Dorchester Swamp
Dorchester Swamp is one of the largest wetland tracts in the upper Thames watershed. The UTRCA owns and protects more than 280 ha (690 acres) of this 570 ha (1408 ac), Provincially Significant Wetland. The site has many designations including Area of Natural and Scientific Interest and Carolinian Canada Signature Site.
This large swamp complex contributes to flood reduction, groundwater recharge, water quality improvements and carbon sequestration and storage. The area has a high groundwater table owing to the fact that a layer of sand sits on top of layers of organic soils and clay. The swamp is located at the headwaters of a watercourse that drains to the South Thames River in Dorchester.
Dorchester Swamp is made up of wetland vegetation types, with smaller areas of upland forest. The swamp communities are dominated by Silver Maple, Yellow Birch, Black Ash, elms, and Basswood with some White Cedar and Tamarack. In addition, there are areas of alder thicket, wet meadow, cattail marsh, and open standing water. In drier areas, Sugar Maple, American Beech, Black Cherry, and Eastern Hemlock dominate, as well as smaller areas of pine plantation.
The Dorchester Swamp contains a large diversity of plant and animal species, including many rare or less common species such as orchids and ferns. A variety of bird species nest in the protected swamp habitats, from songbirds such as the Red-winged Blackbird, Yellow Warbler, and Alder Flycatcher, to wetland birds such as Great Blue Herons and Belted Kingfishers. Snapping Turtles have also been spotted on the property.
In 2021, the Authority-owned portions of Dorchester Swamp was recognized as part of Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas in Canada (CPCAD), counting towards Canada’s Biodiversity Goals and Targets and the Convention on Biological Diversity Aiichi 2020 Target commitment.
The UTRCA first started acquiring property in Dorchester Swamp in the 1950s and by 1964 owned 142 ha (350 acres). Since 1964, an additional 137 ha (340 acres) have been acquired. The Authority continues to acquire properties at this Provincially Significant Wetland as they come available through donation or purchase.
Additional Information and Reports
Dorchester Swamp: A Model Management Strategy. 1997. Developed by the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority and Members of the Dorchester Swamp Local Advisory Group.
