Size: 26.93 acres

Established: 2024 & 2025

Status: Not Open to the Public

Protection: Purchased

Photo by Payton Landsborough

Background:

The Jane Bowles Ecological Reserve is situated in the Municipality of West Elgin along the Lake Erie bluffs. This nature reserve forms part of the Elgin-Kent shoreline Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) as well as the Southwest Elgin Forest Complex Important Bird Area. Historically, several areas of Elgin County were cleared for agricultural activities; however, the Jane Bowles Ecological Reserve remained untouched by these activities, preserving the existing Carolinian trees.

Description:

The shoreline features a steep, eroding bluff, characteristic of the Lake Erie coastline. This area serves as a migratory pathway for birds during the spring and autumn seasons. The wetlands are predominantly forested, exhibiting an undulating landscape and are classified as climax or near-climax Carolinian Forests, which include tree species such as Red Oak, Tulip Tree, and American Beech. The western section of the forest is rich in spring flowering plants, including White Trillium, Wood Anemone, Trout Lily, Mayapple, and Hairy Solomon’s Seal. Additionally, the Lakeview Wetlands is home to provincially rare species and those classified as species at risk.

In addition to the surrounding forests and shorelines, a swamp ecosystem flourishes, characterized by a rich array of species such as Swamp Buttercup, Pennsylvania Bittercress, and Brome-like Sedge found in shallow pools. Deeper waters support species like Cursed Crowfoot, Water Purslane, and Spotted Hemlock.