Claireville Conservation Area facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Claireville Conservation Area |
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West Humber River in Claireville Conservation Area
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 Claireville Conservation Area
Location in Ontario
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| Location | Brampton, Peel, Ontario, Canada |
| Area | 343 ha (850 acres) |
| Elevation | 167 m (548 ft) |
| Established | 1957 |
| Named for | Former Claireville village (present-day Claireville, Toronto) |
| Governing body | Toronto and Region Conservation Authority |
The Claireville Conservation Area is a special natural space located where Brampton meets Toronto in Ontario, Canada. It's like a big park that helps protect nature. Most of this area is actually in Brampton.
This park covers 343 hectares (that's about 848 acres) of land. It sits along the west side of the Humber River. It's one of the biggest pieces of land owned by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). Claireville has important natural features and historical sites. It also offers fun activities, tourism, and educational programs for everyone.
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What is the History of Claireville Conservation Area?
The Claireville Conservation Area was created in 1957. It was set up to build a dam and reservoir. This was needed after a huge storm called Hurricane Hazel caused a lot of damage and flooding. The dam helps control floods and keeps the area safe.
In 2003, something cool happened! HSBC Bank teamed up with the TRCA foundation. Together, 150 volunteers planted over 850 new trees and bushes. This created a new forest area of about 7.5 hectares (18.5 acres).
There's also an old farmhouse in the northern part of Claireville. It was built in the early 1900s. The TRCA has marked it as a heritage property, meaning it's historically important. They started restoring it in 2005 to keep its history alive.
What is the Landscape Like at Claireville?
Claireville Conservation Area is a favorite spot for many people. Dog owners love to walk their pets here. It's also a great place for birdwatching and for photographers who like to take pictures of wildlife.
The park has many different types of landscapes. You'll find lots of small streams and deep valleys called ravines. There are also flat plains and gentle rolling hills. These features make the forested areas even more beautiful and interesting to explore.
How Does Claireville Protect Nature?
A special plan has been made to improve the natural areas in Claireville. This plan will take several years to complete. Here are some of the things they want to do:
- Protecting Forests: They want to keep important forest areas safe and plant even more trees. This helps the forest grow stronger.
- Improving Trails: They plan to make the walking trails better and easier for people to use.
- Helping Wildlife: They will add special structures for animals. This includes nest boxes for waterfowl (like ducks) and songbirds. They'll also create brush piles for small mammals. In the water, they'll add stumps, logs, and rocks to create homes for different types of fish.
What Animals Live in Claireville Conservation Area?
The park is home to many different animals. You might see an eastern coyote, wood duck, or even a deer. Other animals include muskrats and common garter snakes. The park's varied landscape offers many great spots to watch these animals.
What Birds Can You See?
Dozens of different bird species can be seen in Claireville. Some birds use the park as a resting stop when they are migrating (traveling long distances). Others choose the park as a place to build their nests and raise their young.
Birds in Open Fields:
Birds in the Forest:
- Rose-breasted grosbeak
- Pileated woodpecker
- Red-eyed vireo
- Blue jay
- American robin
- Great-crested flycatcher
- Hairy woodpecker
- Scarlet tanager
Birds in Semi-Open Brush Areas:
- Northern oriole
- Eastern kingbird
- Field sparrow
- House wren
- Yellow shafted flicker
- Indigo bunting
- Grey catbird
- Brown thrasher
Birds Near Ponds, Marshes, and River Banks:
- Wood duck
- Tree swallow
- Mallard
- Song sparrow
- Bank swallow
- Rough-wing swallow
- Eastern phoebe
- Cliff swallow
What Fish Live in the Waters?
You can find several types of fish in the waters of Claireville all year round. These include brown bullhead, carp, creek chub, goldfish, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed, rock bass, and white sucker. During certain seasons, you might also see yellow perch and amphibians like frogs.
Have You Heard About the Rare White Deer?
People have sometimes spotted a rare white deer in the park! These deer are not albinos. Instead, they have a special gene that makes their fur white. In Claireville, it's a white white-tailed deer. These white deer can have different amounts of white fur, sometimes with spots or patterns. They might have unusual feet or ankles, but they live like other deer in the herd. Their babies can be normal colors or sometimes show the same white gene.
Where is Claireville Conservation Area Located?
You can park your car at different entrances to the park. There are parking spots at the east and north gates, and also near the HSBC forest area.
- South Gate: This entrance is on Gorewood Drive.
- East Gate: You'll find this gate on Regional Road 50, just north of Steeles Avenue. The Etobicoke Field Studies Centre is a short walk from here.
- North Entrance: This entrance is where McVean Drive and Regional Road 107 meet. This is also the entrance for the Claireville Ranch.
- HSBC Forest: The northernmost part of the park is the HSBC forest. It's located on McVean Drive, about 1 kilometer north of Queen Street.
What Facilities Are Available?
Claireville Conservation Area offers a few different facilities for visitors:
- The Etobicoke Field Studies Centre: This center is in the southern part of Claireville. It offers educational programs for students from Grade 1 to Grade 6.
- The Claireville Ranch: Located in the northern part of the park, the Claireville Ranch offers horse riding lessons, trail rides, and other group activities.
- The Indian Line Campground: This is a family campground located within the Brampton section of the park. It has 245 campsites, some with services (like water and electricity) and some without.
