WHITBY, ON, Oct. 29, 2026 /CNW/ — Ontario Nature is excited to share that it has added 24.86 acres (10.06 hectares) across five important urban parcels, broadening its network of nature reserves into the Town of Whitby. Known as Thickson’s Woods, this unique haven is the last old-growth white pine forest remaining on the north shore of Lake Ontario. The property serves as a crucial refuge for wildlife amid a growing urban landscape.
Monarch Butterflies Roosting, Thickson’s Woods Nature Reserve © James Kamstra
Situated in the Traditional Territory of the Williams Treaties First Nations — specifically under the Johnson-Butler Purchase of 1787/88 — this nature reserve holds significant ecological value. The newly acquired land includes mature mixed forests, coastal wetlands, open regenerating meadows, and 400 metres of Lake Ontario shoreline along the Waterfront Trail.
Thickson’s Woods is located at a key intersection of two major migratory routes, making it an outstanding stopover for birds during their long journeys. This nature reserve supports an impressive 75 rare species, including 20 provincially at-risk species such as prothonotary warblers, wood thrushes, eastern milksnakes, monarch butterflies and endangered butternut trees.
The permanent protection of Thickson’s Woods was made possible through generous contributions from the Estate of Hazel May Broker, the Echo Foundation, the Ontario Conservation Accelerator, The Zita and Mark Bernstein Family Foundation, and Thickson’s Woods Land Trust — along with many devoted members of Ontario Nature.
Quotes
“Before the property was protected initially, the shoreline was fragmented and development was at the doorstep. Caring residents were determined to protect what remained, and they did it. Their action saved a vital migratory stopover and the last old-growth white pine forest on this biodiverse stretch of Lake Ontario. Nature does well when people act as they did.”
– Andrés Jiménez Monge, Ontario Nature Executive Director
“Congratulations Ontario Nature in stepping up to be the next generation of steward of this important site, building on the experience and long-standing commitment of the Thickson’s Woods Land Trust. Every community needs authentic spaces nearby just like this and groups like Ontario Nature are the ones that can lead and realize this vision. We are delighted to be able to support this great project, place and organization!”
– Mike Hendren, Ontario Conservation Accelerator
Background
Thickson’s Woods will be Ontario Nature’s 27th nature reserve totaling 3,225 hectares (7,970 acres) of some of the province’s most vulnerable habitats. The property was first saved from logging in 1983 by a committed group of local naturalists who formed Thickson’s Woods Land Trust. This nature reserve has been built over more than four decades through community efforts and grassroots fundraising. Local volunteer care will continue in partnership with community stewards including Durham Region Field Naturalists. By incorporating Thickson’s Woods into its nature reserve system, Ontario Nature ensures that this ecological oasis will be protected forever. The nature reserve safeguards endangered species while enhancing climate resilience along Lake Ontario and offers people an easy connection to nature. Thickson’s Woods is also notable for being accessible via public transit within Ontario Nature’s reserve system.
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About
Ontario Nature protects wild species and wild spaces through conservation efforts education initiatives and public engagement activities. A charitable organization, Ontario Nature represents 9,500 members along with 130000 supporters plus160 member groups from across Ontario. Learn more at: ontarionature. org.
SOURCE Ontario Nature
John Hassell Communications and Engagement Director Editor, Ontario Nature,[email protected] |416-786-2171
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