T h i s b r o c h u r e w a s w r i t t e n a n d c r e a t e d b y :

!!!J u s t i n B a r k e r

B r e t t e B r e z y n s k i e M a d e l e i n e B r o w n

V a n e s s a C e s t a K e n d r a C h a r e s t - F r e n c h

A m y C h e n L a u r a C l a y s o n

L a u r e n D a l y J e n n a D i M a r c o

A l i s o n E l l i o t S a i r a F a r u q

E d e n G r a h a m K r i s t e n H a c k I s a b e l l a H a l l J u l i a H y l a n d

K a t e J a f f e S r i r a h u l a n M a n o h a r a n

J u l i a M c C a n n - P e p e O l i v i a M o o r e

M a t h e w M o u z a k i s C a n d a c e O i e g a r

T a m m y O u C h r i s t i a n P a v l i d i s

J e s s e R a y m o n d J u s t i n e R i c k e t t s

R o c h e l l e R o d r i g o C o l l e e n T h o r n l e y

N i c o l e W a s h u c k E l i z a b e t h W h i s t a n c e - S m i t h

C A W T H R A W O O D S Interpretive Hike

Think global, act local. Taking this saying to heart, grade 11 environmental science students from Cawthra Park Secondary School visited Cawthra Woods. Their goal was to create an interpretive hike through the woods for Cawthra’s grade nine science students. Through the creation of this interpretive hike, the grade elevens learned about their environment close to home so that later on they could take what was learned and apply it to global environmental challenges. Each stop along this trail has been designed and written by a different group of grade 11 students. Big changes are made one step at a time. Cawthra students have taken the first step. Ms. McLeod’s environmental science class hopes you enjoy your walk.

C O N T E N T S !Map of Cawthra Woods

Page 4 !Activities

Page 5 !Jefferson Salamanders

Page 6 !Birds

Page 7 !Animals

Page 8 !Vernal Ponds

Page 9 ! Jewelweed

Page 10 !English Ivy

Page 11 !History of Cawthra Elliot

Estate Page 12 !

Urban Forest Management Page 13 !

Historic Gardens & Buildings Page 14 !

Mayapple Page 15 !

Trilliums Page 16 !

Decomposers Page 17 !Sources Page 18 !

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INNOVATE

When you think of technology, science and city life in general, a successful, innovative and healthy society is what usually comes to mind. Unfortunately, new research regarding a condition called Nature Deficit Disorder paints our modern-day societies in a different light. In fact, our technology-driven lifestyles may be the cause of many mental and physical health problems, including obesity, anxiety, depression and attention deficit disorder. Although today’s leading doctors and scientists are continuously developing medical treatments for these conditions, the solution may be right in our own backyards. !!IMAGINE

Nature deficit disorder is a condition that develops in humans, usually children, due to a lack of exposure to nature. Children’s attention spans, performance in school, mental health and overall wellbeing can be directly affected by the amount of time they spend in nature. The Nature Network states that “as of 2008, for the first time in human history, more people live in cities than in the countryside. The barrier [to spending time in nature] is not the city, but the absence of nature in the city.” They add that, “Parental fear is the number one cause of children’s isolation from nature,”�which likely stems from the media’s inaccurate portrayal of nature being a dangerous, unsafe or unpredictable place. It is time to teach people that the real danger lies in spending too little time in nature. !!INFLUENCE

Being in nature is proven to lower levels of stress and anxiety. Additionally, it boosts self-esteem and overall confidence and creativity. Time spent in natural settings helps make children more socially, environmentally and politically aware. It is human nature to enjoy and want to be in nature since our ancestors lived in more natural environments. Many people have difficulty adapting to our modern-day stressful lifestyles – spending more time surrounded by nature could help them cope. Many cultures have religious or spiritual connections with nature; reconnecting with nature improves every aspect of the mind, body, and spirit, even for people who do not identify with a religion. !!INVOLVE

Cawthra Woods is a fantastic resource that can help us to conquer Nature Deficit Disorder. Not only is it located within the city of Mississauga, it is free to visit! The Cawthra Woods are very easy to navigate—all you have to do is stay on the wood-chipped trails. Staying inside for long periods of time has a negative impact on all aspects of our wellbeing. Do something good for your mental and physical health –�get into nature, visit the Cawthra Woods today!

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N O T E S

Works Cited

!"Ohio Birds and Biodiversity." Fairy Shrimp -. Web. 11 Sept. 2014. <http://jimmccormac.blogspot.ca/2011/03/fairy-

shrimp.html>.

