Gaetz Lake Sanctuary
Two oxbow lakes provide the centre of attraction in this outstanding urban wildlife reserve. Fed by springs, the streams and wetlands nurture rare orchids and many other wildflowers. These include lily-of-the-valley, blue clematis and fairy bells in the spring, and evening primrose, Bicknell's geranium and yellow lady's-slipper in the summer.
Yellow-headed and red-winged blackbirds are prominent in the willow and cattail margins of the lake. The surrounding mixed woodland and old growth forest provide habitat for pileated and three-toed woodpeckers, black-capped and boreal chickadees, red-breasted nuthatches, white-throated sparrows and olive-sided flycatchers.
Take advantage of the viewing blinds and platforms to see grebes, coots and ducks, which all nest at the sanctuary. One can also view Canada geese regularly.
Muskrats and beavers are year-round inhabitants; coyotes, red foxes, and white-tailed and mule deer are seen frequently in the winter. The Kerry Wood Nature Centre here offers nature walks, exhibits, an excellent selection of books, and a bulletin board featuring recent wildlife sightings.
