Natural Features

Just East of Goderich, Ontario, lies the Morris Tract Provincial Nature Reserve. This 58 ha upland forest is an area of steep valleys and fertile river bottom that fronts on the Maitland River. In the sheltered valley microclimates, trees common further south, such as Sycamore, are found alongside the typical Maple, Hickory and Beech of Southern Ontario.

The forest and river valley support 21 distinct plant communities, including 14 species of plants classified as provincially rare. It is a haven for birds that need large expanses of mature trees to nest, such as Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Scarlet Tangiers and Red bellied Woodpeckers. The damp woods support reptiles and amphibians including the elusive Queen Snake and Pickerel Frog. The Nature Conservancy and local community groups have worked co-operatively to purchase and establish this area as a provincial nature reserve.

Park Facilities and Activities

Access to the Morris Tract is provided from a parking lot at 36833 Londesboro Rd. From here you can follow a trail down through towering trees to the Maitland River Valley. This area is also accessible to hikers on the Maitland Valley Trail from both Goderich to the west and Benmiller to the east.

Location: East of Goderich to 36833 Londesboro Road

For more information:
Pinery Provincial Park
RR#2
Grand Bend, Ontario
N0M 1T0
Phone: (519) 243-2220