Living in Harmony with Nature, Kitchener, Ontario As a resident of the Doon South community, you are fortunate to live in a place that is rich with natural environmental areas. One of the key guiding principles used in planning the was the protection and integration of natural environment features. However, the long term protection of these features will rely on the good stewardship of all people living in the community. This brochure provides an overview of the natural environment features in the Doon South area, some of the key planning components of the and some recommendations for how you can contribute to the long term protection of local natural heritage features. A selected list of flora and fauna recorded in the area is also included. Environmentally Sensitive Policy Area (ESPA) An ESPA is a natural area that is designated in the Regional Official Policies Plan and can be privately or publicly owned. Some proposed activities or development within or near to an ESPA require approval by the Region. Two ESPAs are located adjacent to this subdivision. ESPA 33 (Stauffer Woods) ESPA 33 is a diverse mix of predominantly treed habitats including upland deciduous forest, deciduous and mixed swamp and conifer plantation, with some meadow marsh. The ESPA is characterized by a diverse native flora (particularly spring wildflowers), with a considerable number of large vernal pools, permanent ponds and groundwater seepage areas. This ESPA is especially notable for its amphibian use and excellent woodland salamander breeding habitat. Representative flora includes Sugar Maple, American Beech, White Ash, Chokecherry, Spicebush, and a mix of upland and wetland flora in the ground layer. ESPA 34 (Doon South Woods) This is a Maple-hardwood forest in the upland areas, with a mesic (wetter) Maple Ash forest in the low-lying central area. A small tributary swale flows north through the center of the forest, conveying drainage from lands to the south to Doon South Creek. The spring wildflower display, Maple-Beech forest component, spring vernal ponding and reported (late 1970s) presence of regionally significant species were among the identified ESPA attributes. Representative flora includes Sugar Maple, American Beech, White Ash, Chokecherry, Blue Beech, Witch Hazel and a mix of upland and wetland flora in the ground layer. 1
Caryndale Woodlot This is an upland Maple-Beech forest on rolling tableland topography, north of with smaller inclusions of fresh-moist forest and deciduous swamp. The forest is characterized by a closed canopy of mid-aged to submature Sugar Maple, Beech, Red Oak, Beech, White Ash and Black Cherry, with moderate understory regeneration of canopy species, Chokecherry and Red Elderberry. Typical forest herbs dominate the ground layer, with wetland species in depressional pockets. A vernal pool is present at the northeast corner and a small lobe of cattail marsh is found in the southeast corner of the woodlot. Wildlife The forest, open-water and marsh / thicket habitats provide habitat for a suite of forestassociated, water-associated and urbanadapted fauna. Vernal (spring) ponds provide habitat for woodland breeding amphibians, sensitive species that depend on this specific habitat type to successfully reproduce. A list of representative fauna is included at the end of this brochure. Environmental Protection A substantial amount of field inventory, planning and design has been undertaken to ensure that natural features and ecological functions, along with surface water and groundwater inputs, will be maintained and preserved for future generations. In recognition of the ecological significance and sensitivity of the natural heritage features on and adjacent to the subdivision, numerous protection and enhancement measures have been identified: ESPA setback minimum of 10 m from treeline to rear lot limits ESPA fencing and signage at setback limits Erosion and Sediment control measures Groundwater recharge and protection measures Naturalized open space areas along Stauffer Drive Buffer zone management and enhancement plantings using native species Wildlife Crossing Structures at South Creek Drive Invasive species monitoring and control in ESPA 33 Trails major links along Stauffer / Tilt / Groh Drives (to be closed to vehicles) and the hydro corridor; Community Trail link adjacent to east edge of ESPA 33 Biological Monitoring to assess potential impacts post-construction 2
