Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust

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Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust We are a charitable organization dedicated to protecting environmentally significant properties

On a walk this time of year, you may notice mushrooms appearing on the forest floor and along fallen logs. What many peo...
10/15/2026

On a walk this time of year, you may notice mushrooms appearing on the forest floor and along fallen logs. What many people don't realize is that the mushroom isn't really the organism at all – it's more like an apple on a tree.

The fungus itself lives underground as a web of fine threads spreading through the soil and decaying wood, sometimes across a surprisingly large area. Those threads break down fallen trees and return their nutrients to the soil. Without them, the forest would slowly pile up with its own deadwood. So much of what keeps these woods healthy is happening quietly beneath our feet.

We often associate these little creatures with spring, but we're seeing them all over the moraine now, too! This caterpi...
10/14/2026

We often associate these little creatures with spring, but we're seeing them all over the moraine now, too! This caterpillar was spotted on an ORMLT protected property, exploring the seeds of a Joe Pye W**d.

The Woolly Bear caterpillar is actually the larva of the Isabella Tiger Moth. Like many native insects, this species doesn't migrate; instead, it spends the colder days in diapause, a state similar to hibernation. In spring, the caterpillars wake up and get ready to go through metamorphosis.

Did you know that World Migratory Bird Day is celebrated twice a year? In Canada, it is the second Saturday of May, but ...
10/10/2026

Did you know that World Migratory Bird Day is celebrated twice a year? In Canada, it is the second Saturday of May, but in countries of Central and South America, it is the second Saturday of October, marking the time of year when migratory birds return!

The 2026 theme of World Migratory Bird Day is community science, and how individual contributions support research on a local, national, and global scale. Many community science projects exist, where you can upload observations of any birds that you hear or see. Check out platforms like iNaturalist or eBird to get involved!

Clockwise from top left: Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), Green Heron (Butorides virescens), Wilson's Snipe (Gallinago delicata), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Corthylio calendula).

Over the spring and summer, we spent a lot of time with seasonal blooms. Now, as we head into cooler weather, those last...
10/09/2026

Over the spring and summer, we spent a lot of time with seasonal blooms. Now, as we head into cooler weather, those last blooms are giving way to seeds. These seeds from a Flat-top (or Grass-leaved) Goldenrod will sail away on the wind in search of a healthy new habitat!

Seed collection and seeding are important elements of habitat restoration that we carry out on the properties that we steward. To learn more, visit oakridgesmoraine.org.

At the Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust, habitat restoration can take different forms, from planting and invasive species r...
10/07/2026

At the Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust, habitat restoration can take different forms, from planting and invasive species removal, to allowing a space to regenerate naturally.

A species like this American Toad, which may still be seen hopping around the moraine, is one of many that benefits from habitat recovery. American Toads need a variety of habitats: eggs are deposited in ponds, where they hatch into tadpoles. The adults move to terrestrial habitats, and in the winter, they survive the cold by burrowing under the frost line. They will reappear in spring, when the weather warms back up!

Habitat restoration projects, like the one undertaken last week at MapleCross King Nature Reserve, have a huge impact fo...
10/05/2026

Habitat restoration projects, like the one undertaken last week at MapleCross King Nature Reserve, have a huge impact for wildlife. The trees, shrubs, and flowers may be host plants to pollinators like this sphinx moth caterpillar, and the fallen leaves they add to the landscape offer a safe place for insects to overwinter.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for last Monday’s planting event! 🌱With the help of 39 dedicated volunteers, ...
10/05/2026

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for last Monday’s planting event! 🌱

With the help of 39 dedicated volunteers, we planted 30 trees, 150 shrubs, and 300 native plants. Together, we're creating healthier habitats and greener spaces for wildlife and our community.

Thank you for getting your hands dirty and making a lasting impact!

Another thank you to the Regional Municipality of York's Greening Action Partnership grant for helping to support this project.

Last week, we took a look at three species of native asters. Let’s check out a few more! Can you identify these flowers?...
10/02/2026

Last week, we took a look at three species of native asters. Let’s check out a few more! Can you identify these flowers?

We’ve included images of the leaves, as these three species have common names that reference leaf shape!

Today, on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we pause to reflect on the continued impacts of colonization an...
09/30/2026

Today, on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we pause to reflect on the continued impacts of colonization and the importance of meaningful reconciliation.

Indigenous Peoples have lived on and cared for the Oak Ridges Moraine and surrounding lands since time immemorial. As an organisation committed to protecting these landscapes, we recognize that meaningful conservation must be based in respect, relationship-building, and a willingness to learn from Indigenous knowledge, perspectives, and stewardship practices.

We are grateful to be working with Mno Aki Land Trust to develop a relationship-based approach to land securement, stewardship, and shared responsibility. Since this collaboration began in 2023, it has created opportunities to explore questions about access, responsibility, and the relationships that shape how we care for the land.

Truth and Reconciliation is not a single day, but an ongoing commitment. Today, and throughout the year, we are committed to listening, learning, and building meaningful relationships that support both people and the landscapes we all depend on.

It may seem quieter outside, but there is plenty still moving around – they're just great at hiding! This treehopper doe...
09/28/2026

It may seem quieter outside, but there is plenty still moving around – they're just great at hiding! This treehopper does an amazing job of camouflaging with the surrounding plant life.

Treehoppers are “true bugs” (defined by wings that lie across each other in an X, and a particular arrangement of mouthparts) and are related to other insects like leafhoppers and cicadas.

Address

5595 17th Sideroad
Schomberg, ON
L0G1T0

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+19059393333

Website

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