The
bog’s most fascinating plant life is found near Redmond’s
Pond, where colourful Sphagnum mosses grow on the surface of
a quaking mat of partly decayed mosses. Other common plants
include Leatherleaf, Small Cranberry, Black Huckleberry and
Highbush Blueberry. Carnivorous plants such as Pitcher Plant
(right) and Round-leaved Sundew grow amongst the
mosses. Orchids, including Rose Pogonia and Grass Pink,
brighten the mat in early summer. In the fall, a profusion
of Cotton Grass, a kind of sedge, may be seen. Towards the
outer edges of the bog, Black Spruce and Tamarack trees
grow.
Redmond’s Pond (below) supports Southern Pond Lily,
identified by its attractive yellow flowers and upright
leaves.
Surrounding the peat bog is a swamp of Red and Silver Maple,
White Pine and White Birch. This area is being taken over by
an invasive, non-native shrub called Glossy Buckthorn. There
are also several small pockets of Silver Maple swamp in the
southwest corner of the ESA near Naomee Place.
On the
higher, drier ground surrounding the bog are trees and
shrubs typical of southern Ontario’s hardwood forest.
Stately White and Red Oak, Black Cherry, and Sugar Maple
stand tall, overlooking the bog. |
 |
 |
Numerous
species of warblers, sparrows and other migrants stop over
during spring and fall migration. In some years, the Black
Spruce and Tamarack cones attract the winter finches.
Green
Frog and Grey Treefrog are often heard in the spring. Painted
Turtle frequent Redmond’s Pond.
Raccoon,
Grey Squirrel, Eastern Chipmunk and other mammals typical of
urban natural areas can be found in the drier habitats. Coyote have also been seen and heard in the
ESA. |
A population of
White-tailed Deer resides in and around the ESA. The
herd’s intense browsing pressure is known to result in the
loss of young trees, which has a long-term impact on forest
regeneration.
Sifton
Bog is home to uncommon butterflies, including the Bog
Copper (right), whose larvae feed on cranberry
plants, and the Bog Elfin, which relies on blueberry plants.
Many brightly coloured dragonflies and damselflies can be
seen around the pond in summer.
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)
|
 Bog Copper Butterfly (photo: R. Scott) |
- Please use the official access points indicated on
the trail maps.
- Stay on the managed trails (marked with yellow 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.
Back to page 1
TOP
|