"Ontario's Biodiversity: Species at Risk." Ontario's Biodiversity: Species at Risk. Web. 11 Sept. 2014. <http://

www.rom.on.ca/ontario/risk.php?doc_type=fact& id=154>.

"Stock Photos | Royalty Free | Royalty Free Photos." Kids playing in the forest [13ddl2267rf] > > Visualphotos.com.

Web. 11 Sept. 2014. <http://www.visualphotos.com/image/2x4545975/

kids_playing_in_the_forest>.

Thompson, John. "ecological succession (biology)." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica,

Web. 11 Sept. 2014. <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/178264/ecological-succession.>.

"What Do Garter Snakes Eat?." What Do Garter Snakes Eat?. Web. 11 Sept. 2014. <http://diet.yukozimo.com/what-

do-garter-snakes-eat/>.

"What Is Nature Deficit Disorder?." thecrwn.org. Web. 11 Sept. 2014. <http://www.thecrwn.org/nature-deficit-

disorder/>.

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NATURE SCAVENGER HUNT

Look out for these lovely aspects of the Cawthra Woods as you walk. When you find something, check it off on the list below. Make sure to stay on the trail and leave everything in its rightful place. You don’t want to disrupt the ecosystem in which all sorts of organisms thrive. !○ 5 new trees planted by the city ○ A tree that fell naturally ○ A tree that has been cut down ○ Jewelweed ○ Mayapples ○ The Cawthra Family Estate ○ A Vernal Pond ○ A crumbling brick wall ○ Acorns !!!!!!

CRITTER PICS

Try and take a picture of every animal or insect on the list below. Be sure not to touch any of them or disrupt their environment! !!○ A spider

○ Jefferson Salamander

○ Mosquito

○ Japanese Beetle

○ Squirrel

○ Red-tail Hawk

○ Bee or Wasp

○ Raccoon

○ Coyote

○ Fox

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S T A T I O N # 1

A C T I V I T I E S F O R F A M I L I E S

More and more children are spending most of their time inside and do not play outside as much as

previous generations did. It is important that we help kids to stay healthy by enjoying time spent in

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S T A T I O N # 2

J E F F E R S O N S A L A M A N D E R The Jefferson salamander is a blackish-grey amphibian with blue spots. It can grow up to 21 centimetres in length. These animals are found in woodland and swampy habitats among forests, such as Cawthra Bush. They live on the floor of the woods and underground in burrows. Unfortunately, the salamanders have had to be listed as a federally and nationally threatened species due to urbanization and development in Ontario. Today, the population of these amphibians is scarce. We are lucky enough to have these salamanders in Cawthra Woods, although it would be rare to spot one because they spend their time underground and are nocturnal. Salamanders are most active on rainy days, as their food source - worms and insects - are most accessible during this weather. The breeding habits of the Jefferson salamander occur in late March, so a hike out to Cawthra Woods on a warm, humid night might lead you to see one. If you find a Jefferson salamander anywhere on your own property you could qualify for “stewardship programs”�that help you to support this species. Ontario’s Endangered Species Act states that, “the killing, capturing or selling of these salamanders is prohibited”. Canada is doing its best to help protect and sustain these beautiful creatures - you can help by keeping yourself and any pets on the official trails while visiting Cawthra Woods and by avoiding walking on or moving fallen logs and leaves on the forest floor.

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Works Cited

"Impatiens capensis (Spotted Touch-me-not)." Prairie Moon Nursery. Web. 11 Sept. 2014. <http://

www.prairiemoon.com/seeds/wildflowers-forbs/impatiens-capensis-spotted-touch-me-not.html>.

"Jefferson Salamander." Earth Rangers Wild Wire Blog RSS. Web. 11 Sept. 2014. <http://www.earthrangers.com/

wildwire/bbtw_updates/jefferson-salamander/>.

"Jefferson Salamander(Ambystoma jeffersonianum)." Reptiles and Amphibians of Ontario. Web. 11 Sept. 2014.

<http://www.ontarionature.org/protect/species/reptiles_and_amphibians/jefferson_salamander.php>.

"Jefferson salamander." Ontario.ca. Web. 11 Sept. 2014. <http://www.ontario.ca/environment-and-energy/jefferson-

salamander>.

"Jewelweed Impatiens capensis." Medicinal Plants of the Northeast. Web. 11 Sept. 2014. <http://

www.bio.brandeis.edu/fieldbio/medicinal_plants/pages/Jewelweed.htm>.

