Backus Woods
The breathtaking Backus Woods in Ontario. One of the best examples of Carolinian old-growth forest in the country. (Photo by Ann Tipper and Zach Melnick)
In southwestern Ontario’s Norfolk County lies an incredible natural oasis known as Backus Woods. This spectacular older-growth forest is home to some of the oldest living trees in Ontario and is one of the best remaining examples of Carolinian forest in Canada. A haven for species at risk, Backus Woods provides important habitat for prothonotary and cerulean warblers, Louisiana waterthrush, eastern foxsnake, Blanding’s turtle and Jefferson salamander.
For generations, people near and far have grown up exploring the forest paths, swamps and streams of Backus Woods. For many, it was where they discovered a love for the natural world. For others, it is where they go to relax and recharge. The forest’s roots grow deep within the community.
In 2016, the United Nations Education, Cultural and Scientific Organization (UNESCO) recognized Backus Woods as an ecological site of global importance by approving the addition of Backus Woods to the core of the Long Point World Biosphere Reserve.
Carolinian Canada
Colleen Dale believes the best way to educate Canada’s future conservationists is by taking them to explore her favourite place in nature: Ontario’s Backus Woods. (Photo by Neil Osbourne)
The Carolinian life zone is one of Canada’s smallest ecoregions. Comprising less than one per cent of the country's land mass, Carolinian Canada is home to 25 per cent of the country’s population and provides habitat for nearly 25 per cent of its endangered species.
The area is one of the most biologically diverse regions in Canada. It is also one of the two areas supporting the highest densities of species at risk in the country. The Norfolk area alone supports 60 species considered at risk nationally under the Species at Risk Act. In addition, 221 provincially rare species are found here.
Explore the forest with the Weston Family Trail
With seven public trails* covering 21 kilometres, Backus Woods is open to the public to enjoy year-round. The forest makes a great place to hike, snowshoe, ski, birdwatch and generally enjoy nature.
NCC has installed interpretive signs throughout Backus Woods and on 30 signposts, quick response tags (QRs) link smartphone users to enhanced content. You can take a virtual tour of some of the features of Backus Woods by clicking here. Click on the trail map below for a larger version.
*Please note: The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) will permanently close the Floodplain trail at Backus Woods this fall. Warning signs have been posted at all major entrances, with a full trail closure expected by December 2024. The Floodplain Trail section running beside Dedrick Creek is no longer safe for public access due to trail erosion and decreasing stability, as the creek is beginning to undercut the trail. In other locations, the trail is also beginning to erode and often becomes flooded, which can cause excessive damage to the surrounding vegetation and ground. The closure of the 2 kilometre trail is necessary to ensure public safety of visitors and to prevent future environmental damage to the sensitive habitats. The remaining six NCC trails at Backus Woods will continue to be open and offer 19 kilometres for the public to safely explore and enjoy.
For individuals with mobility challenges, motorized tours are also offered throughout the year. For more information, contact ontario@natureconservancy.ca.
Partnership
NCC acquired Backus Woods in 2011, and has been caring for and enhancing this unique habitat and beloved conservation destination ever since, thanks to the generous support of the Weston Family Foundation, TD Bank Group through the TD Forests Program, and the Government of Canada, through the Natural Areas Conservation Program.
