Ojibway Prairie Complex facts for kids

Oak savannah at Ojibway

The Ojibway Prairie Complex is a 350-hectare complex of parks and nature reserves on the west side of Windsor, Ontario, Canada. It comprises Ojibway Park, Tallgrass Prairie Heritage Park, Black Oak Heritage Park, and the Spring Garden Natural Area, owned and managed by the City of Windsor, as well as Ojibway Prairie Provincial Park, owned and managed by Ontario Parks. Other natural areas are present adjacent to these parks that are not currently protected.

The complex protects one of the largest remnants of tallgrass prairie and oak savannah in Ontario. These open habitats are present due to sandy soil over a bed of clay, which is less suitable for the growth of trees. The use of prescribed burns is important to manage these habitats. The complex is notable for its high diversity of plants and animals, including over 160 provincially rare species, more than any other site in Ontario. Several insect and plant species are not known from anywhere else in Ontario. Examples of protected species at risk found here include Butler's garter snake, eastern foxsnake, eastern prairie fringed orchid, and dense blazing star.

The Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway, constructed between 2011 and 2015, runs just east of the complex. Natural habitats containing various species at risk were present in the area prior to construction, and various management and restoration activities have occurred to mitigate negative impacts.

The Ojibway Prairie Complex includes the Ojibway Nature Centre, which offers free exhibits, public education, and summer programmes for children.