Location and Geography- old

A rare and unique bioregion

The Land Between is a bioregion that extends from the Georgian Bay Coast to the Ottawa Valley. It is the last intact wilderness expanse of southern Ontario, a final refuge for wildlife species, and a land of hope. The region is an irreplaceable source of ecosystem services, such as water filtration and pollution capture, that keep us healthy. However, it is also a fragile place where urban sprawl and habitat loss will compromise our long-term stability and ability to navigate the challenges of Climate Change.haven’t implemented them yet?

As one of only a handful of federally recognized Community Nominated Priority Places, it represents a final opportunity to protect nature and the 59 species at risk who call it home.

Where is The Land Between?

The Land Between is a special geological region extends across central Ontario from the Frontenac Arch in the east to Georgian Bay and Southern Parry Sound. The region is more than 240km in length and over 50km in width that skirts the Algonquin Dome and spans 9 counties and 28 townships.

To learn more about the region's boundary and its detection read/download: The Land Between Boundary

The Land Between: An ecotone

When traveling throughout Ontario, you will encounter large known ecosystems such as the St. Lawrence Lowlands, the Canadian Shield and further north, the Boreal Forest. But what lies between these areas? An “ecotone" is an area of transition containing elements from the ecosystems it borders, but also having features that are entirely unique. The physical character of The Land Between, as an ecotone, is shaped by fundamental transitions in geology, physiography, climate, and elevation.

The Geology

The Land Between is characterized by low relief exposed granite to the north side and “stepping stones” of limestone plain along the south side. Small and connected lakes and wetlands between these dry open ridges and patches of cool shaded forest are the patterns of this unique natural system. It is home to the only rock barrens in Ontario.

Abundant Shoreline

The Land Between has the highest percentage of shoreline to area than anywhere in the province, and is aptly called lake country in acknowledgement of this. The shoreline, or where land meets water, is an incredibly productive zone that is home to wildlife and also helps prevent erosion, filter water, reduce flooding, and more.

Abiotics

The Land Between is located in a unique plant hardiness zone; has its own growing degree days; has its own amount of frost free days, has the highest mineral diversity in Ontario. Generally the landscape has less than 15cm of soil cover. The lack of soils, together with the abundance of connected fresh water, and the starker climate make this landscape easy to damage. Pollution and disruption here is far-reaching and long-lasting.

Biodiversity

Ecotones are also areas of high biodiversity. Biodiversity results from the number of food web interactions: Higher biodiversity means more species are interacting within the food web and this is important for healthy and functioning ecosystems. Higher biodiversity also translates into more resilience to withstand climate change impacts and therefore greater well-being for people.

You can learn more through the informational videos as well as our interactive map below!