A Walking Tour: Wildflowers and Trees of East Point



WILDFLOWERS AND TREES OF EAST POINT PARK

A Naturalist’s Perspective with Richard Aaron, presented by Friends of the Bluffs


Join us on Sunday, June 4 from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm as naturalist Richard Aaron takes us on a guided walk along the trails of East Point Park. 

Richard is a passionate naturalist who loves sharing his knowledge with others. Over the years, he has presented hundreds of nature walks, workshops and lectures for numerous naturalist and conservation groups across the province. He is widely regarded for his knowledge and understanding of nature. Please join us for this special opportunity to learn more about the natural environs of East Point.

East Point Park is known by many for its dynamic shoreline, beaches and bluffs. It has also been designated by the City of Toronto as a Bird Sanctuary and flyway for migrating birds. What makes East Point even more unique though is the high percentage of native plants (over 55%), and the extensive size of its meadow (50 acres). 

We hope you will join us on this guided walk as we identify the variety of plants and trees in the area. For wildflowers that are not yet in bloom, we will talk about what to look for. We will also keep an eye out for plants that are classified as rare or species of concern: Spiked Blazing Star (Liatris spicata), Oake’s Evening-primrose (Oenothera oakesiana), Ragged Fringed Orchis (Platanthera lacera), Pasture Thistle (Cirsium discolor), Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea), and the white form of Bottle Gentian (Gentiana andrewsii). We will also talk about threats to the native plants and natural habitats of East Point. As well, we will be identifying non-native plants and trees, and pointing out some of the remnant fruit trees from the orchards that used to be in the area. The walk will conclude with a visit to one of the most picturesque oak trees on the edge of the bluffs.

Wildflowers and Trees of East Point Park will take place along the table of the bluffs through meadows and forest with some views of the lake. We will be walking on a mulched trail over even ground. Please note there are no washrooms available. Parking is available on the road. We will meet at the west entrance of East Point Park at 152 Copperfield Road in Scarborough. 



RECENT WALK THROUGH THE GUILD FOREST

It was a pleasure to have Richard Aaron join us as a guest on our recent walking tour through the Guild Woods on May 7th. In addition to sharing his knowledge with us, Richard was engaging and entertaining, and we were captivated. It was a real treat to learn more about the species we encountered. How wonderful to leave the forest, knowing a little bit more, than when we entered.

 Enjoy a few picture highlights. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday June 4, as we walk the trails of East Point together. Many thanks, see you soon!



Group Name: Trout Lily (Erythronium americanum ). Common names: Adder's Tongue, Dogtooth Violet
Carpinus caroliniana, one of the hardest wood trees. Also known as blue-beech, ironwood and musclewood 

A patch of flowering and nonflowering Mayapple plants (Podophyllum peltatum)
Black Knot is a fungus which is a plant pathogen that is parasitic on species in the genus Prunus.
  



Downy woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 

Hornet nest, high above in the trees - the nest is made of wood pulp, chewed from dead wood in the forest

Common Blue Violet (Viola papilionacea) 




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Jennifer @ 416-871-5132 jenfalvy@hotmail.com

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