Plant Communities

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.

Wildlife

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.

Raccoon, Grey Squirrel, Eastern Chipmunk and other mammals typical of urban natural areas can be found in the drier habitats. Green Frog and Grey Treefrog are often heard in the spring. Painted Turtle frequent Redmond’s Pond.

Coyote have also been seen and heard in the ESA.

A very large population of White-tailed Deer resides within 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

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)

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 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