Kains Woods ESA

Kains Woods map (8.5x11) webpage or pdf
Kains Woods ESA Brochure (pdf file, 8.5x14)
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Kains Woods Environmentally Significant Area (ESA) is located in west London near Kains Road, north of the Oxford Street West Extension bridge, along the Thames River.

The publicly-owned lands cover 25 ha, comprised of a 5 km easement through the ESA from the Oxford Street Extension bridge to Riverbend Road. This stretch of the Thames is called River Bend or The Thumb, referring to the river’s large northward meander.

Trails

The map shows the access points and trail system in the City’s easement. One access point is located at the western end of the site off of Tigerlily Road. Two more access points are located at the eastern end off of Shore Road and Oxford Street.

The 5 km-long hiking trail is marked with yellow or white blazes on trees. The white blazes mark the Thames Valley Trail, which also uses this easement. The trails are somewhat challenging with several steep and muddy sections.

Please stay on the marked trails and keep pets on leash, to protect the sensitive environment.

History

The area was logged and farmed by European settlers, but the steeper valley slopes were probably never tilled. The remains of an old farmstead can still be seen in the ESA. The area remained rural until the 1990s when a large housing development and a golf course were constructed. The ESA has remained in private ownership, except for the City’s easement.

Shaping the Landscape

As the last glacier was retreating 10,000 to 14,000 years ago, large beds of sand and gravel were left behind in the meltwater. The ancient Thames Spillway cut its way through these deposits. Over time, the river meandered and shifted from side to side across its broad floodplain. This process created the terraces, meander scars, oxbow ponds, and linear marshy depressions that are visible today.

Several small streams have carved deep ravines through the site as they flow towards the Thames.

Plant Communities

Most of the site is occupied by upland deciduous forest dominated by Sugar Maple, White and Red Oaks, Black Cherry, and Shagbark Hickory. In sunnier locations, tallgrass prairie plants such as Indian Grass, Bee Balm and sunflowers grow.

Along the river in the floodplain woods the trees include Black Willow, Cottonwood, Manitoba Maple, and Sycamore. In the spring, Mayapples grow in abundance under the trees.

Hemlock groves are found on cool, north-facing slopes, where water seeps out. These coniferous trees are relatively uncommon in the London area. On flatter seepage slopes there are cedar swamps with Yellow Birch and Balsam Fir over an understory of ferns, Skunk Cabbage and Jewelweed.

Wildlife

Kains Woods is an important corridor for birds and animals that follow the river. Bald Eagles have nested in the area, and are often seen hunting for fish in the river. Killdeer and Great Blue Heron are frequently seen along the riverbanks.

Wild Turkey like the edge habitat between the woods and nearby fields. A wide variety of songbirds use the wooded habitat, including American Goldfinch, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Great Crested Flycatcher, Scarlet Tanager and Downy Woodpecker.

The animal life is typical of the London area with White-tailed Deer, Eastern Cottontail and Grey Squirrel. Gnawed trees are a sign of Beaver. There are also some interesting and unusual amphibians in this ESA, including Grey Tree Frog and Yellow-spotted Salamander.

Rules to remember in London’s ESAs

Please use the official access points indicated on the trail maps.
Stay on the managed trails (marked with yellow or white blazes).
Bicycles are not permitted in this ESA. Bicycles are permitted only on the asphalt or crushed gravel paths in Kilally Meadows and Medway Valley Heritage Forest.
Access is allowed from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Keep the ESAs litter free.
All pets must be on leash (2 m/6 ft max.).
Do not feed the fish and wildlife.
Releasing or dumping fish or wildlife of any kind is prohibited.
Fishing is permitted with a provincial fishing licence. No hunting is permitted.
See additional rules on signs at ESA entrances.

For More Information

For more information on London’s ESAs, please contact:

Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (519-451-2800)
City of London Forestry Services (519-661-2500 ext. 5783) or Planning Department (519-661-2500 ext. 4980)