"Jewelweed Uses, Benefits & Dosage - Drugs.com Herbal Database." Drugs.com. Web. 11 Sept. 2014. <http://

www.drugs.com/npp/jewelweed.html>.

"Mississauga.ca - City Hall - The Emerald Ash Borer." Mississauga.ca - City Hall - The Emerald Ash Borer. Web. 11

Sept. 2014. <http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/cityhall/emeraldashborer>.

"Mississauga.ca - Residents - Urban Forestry." Mississauga.ca - Residents - Urban Forestry. Web. 11 Sept. 2014.

<http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/residents/urbanforestry?

paf_gear_id=9700018&itemId=9100034>.

"Mississauga.ca - Residents - Urban Forestry." Mississauga.ca - Residents - Urban Forestry. Web. 11 Sept. 2014.

<http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/residents/urbanforestry?

paf_gear_id=9700018&itemId=9100034>.

"Native #5: SPOTTED JEWELWEEDImpatiens capensis." Operation Rubythroat. Web. 11 Sept. 2014. <http://

www.rubythroat.org/JewelweedSpottedMain.html>.

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Works Cited

"Animal facts." Raccoon Facts Sheet. Web. 11 Sept. 2014. <http: www.canadiangeographic.ca/kids/animal-facts/

raccoon.asp>.

"Animal facts." Common garter snake Facts Sheet. Web. 11 Sept. 2014. <http://www.canadiangeographic.ca/kids/

animal-facts/common_garter_snake.asp>.

"Architecture of the United States." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 9 Feb. 2014. Web. 11 Sept 2014.

<http:en.wikipedia.orgwiki Architecture_of_the_ United_States>.

"BRING DOWN THE BARRIERS! Five Causes of Nature-Deficit Disorder; Five Challenges for the New Nature

Movement." The New Nature Movement RSS. Web. 11 Sept. 2014. <http://

blog.childrenandnature.org/2013/08/31/bring-down-the-barriers-five-major-reasons-for-the-

disconnection-of-children-and-adults-from-the-rest-of-nature/>.

"Canadian Biodiversity: Species: Amphibians and reptiles: Jefferson Salamander." Canadian Biodiversity: Species:

Amphibians and reptiles: Jefferson Salamander. Web. 11Sept. 2014. <http://

canadianbiodiversity.mcgill.ca/english/species/herps/herppages/Amb_jef.htm>.

"Ecological succession." ScienceDaily. Web. 11 Sept. 2014. <http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/e/

ecological_succession.htm>.

"GAP Photos - Garden & Plant Picture Library - Children playing in forest - GAP Photos - Specialising in

horticultural photography." GAP Photos - Garden & Plant Picture Library - Children playing in

forest - GAP Photos - Specialising in horticultural photography. Web. 11 Sept. 2014. <http://

www.gapphotos.com/imagedetails.asp?imageno=238216>.

"Hedera helix." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 9 Mar. 2014. Web. 11 Sept. 2014. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/

Hedera_helix>.

"Heritage Mississauga - Cawthra-Elliot, Grace & Harry." Heritage Mississauga - Cawthra-Elliot, Grace & Harry.

Web. 11 Sept. 2014. <http://www.heritagemississauga.com/page/Grace-Harry-Cawthra-Elliot>.

"Images." animalspot.net. Web. 11 Sept. 2014. <http://www.animalspot.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Jefferson-

Salamander.jpg>.

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S T A T I O N # 3

B I R D S The Cawthra Woods are home to many bird species, including both omnivores and carnivores. One of the carnivorous birds found in Cawthra Woods is the red tailed hawk (Fig. 1). The red tailed hawk is one of North America’s most common hawks. These birds can be found all across North America. Red tailed hawks are known for their brick-red coloured tails; which is where the name originates. These hawks prefer open areas, such as fields or deserts, with high places nearby from which they can spot food. These birds are adaptable and also live in mountains and tropical rain forests. These birds eat things like mice, ground squirrels, rabbits, reptiles, and other prey.

There are many omnivorous birds that live in the Cawthra woods as well. These birds include but are not limited to woodpeckers, grey jays, and robins. Robins (Fig. 2) are the most common species to be seen in this area. They enjoy living in the tall trees away from ground animals so they can rest and mate in peace. Robins mate either in the early spring or late fall. They love to live in this area because of the swamp-like environment, which makes it easy for the birds to feed on worms, insects and berries.

