For more than 20 years, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) biologists have been inventorying and monitoring the species living in regional forests, wetlands, and meadows.
They record information about the plants, birds, frogs, mammals, butterflies, and vegetation communities living there.
This information tells us about the health and condition of the biodiversity in our region. It is used to guide habitat restoration and engineering projects, land use changes, and watershed plans across TRCA’s jurisdiction.
The longer we collect the data, the more we can accurately report on the trends taking place over time and across the landscape. This information is critical to informing a healthy natural heritage system that provides essential ecosystem services for our communities.
Every year we make note of new discoveries and good news stories that we want to share, or highlight locations where we are concerned by the absence of a particular species or vegetation community.
Here are a few of the 2022 stories from the field for Toronto and region.
BOBOLINK (Dolichonyx oryzivorus)
Regional Species of Conservation Concern (L3 Rank)
2022 was a significant year for the Bobolink. It was the first record observed by TRCA biologists of this species breeding south of Highway 407 and west of Rouge Park in over eight years.
Local and continental populations of this Species at Risk have declined in recent years through loss of its meadow breeding habitat. Finding this bird in a managed meadow in the heart of Markham demonstrates that preservation and conservation of sensitive bird breeding habitat can be successful, even in highly urbanized areas.
BROME-LIKE SEDGE (Carex bromoides)
Regional Species of Conservation Concern (L4 Rank)
Brome-like sedge is considered an “ecosystem building” plant because as the sedge grows, it forms a tussock (i.e., dense tuft or clump) in an otherwise flat, wet landscape. These tussocks provide more habitat opportunities to support a greater diversity of plants and animals.
Like other wetland Carex species, brome-like sedge is a host plant for several native butterflies and moths, and the seeds are attractive to birds.
With more than 100 species of Carex growing in wet areas throughout TRCA’s jurisdiction, identification of individual species can be difficult.
SHORT-TAILED RUSH (Juncus brevicaudatus)
Regional Species of Conservation Concern (L2 Rank)
The short-tailed rush is a rare, inconspicuous plant that was observed in a headwater swamp of the Humber River near Mono Mills. The plant has clusters of small capsules and tiny, elongated seeds.
It was last observed about 30 years ago in TRCA’s jurisdiction by Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry staff. Finding a species that is persisting is good news, especially in the remaining wetland habitats found in an urbanizing region.
MILKSNAKE (Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum)
Regional Species of Conservation Concern (L3 Rank)
In 2022, this baby Milksnake was observed by TRCA monitoring staff on the Duffins Trail.
In 2022, another Milksnake was observed by a local citizen at a location in the west end of our jurisdiction; this record turned out to be the only Milksnake record in our database within a 5.5km radius!
Despite our best efforts, it is difficult to track the status of cryptic species such as snakes across the whole jurisdiction. Therefore, we appreciate any citizen science records. Thank you to this observer for contacting us!
CARDINAL FLOWER (Lobelia cardinalis)
Regional Species of Conservation Concern (L1 Rank)
Cardinal flower is a rare native plant and a Regional Species of Conservation Concern in TRCA’s jurisdiction. It grows in swamps and floodplain forests.
The flowers in the photo above were found in a small swamp in the Seaton area.
The showy scarlet flowers are pollinated locally by Ontario’s Ruby-throated hummingbird; bees will also visit the flower for its nectar. This plant can be a terrific addition to a native plant garden with soil that supports water-loving plants.
MAY STORM
On May 21, 2022, a fierce storm left a trail of wind and rain damage across Toronto, the GTA (Greater Toronto Area), and most of southern Ontario. Our biologists observed extensive damage at Heart Lake and Baker’s Sugar Bush to older, more mature trees, which will impact bird and plant communities.
The impacts to our local forests and natural heritage from severe weather events cannot be measured in one year, which shows the importance of long-term monitoring over several decades.
TRCA’s most recent Terrestrial Long-term Monitoring Plot Program: Spatial Patterns and Temporal Trends in Terrestrial Biodiversity (2011-2020) report summarizes changes over the 10-year period from 2011 to 2020, including regional disturbances such as the December 2013 ice storm and the widespread destruction caused by the invasive Emerald Ash Borer beetle.
TRCA biologists will continue to track and report on long-term regional changes in biodiversity and overall ecosystem health.
SMALL-FLOWERED GERARDIA (Agalinis purpurea var. parviflora)
Regional Species of Conservation Concern (L1 Rank)
Small-flowered gerardia was last seen in TRCA’s jurisdiction in 2004. It is a delicate-looking plant with attractive, small pink-purple flowers.
It is an example of a partial parasite plant, which means that the plant takes sugar and proteins from another species, but also creates its own food through photosynthesis.
WESTERN CHORUS FROG (Pseudacris triseriata)
Regional Species of Conservation Concern (L2 Rank)
The Western Chorus Frog is a Species at Risk in Canada. TRCA has been retained by Canadian Wildlife Service to assess Western Chorus Frog habitat suitability and populations on TRCA-owned properties.
This data will inform future monitoring and restoration projects in support of the Western Chorus Frog Recovery Strategy.
SPRING CRESS (Cardamine bulbosa)
Regional Species of Conservation Concern (L2 Rank)
Introducing the rare spring cress wildflower. This Species of Conservation Concern favors damp woodlands and soggy meadows. The nectar of the flowers attracts bees, flies, and butterflies.
This plant has not been observed in TRCA’s jurisdiction since 1996 and is a new record for York Region.
KNOTTY PONDWEED (Potamogeton nodosus)
Regional Species of Conservation Concern (L2 Rank)
Knotty pondweed is a native Regional Species of Conservation Concern discovered at the mouth of the Rouge River in 2022. This plant is typically found in the calm, shallow sections of stream, lake, and riverine systems.
Very few observations have been reported over the past few decades, making this a noteworthy find.
Before its discovery in 2022, knotty pondweed was last found in Duffin’s Marsh in 2004, while preceding records date back to the 1990s.
This species is extremely sensitive to contamination and changes in hydrology. Its seeds are dispersed through wind or by birds in open habitats or water bodies.
EUROPEAN COMMON BLUE BUTTERFLY (Polyommatus icarus)
For the last few years, TRCA biologists have been monitoring butterflies for The Meadoway. In 2022, we observed many European Common Blue butterflies, with 133 individuals recorded in one visit!
We don’t know what this big uptick means yet in terms of impacts to other species. This non-native butterfly is also dependent on a non-native plant for food. Will this species compete with resident blue butterflies such as the Eastern-tailed Blue and Silvery Blue?
Only long-term monitoring can shed light on the impact of this recent new arrival on the native fauna and flora.
Spotted some interesting flora or fauna in your area? Share your observations with TRCA on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
Scientific data collection and research informs decisions affecting the natural areas and watercourses within our region. Connect with TRCA online.