July 5, 2005, Newbury

Skunk’s Misery Plaque Unveiled

On Tuesday, July 5 a Carolinian Canada Heritage plaque was unveiled to recognize Skunk’s Misery, one of 38  Carolinian Canada Signature Sites in the province. "This forest is one of the largest and best forests in the county and the region" said Steve Evans of Middlesex County. Skunk’s Misery is 1,400 hectares and includes lands owned by the County and the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority, however, half is privately owned.

“The incredible biological riches of this important natural area has been protected through the generations by landowners and community.  This plaque recognizes that effort,” said Michelle Kanter, Executive Director of Carolinian Canada.  This site is highlighted Carolinian Canada’s newly published Signature Sites Guide.

The celebration was hosted by Middlesex County and included speakers MP Rosemary Ur, Tom McLaughlin, County of Middlesex Warden, and Doug Reycraft, Mayor of Southwest Middlesex.

Commonly known as “Skunk’s Misery” since the 1930’s, this natural area consists of forest, grassland, wetland and watercourses.  It straddles three counties and links to the heritage Thames River. As in centuries past, the woodlands here continue to play a significant role in protecting the air, soil and water - precious natural resources for agriculture and residents.  Skunk’s Misery is one of the few places in Canada where you can find a lush mix of Carolinian trees, such as Chestnut, Sassafras, Tulip Tree and Flowering Dogwood, typical of more southern climates.  In the woodland and along the roadsides, you will find one of the country’s most diverse butterfly populations.   The site has Canada’s largest colony of endangered Acadian Flycatcher along with many other rare species such as Black Rat Snakes and Cerulean Warblers.

The Carolinian life zone is the far southern region of Ontario with more wild species than any other place in Canada.  Carolinian Canada is a 20-year-old coalition of 40+ public sector and non-government conservation organizations aimed at conserving the wildlife and habitats of southwest Ontario’s most threatened region. The partnership includes federal and provincial departments and ministries, conservation authorities, naturalists' groups, agricultural groups and stewardship councils.  The Carolinian Canada Coalition acknowledges the financial support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, which receives annually $100 million in government funding generated through Ontario's charity casino initiative.

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