Huron Bruce Nature learns about Greenock Swamp – past, present and future

More than 60 members of Huron Bruce Nature were fascinated by the story of the Greenock Swamp as told by guest speaker Shannon Wood, at the October meeting.

Wood became very familiar with this vast tract of local wetland during her long career in conservation, working for both the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Through a combination of engaging historical anecdotes and scientific findings, she recounted a story of natural ecology and human industry.



The Greenock Swamp is the topic of Shannon Wood’s presentation to Huron Bruce Nature, Oct. 28; photo by Jeni Pepper

At approximately 20,000 acres in size, the Greenock Swamp is the largest forested wetland in southern Ontario, and is part of the Teeswater River watershed. Its history goes back to the mid-1800s when early surveyors identified the value of the white pine growing within, and efforts to harvest the lumber began in 1879.

It was the business acumen of lumber baron Henry Cargill that brought great prosperity to the area between the years 1880-1900. In its heyday, the mills and factories Cargill built, employed more than 300 men. Cargill, considered a kind benefactor, built housing for his workers, a general store, school, churches, and his own impressive red brick residence. His workers completed many amazing works of engineering, including the construction of two hand-dug canals (which lowered the water level of the swamp by about a metre), a railroad, and a network of corduroy roads.

The size, age, and utility of the original stand of white pine trees harvested during these years cannot be understated. Highly sought after for ship masts due to their strength and straightness, 4,500 ship masts were sent to England in the mid-1850s.

To the Iroquois, the tree is a symbol of peace. Perhaps because it provided the lumber for the building of Toronto, white pine was declared the “Tree of Ontario” in 1984. Even its needles are beneficial, containing five times more Vitamin C than lemons.

Wood recounted how, over time, the lumber trade declined until by the 1920s, the swamp served as a spot for illegal bootleggers to operate the stills. By the 1950s, the SVCA began purchasing wetlands as they became available. Today, the Greenock Swamp is home to 22 species of orchids, more than 100 species of birds, many reptiles and amphibians, and more than 25 mammals.



Huron Bruce Nature members learn many amazing facts about the Greenock Swamp and enjoy Wood’s account of the area’s history and lore; photo by Christine Roberts

While the core of the wetland is protected, the edges are threatened by farming activity and tiling. Efforts continue by conservancy groups to purchase land so that this unique eco-system can continue its valuable function – holding water during high flows, but also releasing water during periods of drought.

The threat of Bill 5 to Ontario’s environment dimmed, as the group listened to the present day efforts to keep the history and bio-diversity of this Class 1 Wetland safe for the future.

Wood continues to promote, educate and entertain through the recently-established Greenock Swamp and Cargill promotional committee. The group offers four tremendously popular swamp tours, a visitors’ center and museum, book store, and café. More information and many engaging photos are available on her Facebook page: Cargill and the Greenock, Swamp or 12489252 Canada Association.



Shannon Wood is an extremely knowledgeable and engaging speaker; photo by Catherine Hodges

At the beginning of the meeting Huron Bruce Nature president Christine Roberts announced changes to the club’s board which include Catherine Hodges assuming the position of vice-president and Anne Scanlon and Yvonne Bieman taking over for Hodges in the social department. The efforts of volunteers are much appreciated and vital to the success of the club.

The next meeting takes place Tuesday, Nov. 25, at 7 p.m., at the Point Clark Community Centre. The speaker will be Tamara McMullen of Firmly Rooted, an organic, four-season farm market located near Belgrave. Visitors and guests are always welcome.