RRCA Creating Native Plant Demonstration Site with Support from TD

A growing attraction at Gray’s Creek Conservation Area will let guests learn about eastern Ontario’s botanical diversity. Thanks to support from the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF), the Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) has established a native plant demonstration site featuring a variety of species.

“Our region is home to so many fascinating plants; we’re very excited to be grouping so many of them together in one spot for the benefit of our Conservation Area’s visitors,” says RRCA Public Information Coordinator, Claudia Munafo, who coordinated the project. “We consulted experts, including our Indigenous partners from the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s Environment Program, to decide which species to plant, including boneset, wild ginger, snowberry, mitrewort, self-heal, fox sedge, and more.”

The project features interpretive signage with species identification featuring common names in English, French, and Mohawk; scientific names; and QR codes for further information.    

“TD is thrilled to support further educational enhancements to this publicly accessible Conservation Area,” says local TD Branch Manager, Mike Duval. “This project complements other initiatives we have supported at Gray’s Creek in the past, such as an edible forest demonstration site and a self-guided arboretum tour.”

There are currently 23 species newly planted at the site, with more to come: with TD FEF’s support, the RRCA will be expanding the size of the project and bringing the plant diversity to 55 species by next spring.

“As the trees, shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers grow in size and number, we invite everyone to visit Gray’s Creek Conservation Area and learn about the important roles native plants continue to play for our communities and the health and resilience of our local watersheds,” adds Munafo.

Sitting on the boundary between Cornwall and South Glengarry at 18045 County Road 2, Gray’s Creek Conservation Area provides over 100,000 visitors each year with free access to nature trails, a park and picnic area, educational opportunities, and more. The new demonstration site is found in the grounds surrounding the RRCA administration building and is accessible from the adjacent public bicycle path. For more information visit rrca.on.ca or contact (613) 938-3611 or [email protected].