June 30, 2022
This is a 6.17-acre wilderness preserve protected by EBC in 2011. It’s small size, steep slope and lack of parking keep it well protected.
This wilderness preserve is located within the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve and is designated Escarpment Natural Area. It is within metres of Hockley Valley Provincial Park. It is surrounded by significant natural areas such as the Caledon Meltwater Deposits, Canning Falls, and Glen Cross Swamp. Due to the unique habitat characteristics of many rare species might occur here.
McKichan is a relatively undisturbed and dense continuous forest with many old eastern white cedars that stabilize the steep slopes preventing soil erosion. Other species present are Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) and Bulblet Ferns (see photo to the right) located on site. The site is special in that it has no suburban sprawl is visible from it!