Stormwater Management This subdivision also includes a Stormwater Management (SWM) Pond that treats subdivision runoff to remove contaminants before discharge into Tributary J and ultimately into Doon South Creek, north of the Stauffer Drive Subdivision. The SWM pond has been designed in accordance with all relevant municipal and provincial guidelines regarding water quality and quantity control. The perimeter of the SWM pond has been carefully landscaped with native plants and is intentionally not manicured to create a natural appearance to filter sediment and surface runoff before entering the pond. All homeowners should be aware of the importance of maintaining the ecological integrity of the plantings around the SWM pond Plan and Natural Features 3
Selected List of Flora and Fauna found in the Doon South Area Flora Sugar Maple White Ash Common Buckthorn** Ironwood Black Cherry Alternate-leaved Dogwood Trembling Aspen Bitternut Hickory Reed-canary Grass Evergreen Woodfern Common Cattail Trilliums Joe Pye-weed Yellow Avens Christmas Fern Zigzag Goldenrod American Beech Black Walnut American Elm Red Oak Red-osier Dogwood Largetooth Aspen Yellow Birch Chokecherry Garlic Mustard** Jack-in-the-pulpit Sedges (Carex spp.) Woodland Strawberry Spring Beauty False Solomon s-seal Jewelweed Blue Vervain **indicated non-native and/or invasive species Red Trillium Birds Baltimore Oriole Black-capped Chickadee Cedar Waxwing Downy Woodpecker Eastern Wood-pewee Gray Catbird Hairy Woodpecker Red-winged Blackbird Northern Flicker House Wren American Goldfinch White-breasted Nuthatch Red-bellied Woodpecker Yellow Warbler Indigo Bunting Great-crested Flycatcher Blue Jay Northern Cardinal Red-eyed Vireo Brown Thrasher Herpetofauna and Mammals American Toad Spring Peeper Chorus Frog Wood Frog White-tailed Deer Raccoon Grey Squirrel Eastern Chipmunk Black-capped Chickadee 4
How You Can Help As a resident of the Doon South community you have the opportunity to participate in the stewardship of the natural features in your area. You are also living in an area that supplies water to the groundwater system that supports local environmental features including Doon South Creek. Avoiding or reducing the use of salt / hazardous chemicals on your property and becoming water wise will help maintain this groundwater system. Your attitude and actions can have positive and/or negative effects on the natural areas within your community. At an individual level, these effects may seem minor, but when multiplied by many individuals the effects can be much greater. What we do in our own back yards can have a direct and significant effect on the functioning of a healthy environment. Here are some suggestions to help you reduce your ecological footprint and be contribute to environmental stewardship: Become Water Wise Follow local regulations regarding water usage especially in the summer months. Include drought resistant plants in your garden. Mulch planting beds and trees to help reduce evaporation and regulate the soil temperature. Your lot may include a constructed roof run off soak-away pit burried in your yard. The only evidence of the soak-away pit s location is the observation pipe that extends to the surface. The pit consists of modular gallery system surrounded by filter fabric. The roof water from your house has been directly connected to this pit where the voids provide some storage for the water prior to it infiltrating into the ground (i.e. soak-away). The filter fabric prevents migration of soil into the galleries. This system helps with the overall water balance and groundwater recharge to streams and wetlands in the area. Please ensure that this system continues to operate. Your eavestrough discharge has been directed into the ground (to the soak-away pit) and there is an overflow at this location. This provides a location for the system to overflow should the pit be full. In addition, screens have been provided in the eaves to prevent clogging of the voids in the soak-away pit. Periodically check the screen(s) for blockages and clean out any leaves or debris. 5
