Winding its way through Forest Hill lies a hidden gem of a valley called the Nordheimer Ravine. This stretch of ravine parkland is a quiet green place where people walk their dogs, jog or go for leisurely strolls. Historically, it was the home of Castlefrank Brook which ran southeast, down through Rosedale Valley and eventually into the Don River. In the mid 1970s the original stream was buried when the Spadina subway line was built. You can visit the Lost Rivers website for more information about the Spadina subway construction and some of the nearby historical sites including Casa Loma.
Even though the original creek now flows inside a storm sewer there are still many places along the valley slope that are active areas of ground water seepage. This feature, as well as other factors has made Nordheimer Ravine the focus of several projects.
Glen Edyth Wetland and Roycroft Wetland
The first two sites created were a joint effort by the Task Force and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Both of these sites were created in the eastern section of the ravine in places where heavy seepage made grass-covered areas difficult to maintain. In 1997, construction began by excavating shallow depressions where water could collect. Earth from these holes was deposited at the edge creating a low berm. The berm holds water and forms a boundary for each site. Both sites now sport a cedar rail fence and a small sign.
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| Glen Edyth pond in summer. |
The park path beside the Roycroft wetland. |
Over the following few years, volunteers planted trees, shrubs, and many native terrestrial and aquatic herbaceous plants. These include swamp milk-weed, fringed sedge, grass-leaved goldeneye, blue vervain, trout lily, thimbleweed, and Jack-in-the-pulpit. Ever since their creation these sites have been a popular stopping point for many birds and other animals. Birds such as indigo bunting, pileated woodpecker and mallard ducks have been spotted.
A management plan was created for the Glen Edyth and Roycroft sites in 2002. It recommends continued stewardship to control non-native species and a continued partnership with adjacent property owners to restore the nearby ravine slopes. The Norheimer Ravine has an active volunteer stewardship team. If you are interested in joining, please visit the Summer Volunteers page for more information.
Skunk Cabbage Patch
Another site was started in 1999 that didn't require any excavation. It is at the other end of the ravine just south of the St. Clair West subway station. Located at the bottom of a steep slope, a small glade exists that is continually wet from ground water seepage. This site acquired its name because a species of plant called the skunk cabbage was among the wet forest species planted here. Skunk cabbage is an unusual plant in that the flower appears first before the leaves. It is also known as the first flower of spring because it blooms as early as February. The plant produces heat, up to 10C, which allows it to melt through a layer of ice and snow.
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| Castle Frank Brook trickles by the Skunk Cabbage patch in early spring. |
Skunk cabbage flowers as early as late February. |
Forest Slope Remediation
One of the issues of Toronto ravines, especially those close to neighbourhood streets, is the encroachment by non-native trees. In particular, Norway maple is a problem species in ravines for the same reason that makes it a good street tree - it has a dense canopy of leaves. The shade that is coveted by city dwellers to provide respite from the hot summer sun also prevents plants from growing underneath. In a typical forest understorey, plants carpet the ground beneath trees. There are a variety of ferns, flowers, fungi, and shrubs that have adapted to a shady environment. They provide a rich habitat for many forest creatures. However they need some light to survive and Norway maples allow very little light to pass through. The result is bare soil and very little habitat.
A pilot project was started on one section of the wooded slope between the Glen Edyth and the Roycroft sites. Since the top part of the slope is privately owned, this work was done in consultation with the landowners on Glen Edyth Drive. All of the non-native trees were cut down to allow sun to reach the forest floor. The remaining native trees and shrubs were augmented with some new native species. Since the project began, the impact on the slope has been significant. A strong and diverse understorey is growing between a stand of young trees. It is hoped that this will eventually approximate the original woodland habitat.
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| Ferns flourish in the moist ground of the Roycroft wet forest. |
Greater lobelia is a native wetland flower. |
More pictures of Nordheimer Ravine
Directions
The best entry points are from St. Clair Avenue West at the south subway entrance, or from Spadina Road at the north or south end of the bridge that crosses the ravine, or from Boulton Drive at the east end of the ravine park.
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SC: Skunk Cabbage patch
GE: Glen Edyth wetland |
SR: Slope remediation project
R: Roycroft wet forest |
