Tiny Marsh Provincial Wildlife Area facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tiny Marsh Provincial Wildlife Area |
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Tiny Marsh
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 Tiny Marsh Provincial Wildlife Area
Location in Southern Ontario
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| Nearest city | Elmvale, Ontario |
| Area | 8.5 km2 (3.3 sq mi) |
The Tiny Marsh Provincial Wildlife Area is a special place in Simcoe County, Central Ontario, Canada. It was the first wetland in Ontario to be owned and managed by the province. A wetland is an area of land that is covered by water, like a marsh or swamp. Tiny Marsh is also recognized as an Important Bird Area in Canada, which means it's a super important spot for birds!
This amazing marsh is located near a town called Elmvale, about three kilometers from Nottawasaga Bay. It's open all year round for visitors to explore. The area covers about 8.5 square kilometres (3.3 sq mi) and includes different types of habitats. You'll find marshes, open water, bogs, and even upland forests here.
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Exploring Tiny Marsh
Tiny Marsh is a great place for an outdoor adventure. There are about 25 kilometres (16 mi) of trails for you to walk or hike. These trails lead you through different parts of the marsh. You can walk along dikes, which are raised paths, and visit two observation towers. From these towers, you get a fantastic view of the marsh and all its wildlife.
There's also a special marsh viewing mound and a boardwalk. A boardwalk is a raised path, usually made of wood, that lets you walk over wet areas without getting muddy. It's a perfect way to get up close to nature.
The Nature Centre
When you visit Tiny Marsh, be sure to stop by the nature centre. This building has cool displays that teach you all about the marsh. You can learn about the different plants (flora) and animals (fauna) that live there. It's a great way to understand why this wetland is so important.
Birds and Wildlife at the Marsh
Tiny Marsh is a paradise for birds! Around 250 different kinds of birds have been seen here. That's a lot of different species! Some of these birds are very special, like the least bittern and the black tern. These birds are considered "provincially threatened," which means their numbers are getting low in Ontario. Protecting places like Tiny Marsh helps these birds survive.
You might also spot Ospreys nesting at the marsh. Ospreys are large birds of prey that love to eat fish. They build big nests, often on tall platforms. Plus, there are 11 different kinds of ducks that call Tiny Marsh home. You can see them swimming in the open water or dabbling in the shallow parts of the marsh.
Other Animals You Might See
Besides birds, many other animals live in Tiny Marsh. You might see mammals like muskrats, beavers, or even deer. Reptiles like turtles and snakes, and amphibians like frogs and salamanders, also thrive in the wetland environment. The marsh is a busy place, full of life!