Limit Salt Usage Excess road salt can enter and contaminate groundwater and natural areas, with effects on drinking water, vegetation health and wildlife. Wear proper winter footwear and use snow tires to minimize the need of salting / sanding your driveway and sidewalks. Regular and thorough shovelling and removal of snow and ice from driveways, walkways and sidewalks will reduce the need to apply salt. Avoid rinsing or washing your car in the winter months. Use car wash facilities which are specially designed to capture salt runoff. This will greatly reduce salt runoff from your property. Place your snow away from your driveway and sidewalks so that water from melting snow does not flow onto the paved surfaces and freeze. Use alternatives such as sand or kitty litter on icy areas for traction. Use Hazardous Products Responsibly Use organic alternatives to pesticides and fertilizers these can have direct and indirect effects on plants, animals, insects and watercourses (including sensitive coldwater streams in the area). Follow the current pesticide regulations in Ontario and within the City of Kitchener (http://www.kitchener.ca/living_kitchener/pesticide_use.html). Do not empty any hazardous wastes (such as oil, varsol, paints, automotive or household cleaning products) on the ground, down a sink or into a storm drain, or in other amenity areas within the community (e.g. parks). This is a bylaw infraction. Keep Within Your Own Property Boundary Please do not dump yard waste, garbage, soil, branches, lawn clippings or compost into the natural or public areas. This dumped material can smother native plants, preventing growth and natural regeneration. It can also spread weeds and non-native species which can out-compete native plants. Compost your yard waste (including leaves) this provides excellent mulch and soil amendment material for your garden. Local nursery suppliers can provide information on how to obtain and use a composter. Please do not extend your rear yard into the natural and forest areas. This includes building sheds, decks, lawns and gardens. These activities can result in damage to vegetation and wildlife within natural areas. 6
Leave Only Footprints Use waste receptacles and avoid littering. Please stay to the designated trails. Straying into the natural areas can cause damage to vegetation / soils that may never be repaired. Do not remove plants from natural areas Control Your Pets Please keep your dogs and cats under control. Free ranging pets can kill or harass wildlife. A free roaming cat can kill significant numbers of songbirds, is prone to injury and may bring fleas / ticks indoors. There is a running -at-large bylaw in the City of Kitchener prohibiting both cats and dogs from roaming off their property. For good measure, please put a bell on your cat s collar. For dogs, use a leash or fenced yard. Please stoop and scoop after your pets. Pet waste pollutes! Give Nature a Helping Hand Use Native Plants. When selecting plants for your garden, use native plant species where possible they are usually easier to grow, require less watering and are typically more resistant to local climate extremes, insects and some plant diseases. Native plant species should be obtained from a Nursery or Garden Centre and NOT removed from the forest. Seed and berry producing shrubs, flowers and conifers can enhance your yard and garden by providing food and creating wildlife habitat for butterflies and songbirds. Non-native trees, shrubs and groundcovers can spread from yards and gardens to nearby natural areas and threaten the survival of sensitive native plants. For example, Norway Maple (e.g. Red Maple Crimson King) has infiltrated many woodland areas where its dense shade prevents any groundcover regeneration. Other highly invasive garden species include Goutweed, Lily of the Valley, Periwinkle and English Ivy these easily spread from gardens and cause serious damage to nearby natural areas. Avoid planting these species on your property. Recommended native groundcovers include Virginia creeper, Wild Ginger and Wild Strawberry. Local nurseries can suggest a number of environmentally responsible species you can use in your landscape and gardens. Thank you for doing your part. Through your actions and good stewardship, these natural areas can be enjoyed by future generations. 7
Contacts / Information City of Kitchener PO Box 1118 200 King Street West Kitchener Ontario Canada N2G 4G7 Phone: 519-741-2286 TTY: 1-866-969-9994 E-mail: info@kitchener.ca Web: http://www.kitchener.ca/default.aspx Region of Waterloo 150 Frederick St. P.O. Box 9051 Station C Kitchener, Ontario N2G 4J3 Ph: 519-575-4400 Web: http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/fmfrontpage?openform Email: regionalinquiries@region.waterloo.on.ca Grand River Conservation Authority 400 Clyde Road, PO Box 729 Cambridge, Ontario Canada N1R 5W6 Ph: (519) 621-2761 Toll free: 1-866-900-4722 Web: http://www.grandriver.ca/ North American Native Plant Society: http://www.nanps.org/ Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists: http://www.sentex.net/~tntcomm/kwfn/ Carolinian Canada: http://www.carolinian.org/ 8