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Fig. 1 Fig. 2

S T A T I O N # 4

L A N D A N I M A L S THE RACCOON

The scientific name for a raccoon is Procyon Lotor. Its body is usually grey, ranging from black and white patterns to a mix of both. In the spring, it sheds its fur for about 3 months. Male raccoons are larger than females and they live in swamps, forests, marshes, farmland and sometimes in the city. Raccoons are omnivores, meaning that they consume meat and plants. Berries, nuts, grains, insects, eggs, squirrels, birds, small snakes, frogs, and fish are part of their diet. In Canada, they are found in northern Alberta, B.C, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. Raccoons are highly skilled at swimming and climbing. They use their paws to capture fish, to steal eggs and to pick fruit. In the city, raccoons don’t have as many options for food resources as in the wild. They will go to the extreme of eating waste from dumpsters, garbage cans, and may even eat road kill. In Cawthra Woods, you will find them deeper in the forest, away from open paths. The lifespan on a healthy raccoon is about five years. !

!!!COMMON GARTER SNAKE

The scientific name for a common garter snake is Thamnophis Sirtalis. They usually have three stripes on their back. The stripes can be blue, green, white or yellow. Some have dark spots on their back, and some have no pattern at all. The snakes’ tongues are a very important tool for them. They use them to sense chemicals in the air and find their next meal. They hibernate from late October to April. The mating process begins right after hibernation. The common garter snake’s habitat is almost every environment besides water. They are commonly found in forests, fields, and even in backyards! Because they are able to live in almost every type of environment, they are the most widespread snake in North America. They feed on fish, worms, salamanders, frogs, spiders, and sometimes mice. Their predators include raccoons, bears, skunks, and coyotes. Garter snakes have very good vision, agility and an excellent sense of smell. In the Cawthra Woods, you’ll find them just about anywhere, especially when they bask in the sun to warm themselves up.

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Fig. 3 Fig. 4

S T A T I O N # 1 3

D E C O M P O S E R S At this stop, you will see trees lying on the ground. If you return in many years the logs will be completely gone. That is the work decomposers. A decomposer is an organism that breaks down dead or decaying plants and animals. Decomposers include fungus and bacteria. !TURKEY TAILS

The Turkey tail (Fig. 13) is a decomposing fungus that usually grows on logs. It is recognizable by its fan shape and distinct colours, which include white, brown, reddish brown and grey. You will often see them stacked together or in layers. !BIRCH POLYPORE

Birch polypore (Fig. 14) looks like the mushrooms you are used to seeing in the grocery store, but without the stem. You can observe it poking out of trees, shaped like a horseshoe. It is white or light brown in colour. !WHY IS FUNGUS NOT LIKE OTHER PLANTS?

Fungus may look like a plant but it’s actually from a completely different kingdom. Fungi have more in common with animals than they do with plants. While plants make their own food using sunlight, fungi have to ‘eat’�their food like we do. They slowly absorb their food from other organisms around them, such as decaying trees. !BACTERIA

You can’t see bacteria with the naked eye (Fig. 15), but they are always working away at breaking down organic matter. Although small, they are very powerful and are an important part of the ecosystem. Without bacteria, there would be an overwhelming number of dead trees, plants and animals lying around and no room for new ones to thrive. !!!!!!!

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Fig. 13: You will be able to see turkey tail on logs lying next to the path.

Fig. 14: Birch Polypore can be found on trees in Cawthra Woods

Fig. 15: Bacteria…the silent decomposer

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If you love a flower, don’t pick it up, because if you pick it up it dies and it ceases to be what you love. So if you love a flower, let it be. Love is not about possession. Love is about appreciation. !

- Osho

S T A T I O N # 1 2

T H E W H I T E T R I L L I U M

Flower The White Trillium (Trillium Grandiflorum) is a member of the Lily family. It is a Woodland Wildflower, which blooms between spring and early summer. It has a large, white, 3-petal bloom that’s 2-4 inches across. White trilliums grow 12 to 18 inches tall and 6 to 12 inches across, and are a Perennial Flower, which means they return year after year. !Growth An early-blooming perennial, white trillium has a short growing season. New shoots emerge from the soil in early to mid-spring as soon as the soil warms, and the plants reach their mature height by mid-spring. This early start allows them to receive sunlight before the tall trees leaf out and shade the forest floor. The flowers bloom in mid- to late

spring and, in mid-summer, white trillium goes dormant and back into the ground until the following spring. !Origin Of Species The White Trillium is a native plant throughout eastern North America, from northern Quebec to the southern US. !Cultural Usage The Trillium Grandiflorum was designated as the provincial floral emblem of Ontario in 1937. It is frequently used by the Canadian Heraldic Authority to represent Ontario in coats of arms. !We ask that you leave these wild flowers alone and do not pick them (take a picture instead) so that the next visitor can enjoy the flowers too. Remember that this is a protected area owned by the City of Mississauga.

