 Sylvilagus floridanus Eastern Cottontail S5 G5 L4 Erithizon dorsatum Porcupine S5 G5 L2 Tamiasciurus hudsonicus Red Squirrel S5 G5 L4

Site Condition and Disturbances For an urban valley site, this natural area is only minimally disturbed. Much of the area is composed of swamp and other wetland communities and was not likely suitable for agricultural use. Approximately one third of the drier parts of the area appear to have been cultivated or grazed by livestock, as suggested by regenerating cultural meadow, savannah and woodland, as well as communities dominated by Hawthorn.



This general area of Brampton has experienced substantial changes in the last half-century as much of it was converted from agricultural use to residential. Although the area is rapidly urbanizing, the site still supports many species that are sensitive to urban development. The White Cedar-Sugar Maple mixed forest has moderate disturbance from past logging. There is light garbage/dumping disturbance in vegetation communities on the west side of the valley behind residences. The wetlands show fewer impact as people are less inclined to use these areas due to the wetness and because they are more central within the natural area. Some light to moderate earth displacement is evident in a savannah community and two mixed forest communities along the western valley slope. Disturbance from exotic species occurs throughout all communities of the natural area. Most of the communities are severely affected by exotic species, with invasive species widespread and even dominating some communities. Some of the wetlands are only lightly disturbed by exotics and the most central vegetation communities within the area have only light disturbance. Ecological Features and Functions With wetlands well over 0.5 ha in size, this natural area has the potential to support and sustain biodiversity, healthy ecosystem functions and to provide long-term resilience for the natural system. The riparian area provides a transitional zone between terrestrial and aquatic habitats, helping to maintain the water quality of the stream and providing a movement corridor for plants and wildlife. By containing a relatively wide variety of habitat types, this natural area supports biodiversity, particularly for species that require more than one habitat type for their life needs. The tributary valley is vegetated with natural communities (including those with a cultural history) both upstream and downstream of this site, with good connectivity across Countryside Dr. and Torbram Road. Downstream, the valley is bordered by housing developments and upstream the valley is bordered by a city-wide park with active recreational fields on the west and agricultural fields on the east (future residential). The relatively close proximity of other areas of natural habitat to this NAI area creates above-average potential for wildlife movement between natural areas of the West Humber River subwatershed, including species dispersal and recovery from disturbance, creating additional resilience for the ecosystem. A tributary of the West Humber River runs through this site and thus supports the connectivity function of the Humber River and its tributaries by providing a natural habitat corridor that facilitates the cross-regional movement of wildlife along this corridor between major provincial corridors. This area supports two bird Species At Risk, one provincially rare plant species and 11 regionally rare plant species. Four species of colonial-nesting birds, two species of area-sensitive forest interior birds and one wetland-nesting bird species occur in this area. This area also supports seven species of grassland birds, of which two are area-sensitive. This area supports amphibian breeding. Based on the above features, this area should be evaluated to determine if significant wildlife habitat is present in accordance wit the Provincial Policy Statement, Region of Peel Official Plan, and Brampton Official Plan. Opportunities The existing linkages to other natural areas up and down the valley are important and should be maintained. This also includes maintaining the condition of the natural communities under the Father Tobin Rd. bridge.



Given the extent of wetlands in this natural area, the potential exists for the stormwater management ponds to provide additional habitat for species. Naturalization of the shoreline of these ponds is encouraged and management of the ponds for wildlife, if possible, would also be beneficial. As part of the headwaters of the West Humber River, maintaining a vegetated riparian zone on each side of the stream is important in maintaining water quality, preventing erosion, and maintaining cooler water temperatures. The cultural meadows could be maintained as grasslands in order to provide habitat for grassland birds. This could be accomplished by periodic (once every 3-5 years) mowing to prevent succession of the fields to treed communities. If done, mowing should be delayed in the season until after the young of grassland-nesting birds have fledged. Additional inventories of dragonflies/damselflies, butterflies, small mammals and bats may be productive given the variety of habitat types present at this site. Literature Cited Caledon Public Library. 2009. Caledon’s History. Available at http://www.caledon.library.on.ca/ Last Accessed 18 November 2010 City of Brampton. 2010. City of Brampton – Parks Map – June 2010. Available at http://www.brampton.ca/ Last Accessed 23 November 2010. Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board. 2008. About St. Marguerite d’Youville School. Available at http://www.dpcdsb.org Last Accessed 06 April 2011. Kaiser, Jeff. 2001. The Vascular Plant Flora of the Region of Peel and the Credit River Watershed. Prepared for: Credit Valley Conservation, the Regional Municipality of Peel, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Planning, Design & Development Committee - Standing Committee of the Council of the Corporation of the City of Brampton. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. 2007. Terrestrial Natural Heritage Program Data Collection Methodology.


BRAMALEA - COUNTRYSIDE


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BRAMALEA - COUNTRYSIDE


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bramalea - countryside 1 - brampton · south park (city of brampton, 2010). surrounding land use is...

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