Backus Woods in one of the highest quality old growth hardwood forests in all of Ontario and the best remaining example in the Carolinian Life Zone.
The Carolinian Life Zone comprises less than a quarter of one per cent of the country’s landmass, but is home to 25% of Canada’s species at risk; several occur in Backus Woods. Prothonotary warblers nest in deep wooded swamps, Jefferson’s Salamanders breed in vernal pools, and woodland voles forage in runways below the litter. In addition, some of the oldest living trees in Ontario are found here, including Black Gums that may have been seedlings when Jacques Cartier sailed into the Gulf of St. Lawrence in 1534. Tulip trees, the tallest growing trees east of the Rocky Mountains, shoot 35 metres straight up and through the canopy of maple, oak, pine and hickory.
Maintained walking trails guide you through numerous habitats such as dry forested ridge, wet slough, buttonbush swamp and floodplain.
WARNING:
Motorists should not drive or park on an unmaintained road such as 4th Concession Road, and if they do, they do so at their own risk.
Vehicle parking for Backus Woods trails is designated at these sites:
- Hwy 24 west of East Quarter Line Road
- 3rd Concession Road west of East Quarter Line Road
Availability:
The trails are open year-round and are ideal for hiking in spring and fall and cross country skiing in winter. There is no hunting allowed in Backus Woods.
Organization:
Nature Conservancy of Canada
Address:
PO Box 520, Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0
Contact Name:
Wendy Cridland
Email:
wendy.cridland@natureconservancy.ca
Additional information:
Backus Woods is owned and managed by the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC). The NCC purchased the 875-acre property in 2011 from the Long Point Region Conservation Authority. This acquisition was made possible thanks to the W. Garfield Weston Foundation.
