Nestled east of Orillia and northwest of Lindsay, the Carden Plain is one of the largest and rarest flat limestone landscapes in the world. Here, rare habitats known as alvars thrive - these are open areas of limestone bedrock with little or no soil, where spring floods and summer droughts create harsh conditions.
The alvars are home to wildflowers, native grasses, and invertebrate species usually found in western Canada - and many are rare. Globally, alvars are imperiled, occurring only in southern Sweden and scattered across the Great Lakes Basin. Carden’s alvars are among the richest and most diverse in Ontario, making this region truly special.
Highlights of Carden’s unique landscapes:
- Rare species at risk found only here
- Globally imperiled alvar habitats
- Open limestone plains with spring floods and summer droughts
- Rich biodiversity, including wildflowers, grasses, and insects
FACTS & STATS
acres protected in carden with partners
HOT SPOT
for birding, hiking, photography & more
species of birds rely on this landscape
IBBA
it is an "important bird & biodiversity area"
OUR WORK
Since 1996, The Couchiching Conservancy has been working to protect Carden’s extraordinary landscape. We began by mapping the alvars, identifying the vegetation communities, and sharing this information with local landowners to encourage long-term stewardship.
Today, thanks to strong partnerships and community support, over 14,000 acres of alvar habitat on the Carden Plain have been permanently protected. Our collaborations include:
- Nature Conservancy of Canada
- Ontario Parks
- Ontario Field Ornithologists & Toronto Ornithological Club
- Carden Field Naturalists
- Hundreds of local volunteers and donors
This long-term work ensures that Carden’s alvars, lakes, and forests remain intact for future generations.
For more information on the Carden conservation strategy, download the 2008 report: Towards an Integrated Carden Conservation Strategy Part 1: Healthy Ecosystems & Species at Risk
>> For more information on the species found on the Carden Plain download this Excel spreadsheet: Carden area species list (Provided by The Nature Conservancy of Canada).
Prairie Smoke. C. Curran.
WHY IT MATTERS:
- Rare Eco System
- Home to Species at Risk
- Carbon Sequestration
Key Threats:
- Habitat Loss
- Habitat Fragmentation
- Invasive Species
- Climate Change
What We Do:
- Land Management
- Invasive Species Management
- Habitat Restoration Projects
- Explore Further Land Protection
KEY SPECIES:
- Eastern Loggerhead Shrike
- Eastern Meadowlark
- Black Bear
- Blanding's Turtle
TIMELEINE & ACCOMPLISHMENTS
INCREASING LAND PROTECTION
Landowners:
If you own land in this region, you already play a role in protecting this extraordinary landscape. The Couchiching Conservancy works with landowners to:
- Permanently conserve land through conservation easements or donations
- Support stewardship programs that keep land healthy and natural
- Ensure your land remains part of the region’s ecological legacy
For more information please contact:
Courtney Baker, Acquisition Specialist
courtney @couchconservancy.ca (remove the space when you send an email) or 705-326-1620