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S T A T I O N # 5

V E R N A L P O N D S The depression just to the side of this path in Cawthra Woods is called a vernal pond. Depending on the time of year that you are visiting there may or may not be any water in it. Vernal ponds (Fig. 8) are temporary bodies of fresh water that exist only in the springtime in Cawthra Bush. Vernal ponds fill up in the spring after the snow melts. With their brief appearance, vernal ponds help to sustain some of the Cawthra Bush’s most interesting animals. Vernal pond inhabitants include toads, the Jefferson salamander, chimney building crayfish (Fig. 5), fairy shrimp (Fig. 7), and many other aquatic and semi-aquatic species. The extraordinary chimney building crayfish can survive on dry land for part of the year, but in the off-season of the vernal ponds, they burrow many feet down to hit the water that lies under the Cawthra Bush. The Cawthra Bush is the only known forest habitat (Fig. 6) of the chimney building crayfish ever recorded. Due to loss of habitat, the crayfish are becoming an incredibly rare sight in Ontario. Commonly sold in pet stores as sea monkeys, fairy shrimp call the vernal ponds of Cawthra Bush home. These microscopic shrimp lay eggs that are able to dry during the off season of the vernal ponds and still be fertile for hatching when the vernal ponds fill up in the spring. This is also why they can be sold in pet stores as their eggs can be dried and stored.

Fig. 5 Fig. 6

Fig. 7 Fig. 8

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S T A T I O N # 6

T O U C H - M E - N O T Impatiens Capensis, also known as Orange Spotted Jewelweed or Touch-Me-Nots, have been in Canada for centuries and flourish in shaded wetlands and wooded areas like the Cawthra Woods. Jewelweed can be identified by its colourful orange and red-speckled blooms. It grows in thick clumps with bright green leaves. It can grow to be approximately 23-59 inches in height. Jewelweed sap has been used by the Native Americans as a remedy for poison ivy rash - the plant was crushed and then applied as a salve. It has also been used in other countries such as Japan and China to promote blood flow, dim joint pains, lessen bruising and swelling and also as an antidote for fish poisoning. Jewelweed is also called “Touch-me-not” because its fruit will explode at the slightest touch; releasing the seeds. If you see any large seed pods on the plants beside the path, try gently touching them to see if they’ll burst. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are also attracted to the orange flowers of spotted jewelweed.

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S T A T I O N # 1 1

M A Y A P P L E The Mayapple is a perennial plant that is part of the barberry genus. The Mayapple is nicknamed, “the umbrella plant”�because of its large, deep cut leaves. It is also known as "duck's foot" because of its Y-shaped stem. This plant mainly thrives in shady forest environments, but can also be found in open fields. The Mayapple is native to Canada and is one of the first plants to blossom in the springtime, bearing a single white flower and a single yellow fruit. The ripe fruit is clear yellow, with translucent pulp and a jelly-like texture. The berry itself should be ready to fall to the ground when it is ripe. A ripe berry has a sweet, but mildly acidic flavour that can be compared to the tastes of papayas, strawberries and cantaloupes. The juice of the ripe fruits is edible, however, it is not recommended that you eat Mayapples because both the seeds and skin are poisonous (they contain a toxin called podophyllotoxin). The roots of the Mayapple are the most toxic part of the plant and can cause dermatitis among other skin issues on contact. Although the podophyllotoxin in Mayapple plants can cause these illnesses, semi-synthetic derivatives of it are also used medicinally as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and various types of cancer when issued by trained medical professionals in the proper dosages.

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S T A T I O N # 1 0

H I S T O R I C G A R D E N S A N D B U I L D I N G S STYLE AND ARCHITECTURE

The Cawthra Estate was designed to allow for the cultured and elegant lifestyle of its inhabitants. The home was designed by architect W.L. Somerville, and is in the Post-World War One Georgian Revivalist style, designed with the older cottages of England in mind. Landscape architect, Edwin Kay, designed the surrounding gardens and landscaping. The house was originally landscaped with two main formal gardens: a pond edged by a stone wall, a walled garden, a rock garden, a brick gazebo, a greenhouse, screened in summer house, and an orchard as well as other subtle landscaping around the property. Today, many of these features have disappeared altogether as they have not been maintained. !ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION

Ecological Succession refers to the changes in an ecosystem in which there is a progressive replacement of one species by another. The gardens of the Cawthra-Elliot estate are an example of Secondary Succession, as wild plants reclaim land once cleared for formal gardens and ponds. The ecosystem is continually changing, and becoming more similar to the way it was before 1926. If you look in among the trees beyond the trail at this stop you will see a crumbling brick wall. This is all that remains of the family’s walled garden. Through many years of succession, the native plants have reclaimed this space.

