Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve

Location

Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve Richmond Hill, ON Get Directions

Contact

TEL: 416.661.6600 Email: info@trca.ca Emergencies: TEL: 911

Amenities

  • Washroom: No washroom facilities available.
  • Waste: No waste bins available. Please carry out litter.

Activities

The Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve (ORCCR) is an important ecological linkage on the Oak Ridges Moraine.

Located in Richmond Hill, this 175-plus hectare property is dominated by mature forests, wetlands, meadows, kettle lakes, and a significant network of recreational trails.

Local residents and visitors can use ORCCR’s extensive trail system to enjoy the natural beauty of the area while protecting the integrity of the surrounding ecosystem.

The Macleod Estate Trail is Now Open!

residents explore the new MacLeod Estate Trail in Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and the City of Richmond Hill are pleased to announce that the Macleod Estate Trail Project is now completed.

This 800-metre multi-use trail winds past the iconic Drynoch Estate, seamlessly weaving through the heart of the Macleod’s Landing neighbourhood, establishing a vital connection to the Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve.

the new MacLeod Estate Trail winds past the Drynoch Estate and weaves through the Macleods Landing neighbourhood

The trail not only promotes active transportation and recreation but also unveils a tapestry of cultural and natural heritage features that define our region.

The Drynoch Estate, recognized under the Ontario Heritage Act, is a living testament to our community’s storied past. This collaborative project is a celebration of our commitment to preserving and sharing the rich tapestry of our heritage.

The Macleod Estate Trail Project has been made possible through the generous support of Gordon and Patricia Gray of Richmond Hill, Ontario.

Project Information:

Notes for ORCCR Visitors

  • Public access is not permitted to the Chabad Lubavitch area at the Bond Lake trail head. Please obey signs about these restrictions.

THE FOLLOWING ARE NOT PERMITTED:

  • Boating / canoeing
  • Fires and BBQs
  • Swimming
  • Fishing or ice fishing
  • Harvesting / foraging
  • Motorized vehicles / ATVs
  • Picnicking
  • Skating*

*To find safe local outdoor skating locations, visit the City of Richmond Hill online.

Community Parking Locations

  • Bathurst Glen Golf Course -12481 Bathurst Street
  • Grovewood Park – 0 Grovewood Street
  • Bond Lake Trailhead – 12611 Yonge Street
  • Ozark Park – 24 Antique Drive
  • Old Colony Road Trailhead – 363-365 Old Colony Road
  • Oak Ridges Community Centre – 12895 Bayview Avenue
  • Lake Wilcox Water Park – Bethesda Side Road, West of Bayview Avenue
  • Lake Wilcox Park – Olde Bayview Avenue
  • Bethesda Side Road Trailhead – 999 Bethesda Side Road

VIEW PARKING LOCATIONS MAP

Learn More About the Property

Avenza Maps

Scan the QR code above for the map, and use with the Avenza app to make our trails interactive with your smart phone’s GPS while at the park. Click for more details.

STAY SAFE! Stay on the trails you see on the map.

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

VIDEO – Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve: Cultural History

MORE VIDEOS:

NATIVE WILDLIFE

MANAGEMENT PLANS

Two management plans guide TRCA’s management of the ORCCR and what uses are permitted:

CONSERVATION PROJECTS

Meadow Restoration

Within the Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve, this meadow restoration project is creating habitat for local wildlife such as birds and pollinators, while also expanding on the recreational wildlife viewing for the local community.

a meadow habitat in the Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve prior to restoration
asters bloom in meadow area of the Oak Ridges Conservation Reserve
TRCA staff use heavy machinery to perform meadow restoration work in the Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve

Meadow restoration will be achieved here by converting 12 ha of old pasture (dominated by Reed Canary Grass, or Phalaris arundinacea), into a vibrant and diverse vegetation community that will provide nectar, wildflower seed, and insects for feeding, as well as taller grass areas for resting and nesting needs.

removal of old wooden fencing during meadow restoration work in the Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve
aster blooms in meadow area of Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve Oak Ridges
restored meadow area in the Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve

Areas of milkweed will help enhance Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) habitat, while perching poles and woody habitat structures offer more habitat diversity for raptors and small mammals.

Bayview Wetlands

In January 2021, TRCA completed a habitat restoration project in ORCCR to increase wetland cover and provide essential habitat opportunities for amphibians (salamanders, toads, and frogs), reptiles (turtles and snakes), and birds (songbirds and raptors). The project included four distinct wetland locations to capitalize on seasonal flows and existing drainage patterns. Due to the soil and flow patterns, these wetlands are designed and anticipated to dry up in mid to late summer, which is an important factor for breeding to many amphibians.

restoration of Bayview wetlands area underway in Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve
restoration of Bayview wetlands area underway in Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve
addition of woody habitat features to Bayview wetlands area of Oak Ridges Conservation Reserve

Woody habitat features were included throughout the sites to provide cover and additional habitat for small mammals such as foxes, voles, chipmunks, rabbits and more.

Jefferson Salamander Conservation

The Jefferson salamander is an endangered amphibian, and the ORCCR provides vital habitat for a breeding population — one of the last known populations in York Region. In spring 2021, TRCA partnered with York Region to implement nightly road closures along Stouffville Road to protect the salamander. In the past, Jefferson salamanders had experienced significant road mortality, as the population moved from one side of the road to the other during the mating season. Learn more about this unique project.

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