Natural Splendor & Rich Cultural Heritage
When traveling in Ontario, you will encounter large ecosystems such as the St. Lawrence Lowlands, the Canadian Shield, and the Boreal Forest. But what lies between these areas? At the edge an ecosystem is what ecologists call an “ecotone”: an area of transition containing elements from the ecosystems it borders, but having features that are entirely unique. The Land Between is an ecotone – a region between the Shield and Lowlands stretching across south-central Ontario from Georgian Bay to the Frontenac Arch. It runs parallel to, but just north of Highway #7. This landscape is less rugged than the near-north, but not as flat and arable as the south. Look further and see the landscape undulating in patterns of low to high and wet to dry. It has an abundance of glittering small lakes, rivers, and wetlands between open granite ridges and limestone plains, few roads, small dispersed communities, and scattered farm lands between shaded woods. This landscape has the highest percentage of shorelines, the only rock barrens in the province, the majority populations of reptiles, overlapping species ranges. What you are seeing is The Land Between! Rare alvars and savannahs, fens and meadow marshes are found here. It is a meeting ground and at the northern limit for many species such as White Oak, Woodchuck, Chorus Frog and the Common Crow. At the same time, it is the southern limit for other species such as Grey Wolf, Moose, River Otter, American Raven, and the Common Loon. Unique species mainly associated with The Land Between include Five-lined Skink, Ontario’s only lizard, Golden Winged Warbler , Whippoorwill, and majority populations of rare turtles, reptiles and amphibians. The resources and diversity of the region provide key services and shelter today that may be vital in the future. However, the limited soils, with abundant shores, and starker climate make the region extremely sensitive and disturbance here is far-reaching and long-lasting.
The Land Between is also rich in culture and heritage as it is also a meeting place of Great Nations of the Anishnaabeg, Wendatt, and Haudenashaunee. Early European Settlers had to be creative to survive and thrive with limited spaces for agriculture. The Land Between includes part of a major historic and current navigation route: the Trent Severn Waterway. It is a modern mix of urban and wilderness. Its economy is based on the natural capital but also on creativity and diversity. It is a natural wonder, an outdoor enthusiasts paradise, a place of ancient stories, and of new adventures. It is the home of the canoe, of kids camps, of visible night skies, and with a vibrant culture of First Nations, innovative settlers, entrepreneurs and artists.
The region’s boundary was determined by measuring biological and ecological diversity in Ontario, physical and geographical changes, and validated by the unique cultural and historical features found here.