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English Ivy grows in 2 stages: Juvenile Stage (Fig. 9) - The climbing/spreading stage - Produces thick, 3-5 lobed, dark green leaves - Non-flowering stems

S T A T I O N # 7

E N G L I S H I V Y Hedera Helix, commonly called English Ivy, is a species of flowering plant generally found in home gardens, waste spaces, and growing on house walls and tree trunks. This invasive species originated in Europe and western Asia, and is a vigorous, aggressive and fast-growing evergreen vine. It can grow from 30-50 meters in length. The leaves of English Ivy range from 4-10 centimetres long, and have a glossy, leathery texture. These plants also have a greenish-yellow flower that appears in late summer and lasts until late autumn. The fruit of the plant, appearing in late winter, develop from purple-black to orange-yellow in colour, and are very important for many bird species but poisonous for humans. !What makes this species “invasive”�is its rapid, vigorous growth. As a vine, English Ivy can engulf entire shrubs and trees, which may then die because their leaves don’t receive enough light. The utter weight of the ivy is also detrimental to the health of plants covered by it, as this makes them more susceptible to diseases or blow downs. We recommend that people who live near forests not grow English Ivy so it does not invade the forest.

Adult Stage (Fig. 10) - Shrubbery, non-climbing stage - Lobeless, elliptic-ovate, dark green leaves produce on rootless stems - Develop clusters of greenish-yellow flowers, followed by purple-black berries

Fig. 10

Fig. 9

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The Cawthra Estate, located at the southeast corner of Cawthra Road and the Queen Elizabeth Way, has a long history dating back to 1808 when the Cawthra family settled here. By the 1920’s the land had passed through many generations of the Cawthra family, but finally was in the possession of Grace Cawthra (1926), daughter of Henry Cawthra (1873), a wealthy Toronto entrepreneur. In 1926, Grace Cawthra-Elliot had built the existing estate house, extensive gardens, walled garden, and various outbuildings, as a home for herself and newlywed husband, Major-General Harry Cawthra-Elliot. In 1947 a fire in the east wing of the house caused severe damage and much of this area of the house was rebuilt. Two years later Harry Cawthra-Elliot died of complications from pneumonia. From then on, the house and grounds slowly began to decay. In 1974 Grace Cawthra-Elliot passed away, some people believe that the house may be haunted by the presence of her spirit. After her death, the estate, for which there were no heirs, was bought by the City of Mississauga. For years the city was in a debate with the community on what to do with the historic site. Many options were put on the table such as high-rise buildings, schools and a Royal Conservatory of Music examination facility. Blyth Academy has now opened their second campus, within the historic Cawthra Estate. The school and the city of Mississauga are now working to preserve the estate and keep it in the condition that the Cawthra-Elliot family left it in.

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S T A T I O N # 8

T H E C A W T H R A E L L I O T E S T A T E

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S T A T I O N # 9

U R B A N F O R E S T M A N A G E M E N T Ash trees in the Cawthra Woods are being cut down due to an invasive species of insect from Asia called the Emerald Ash Borer. The Emerald Ash Borer is cutting off the trees’�water supply. These trees are part of many of the local animal’s habitat. The disturbance to their natural ecosystems is having a huge impact. Already in Ontario, over 20,000 Ash trees have had to be cut down. As if the destruction of all these trees wasn’t bad enough, it costs roughly $700 to cut down one Ash tree. !Spray paint of various colours is used in forest management to communicate what needs to be done to a tree. An orange “X”�on the trunk of the tree (Figure 11) means it should be cut down. However, they can also spray the tree with an “O”�to represent that the tree can be treated. Green spray paint means that the branches of that specific tree need to be cut down. Yellow spray paint means that pesticide has been sprayed on that tree for a certain type of insect. !To report any actions that you feel need to be taken by the City of Mississauaga in regards to trees, please call 3-1-1. If you are outside of Mississauga, please call 905-615-4311. !THANK YOU AND HAPPY HIKING!

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Fig. 11: Ash tree marked with spray paint to be cut down

Fig. 12: Ash trees cut down