Description
Dorchester Swamp covers 548 hectares and has been identified as a significant natural area in Ontario. The swamp is recognized as a Class I Provincially Significant Wetland, an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest, and an Environmental Protection Area. The swamp also has Carolinian Canada main-site status.
The wide expanse of forested swamp offers a variety of microclimates and moisture conditions. Plant communities include mixed swamp forest, bog, shrub thicket, and upland forest. This has resulted in exceptional species richness and diversity, including northern boreal vegetation, southern Carolinian species, and nationally rare species. Currently 31 of the private landowners of Dorchester Swamp are Natural Heritage Stewards, protecting 125 hectares (308 acres) of the swamp. The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority has focused on acquisition of Dorchester Swamp property since the 1950's and currently owns 261 hectares (646 acres) or 48% of the swamp. Middlesex County owns the remaining property.
A management plan has been developed with community members and agencies to protect this unique site. The Dorchester Mill Pond Committee and the Natural Heritage Coalition of Thames Centre have been instrumental in implementing protection strategies for Dorchester Swamp.
Location and Size Dorchester Swamp is located 3 km south-east of the Village of Dorchester, 13 km east of London, and is crossed by highways 401 and 73. The swamp covers approximately 548 hectares (1354 acres).
Geology
Dorchester Swamp lies in a large glacial spillway, which is a long, wide valley cut into the ground by meltwater from the retreating glacier at the end of the last Ice Age. Immediately to the north of the swamp, the spillway is occupied by the Thames River. Dorchester Swamp is recognized as an important water storage and recharge area. Muck soils cover most of the swamp area. There are also several small upland pockets of sandy soils. Some standing water is present year round, although most water is just below the surface of the muck soils.
Biology The wide expanse of forested swamp offers a variety of microclimates and moisture conditions. Plant communities include mixed swamp forest, bog, shrub thicket, and upland forest. This has resulted in exception species richness and diversity, including:
1. Northern boreal vegetation: Pitcher Plant, Sundew, and Tamarack;
2. Southern Carolinian species: Slippery Elm, Bitternut Hickory, and Witch-hazel;
3. Western Species: Manitoba Maple and Silky Dogwood;
4. Eastern species: Yellow Birch, Hemlock, and Eastern White Cedar
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The Carolinian Canada Signature Sites Heritage Plaque was erected at the Dorchester Mill Pond in a ceremony on June 6th, 2002. The Mill Pond lies at the outflow point from Dorchester Swamp.
Significance:
Dorchester Swamp has been designated a Provincially Significant Class 1 Wetland, an Environmentally Protected Area, and an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI).
Special Thanks to Our Local Partners:
Dorchester Mill Pond Committee
Upper Thames River Conservation Authority
Students of Northdale Central PS "Green Team"
Funding for this project is being provided by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. With $100 million in annual funding from the province’s charitable gaming initiative, the Foundation provides grants to eligible charitable and not-for-profit organizations in the arts, culture, sports, recreation, environment and social service sectors. For more information visit the Trillium Foundation Website
Visit the Municipality of Thames Centre website for more information about the Mill Pond
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The vegetation of Dorchester Swamp has been examined through a variety of studies and inventories. Findings include:
1. 16 regionally rare species such as Purple-fringed Orchid, Kidney-leaved Violet, and Dwarf Ginseng.
2. 13 of the 34 species of orchids found in Middlesex County.
3. Carolinian bird species such as Blue-winged Warbler, Yellow-throated Vireo, and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher.
4. An active Great Blue Heron heronry discovery in 1985.
Management Plan The Dorchester Swamp Management Plan , funded by Carolinian Canada, was developed in 1997. The management plan was developed with community members and agencies to protect this unique site. The Dorchester Mill Pond Committee and the Natural Heritage Coalition of Thames Centre have been instrumental in implementing protection strategies for Dorchester Swamp.
The following strategy framework has guided efforts to preserve Dorchester Swamp (Working together to preserve the integrity of Dorchester Swamp):
1. strategies that respect the limits and importance of water, soil and air in and around the swamp
2. strategies that preserve the integrity of the living resources of the swamp and to rehabilitate their habitat where appropriate
3. strategies that promote understanding and recognition of the swamp’s ongoing contribution to our natural and human heritage
4. strategies that protect the swamp by encouraging human uses that are both sustainable and compatible
This information is provided courtesy of the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority.
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The boardwalk in this photograph was constructed by members of the Combat Engineer Regiment (The Elgins) as part of a community project to develop an interpretive trail to encourage greater apprication and awareness of the natural environment.
An aerial view of Dorchester Swamp offers a perspective on how transportation planners lack environmental awareness (Photo courtesy of UTRCA)
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