Size: 46 acres

Established: 2008

Donors: The McTavish Family

Status: Partially Open to the Public

Protection: Donated

Photo by Payton Landsborough

Background:

Located in Township of Perth East, McTavish Tract is part of a larger area that was settled by Alexander McTavish in 1836. The farm remained in the McTavish family until 1965, when it was sold by Donald McTavish. A long-time conservationist, Donald had the foresight to sever the wooded tract from the original farm, retaining ownership for the McTavish family. His children, Stuart, Robert, Murray, Hugh, Laura, Marian, and Donna, decided to protect the nature reserve in perpetuity by donating it to TTLT.

Description:

The McTavish Tract includes a variety of habitats, including a mature upland hardwood forest, a Cedar swamp, and a Spruce plantation. The nature reserve also features a spring-fed stream that is a tributary of the Avon River. The hardwood bush features Oak, Sugar Maple, Black Cherry, Ash, American Beech and Hickory. The swamp is the result of several strong springs that have created a stream which meanders southward from the concession road to the Avon River at the south end of the nature reserve. The swamp is home to White Cedar, Basswood, Ironwood, Ash, Maple, Poplar and Spruce, as well as a variety of birds, wildflowers, insects and wildlife. The Upland Deciduous Forest and Cedar Swamp are high quality communities typical of the area. Although not rare, these woods are important because Perth County generally has very low forest cover. In addition to the cool water stream, the seeps and springs on the site also make an important contribution to the hydrology of the area.