Resources

The Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark System is a vision - a potential to transform our area through stewardship, reconnecting ecological corridors, restoring natural lands, and working out new ways for people and nature to live close to each other. This page is for resources and ideas that will help you re-connect with nature and work with us to help preserve this great green gem.

Biodiversity of the Natural Areas around Cootes Paradise

The biological diversity of Royal Botanical Gardens' nature sanctuaries is among the highest in Canada. This scientific report described what we know about the plant "species richness" (or number of described species) and why we think this area is arguably Canada's "Biodiversity Hotspot:"

Galbraith, D. A., Iwanycki, N. E., McGoey, B. V., McGregor, J., Pringle, J. S., Rothfels, C. J., and Smith, T. W. 2011. The Evolving Role of Botanical Gardens and Natural Areas: A Floristic Case Study from Royal Botanical Gardens, Canada. Plant Diversity and Resources 33(1): 123-131. doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1143.2011.10235

Cootes Paradise and RBG Nature Sanctuaries Local Stewardship Guides:

Next Door to Nature: A guide for landowners who live adjacent to nature sanctuaries (4MB PDF)

Trail Etiquette and Safety Guidelines (200KB PDF)

Resources for Landowners

Check out our Landowner Resources page for infosheets and other resources on how to care for nature on your own property.

Well-Being and Green Space

Kuo, F. E. 2010. Parks and Other Green Environments: Essential Components of a Healthy Human Habitat. National Recreation and Parks Association (USA)