Field Botanists of Ontario Tour London Environmentally Significant Areas

Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA)’s Vegetation Specialist, Brenda Gallagher, and Terrestrial Biologist, Cathy Quinlan, led botany walks on September 23rd. The walks took place in Westminster Ponds Environmentally Significant Area (ESA) and Meadowlily Woods ESA for members of the Field Botanists of Ontario (FBO). Participants, ranging from amateur to professional, came out to see and learn more about the plants of this Carolinian region. These natural areas boast several different plant communities from young to mature Carolinian woodlands, swamp, bog, meadow, and more.   

Brenda provided fascinating information on the medicinal uses of plants and the folklore and spiritual role of many trees. Cathy focused on identification and the ecology and management of the ESAs. People were very impressed with the quality of these publicly accessible natural areas in London.  

Some of the interesting trees encountered included Sugar and Black Maple (interesting discussions about whether they are two or one species), oaks, Shagbark and Bitternut Hickory, Black Walnut, and Eastern Hemlock. While most of the wildflowers were done for the season, the group saw the leaves of Wild Ginger and Bloodroot, and enjoyed many flowering goldenrods and asters in sunnier locations.     

The participants were a fun and interesting group and everyone learned from each other. The walks were part of FBO’s Annual General Meeting held in the St. Thomas area. Other botanists lead nature walks in rural Elgin and Middlesex Counties.    

Contacts: Cathy Quinlan and Brenda Gallagher