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The limestone bedrock of Inverhuron Provincial Park outcrops along
the shore north of the Little Sauble River. This bedrock was covered
by an ancient coastal dune system which developed on top of a sand
bar in post-glacial Lake Nipissing. As the Nipissing waters receded
some 4000 years ago, new bars were formed and a series of more recent
coastal dune systems developed. Today the oldest dunes are the furthest
inland and the shore features a large sandy beach which is popular
with swimmers and sunbathers.
Behind this large sandy beach, sand dunes, wetland areas and hardwood
forest provide a diverse habitat. Plants found within the park include
both provincially threatened and rare species and the use of the
park by the provincially endangered bald eagle certainly adds to
its significance.
The former beaches and the coastal dunes associated with them are
very important in the archaeological history of the area. Inverhuron
provides an excellent time capsule of man's past activities along
the Lake Huron shoreline. The first recorded inhabitants were of
the Archaic culture which lasted in Ontario from 5,000 B.C. to 1,000
B.C. Most recently, the townsite of Inverhuron, which consisted
of a pier, commercial area with hotels, taverns, storehouses and
a grist mill, was found here.
The park provides excellent representation of man's past activities
in the area. Much of it is in an early stage of ecological succession
due to logging, clearing, farming or fire.
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