A stretch of old-growth forest along Lake Ontario in Whitby now has permanent protection under Ontario Nature, securing a wildlife refuge that local residents fought to save more than 40 years ago.
Monarch Butterflies Roosting, Thickson’s Woods Nature Reserve © James Kamstra
The conservation organization announced on October 29 that it has acquired 24.86 acres (10.06 hectares) of Thickson’s Woods, spread across five parcels in Whitby.
The property contains the last remaining old-growth white pine forest on the north shore of Lake Ontario. It also includes mature mixed woodland, coastal wetlands, regenerating meadows and approximately 400 metres of shoreline along the Waterfront Trail.
Why Thickson’s Woods Matters
For migrating birds, Thickson’s Woods is more than a patch of greenery.
Located where two major migratory flyways intersect, the forest provides a place for songbirds to rest and replenish their energy during long journeys.
The reserve supports 75 rare species, including 20 considered at risk in Ontario. Among them are prothonotary warblers, wood thrushes, eastern milksnakes, monarch butterflies and endangered butternut trees.
The site’s survival is largely thanks to local conservation efforts.
In 1983, residents and naturalists organized to prevent logging and established the Thickson’s Woods Land Trust. Decades of volunteer work and fundraising helped preserve the forest as development expanded around it.
“Caring residents were determined to protect what remained, and they did it,” said Andrés Jiménez Monge, Ontario Nature’s Executive Director.
What Happens Next?
Thickson’s Woods becomes Ontario Nature’s 27th nature reserve, bringing its protected lands to 3,225 hectares (7,970 acres).
It is also the organization’s first urban reserve accessible by public transit, making it particularly significant for people seeking nearby natural spaces.
Local volunteers will remain involved in caring for the property, including members of the Durham Region Field Naturalists.
The acquisition was supported by the Estate of Hazel May Broker, Echo Foundation, Ontario Conservation Accelerator, the Zita and Mark Bernstein Family Foundation, Thickson’s Woods Land Trust and Ontario Nature members.
The land lies within the Traditional Territory of the Williams Treaties First Nations, specifically the area covered by the Johnson-Butler Purchase of 1787/88.
With the acquisition complete, the forest and its wildlife habitat will remain under long-term conservation stewardship.
Visiting Thickson’s Woods Nature Reserve
Visitors can explore Thickson’s Woods through 1.8 kilometres of marked trails, accessible from the Waterfront Trail. Walking east along the Waterfront Trail, look for the marked entrances to the woods on the south side or the meadow on the north side.
Admission is free, and the nature reserve has no set operating hours. Visitors are asked to stay on designated trails, follow posted signs and respect the wildlife and natural surroundings. The property is monitored by volunteer stewards.
Getting to Thickson’s Woods
- Address: Thickson Road South, Whitby, Ontario.
- By car: From Highway 401, head south on Thickson Road South, past Wentworth Street, to the Waterfront Trail. Parking is available along Thickson Road and at the Waterfront Trail parking lot.
- By GO Transit: Take the Lakeshore East GO Train to Whitby GO Station, then walk south and follow the Waterfront Trail to the reserve. The walk takes approximately one hour.
- By bus: From Durham College GO Station, take Durham Region Transit Route 403 south to Wentworth Street, then walk to the Waterfront Trail.
Cost: Free. Donations are welcome to support the reserve and Ontario Nature’s network of 27 protected properties.