Minesing Wetlands facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Minesing Wetlands |
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Aerial view of Minesing Wetlands, August 2013; Angus, Ontario at bottom center, Barrie at right
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| Nearest city | Barrie |
| Area | 60 square kilometres (23 sq mi) |
| Official name: Minesing Swamp | |
| Designated: | 31 October 1996 |
| Reference #: | 865 |
The Minesing Wetlands, once known as the Minesing Swamp, is a very special wet area in central Ontario, Canada. It stretches from the city of Barrie all the way to Georgian Bay. This wetland is so important that it's listed as a Ramsar site. This means it's recognized internationally for its unique nature.
Scientists say it's the biggest and best example of a 'fen bog' in southern Ontario. It's also one of the most diverse and untouched wetland areas in all of Canada. The name minesing comes from the Ojibwe language. It means "island," referring to an island that was once in a large ancient lake that covered this area.
Contents
What Makes Minesing Wetlands Special?
How the Water Works
The Minesing Wetlands act like a giant sponge. It has many connected areas like swamps, fens, bogs, and marshes. During the spring, when snow melts, the wetlands soak up lots of floodwater. This helps prevent flooding in places like Wasaga Beach. Then, all summer long, the wetlands slowly release this water into the Nottawasaga River. This keeps the river flowing steadily.
Who Owns the Wetlands?
The Minesing Wetlands cover about 60 square kilometers (23 square miles). A large part of this, about 39 square kilometers (15 square miles), is owned or managed by the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority. Other parts are owned by the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simcoe County, and even private landowners. The wetlands are spread across three different townships: Clearview, Essa, and Springwater.
Animals and Plants of Minesing Wetlands
Amazing Wildlife Habitat
The Minesing Wetlands are home to over 400 different kinds of plants. Eleven of these plants are very rare in Ontario. The wetlands are also a super important stop for thousands of migratory waterfowl. These are birds that fly long distances and use the wetlands to rest and feed. It's also the biggest place where white-tailed deer spend the winter.
Unique Plant Life
You can find many interesting plants here that are at the very edge of where they normally grow. Some plants are usually found in the cold arctic tundra far to the north. Others are from the warmer Carolinian forests to the south. The wetlands also have the largest pure stand of silver maple trees in the entire province.
Rare Birds to Spot
Several rare birds live in the Minesing Wetlands. These include the blue-winged warbler, prothonotary warbler, cerulean warbler, golden-winged warbler, and the blue-grey gnatcatcher. Birdwatchers love to visit this area to try and spot these special birds.
Visiting Minesing Wetlands
The Minesing Wetlands are a popular place for people to visit and enjoy nature. Canoeing is a common activity here. However, if you're new to canoeing, be careful during spring. The water levels can be very high due to melting snow.
Researching the Wetlands
Scientists often study the Minesing Wetlands. Since the mid-1990s, researchers have been looking closely at how water moves through the wetland systems. They want to understand the water balance in different parts of the fen. They also study how the plants and water levels are connected. This research helps us learn more about how important wetlands are for our environment.
