Grasses and sedges of High Park

Grasses and sedges of High Park / Plants of Toronto's High Park

Grasses and sedges may receive less attention than majestic trees and colourful wildflowers – yet these sturdy plants are central players in the rich and complex ecosystems of prairies and savannahs.

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Grasses. Photo: Sharon Lovett

Prairie Grasses in High Park

When people think of the pre-European settlement landscape of Ontario, they often think of forests. However, historical records show that a significant portion of Southern Ontario was actually prairie and savannah habitats. This is a little known secret because so much of these landscapes was transformed into agriculture.

Grasses and sedges you may see in High Park

Big Bluestem. Photo: Karen Yukich

Big Bluestem (close-up). Photo: Sharon Lovett

Panic Grass. Photo: Karen Yukich

Indian Grass. Photo: Sharon Lovett

Indian Grass. Photo: Karen Yukich

Bottlebrush Grass. Photo: Sharon Lovett

Sedges in bloom. Photo: Karen Yukich

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Chronolog project at Grenadier Pond. Photo: Karen Yukich

The View from Here

A new Chronolog mount has been installed at the lookout pier on Grenadier Pond by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). This pilot project invites visitors to take digital pictures of the same view over time and post them…

Hawk Migration is Underway

The High Park Hawk Watch got off to a “flying” start with several bald eagles on September 8th. It continues daily until November 30. Hawks generally fly when the winds are from the northwest. Keen birders monitor the weather report…

New Purple Martin House. Spring 2023. Photo: Clara Greig

First Occupants of Our New Purple Martin House

Contributed by David Creelman Earlier this year, ‘The Martineers’, a small group of local birders who look after the old Purple Martin house at the south end of Grenadier Pond, approached TRCA (Toronto and Region Conservation Authority). The old house…