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The Daily Bucket: Point Pelee National Park -- Carolinian Forest in Canada [1]
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Date: 2025-09-11
A forest named for the Carolinas in Canada? Although I’ve been to Point Pelee National Park a couple times and know it’s a major migratory stopover, I wasn’t as aware of its unique forest habitat. A fluke of geography supports this unusual forest in southwest Ontario. For starts, did you know that Point Pelee shares the same latitude as northern California? As a longtime resident of metro Detroit, I knew that our neighbors across the river in Windsor, Ontario were to the south of us. But I didn’t know how far south this point of Canada stretches. Join us below the fold for more interesting facts, and of course, photos. Lots of photos.
If you have visited the Lake Erie region of southwestern Ontario, and are interested in ecology or conservation, chances are that you read or heard the term “Carolinian Life Zone”, or “Carolinian Forest” at least once. This interesting term used by botanists to describe the southernmost region of Ontario north of Lake Erie. The region has shorter winters and hotter summers than the rest of the Great Lakes Region, supporting wildlife and vegetation communities typical of the Eastern United States, such as the Carolinas. Many of these “Carolinian” species are found only within this small region of southern Ontario. This small region, encompassing only 0.25% of Canada’s landmass, is home to more species than any other ecoregion in the country. Long Point Land Basin Trust article, Matthew Palarchio, 5/28/25.
The Carolinian Forest (zone) is an area of South Western Ontario that stretches from the east, at Toronto’s Rouge River Valley, westwards through Guelph, across to Grand Bend, down the shores of Lake Huron and St Clair, along the Canadian shore of Lake Erie, the Niagara River, and around the west end of Lake Ontario back to the Rouge River. . . . This area is defined mainly by its distinct plants especially trees (there are more species of trees here than in any other area of Canada, and many entirely unique to this area) as well as it’s species of mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, insects, and invertebrates. Biologically this zone has more in common with North and South Carolina, than the rest of Canada. Not only the southern latitude, but the Great Lakes’ ability to hold vast quantities of heat during the summer, dictates the ecology. The result is humid summers and when this heat is released back out, moderate winters. Huron Woods Community Association summer 2023 Branching Out newsletter.
The highest concentrations of Carolinian species are found within a narrow band along the north shore of Lake Erie, including the Long Point Basin, the Niagara Peninsula, Skunk’s Misery (southwest Middlesex County extending into Dawn-Euphemia), the St. Clair River Region (including Walpole Island), the Rondeau Peninsula, Point Pelee National Park, and Pelee Island. Across the eastern United States, the Carolinian Botanical Zone covers a very large area, extending west to Minnesota, southwest to Texas, through the Gulf coast across the Florida Panhandle, and north to Massachusetts. In the U.S., the term Carolinian Forest is analogous to the Eastern Deciduous Forest Region. Long Point Basin Land Trust
At the southwest corner of the Carolinian forest is Point Pelee National Park.
Lake Erie shore at Point Pelee, with the Carolinian forest on the left.
Situated on a peninsula that extends into Lake Erie, the park is renowned for its unique geography, mild climate, and extraordinary biodiversity. Established in 1918, Point Pelee is one of Canada’s smallest national parks, yet it remains one of the most ecologically significant due to its role as a vital stopover for migratory birds and butterflies. The terrain of Point Pelee National Park is characterized by marshlands, swamp forests, savannahs, and sandy beaches. The peninsula itself is a sand spit formed by erosion and deposition, constantly shifting due to the forces of wind and water. The marshland, which makes up nearly two-thirds of the park, is an essential wetland habitat and a designated Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. Carolinian forest dominates much of the dry land, with species such as eastern cottonwood, hackberry, and tulip trees providing dense coverage. The shifting dunes along the shoreline add to the park’s dynamic landscape, giving visitors a glimpse into the natural forces that continue to shape the region. The tip of the peninsula, the southernmost point of mainland Canada, is a particularly striking feature, offering an ever-changing vista of water, sky, and land. Wildlife in Point Pelee National Park is rich and diverse, particularly in bird and insect species. The park is internationally recognized as one of North America’s premier birdwatching destinations, especially during spring and fall migration seasons. National Parks Association
Part of the boardwalk, with waterlilies covering much of the surface.
Aboriginal people lived on Point Pelee for many years before European colonization, dating back to at least 6,000 years. The largest archaeological site found at Point Pelee is thought to have been occupied between AD 700 and 900. . . . In the late 1700s, British naval reserves logged the area's white pine for shipbuilding. In 1790, Deputy Indian Agent Alexander McKee negotiated a treaty with Aboriginal communities that ceded a large tract of land, which included Point Pelee, to the Crown. The Caldwell First Nation Chippewa people, who inhabited Point Pelee, were not signatories of that treaty. However, the Crown did not realize this, and their land was ceded nonetheless. Subsequently, they were forced off their land, and Point Pelee remains unceded Aboriginal land. This has been publicly acknowledged by the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. Wikipedia (footnotes and hyperlinks omitted).
More from the same Wiki link:
This sandspit is dominated by till plains which were formed during the last ice age during the advance and retreat of the Wisconsonian ice on a submerged limestone ridge. As the glacier melted and retreated northward, the Lake Erie basin began to fill with water. The movement of sediments altered the coastline, resulting in the present-day shape of Point Pelee. . . . Its position in Lake Erie modifies its climate, resulting in warmer winter and fall temperatures compared to inland regions, as the lake cools more slowly than the surrounding land though during the spring, temperatures remain cooler than inland areas due to the land warming faster than the lake.
Standing at the tip of The Tip, looking south across Lake Erie to Ohio. The cross current is obvious. Even wading is prohibited due to the dangerous current.
Some of the plants, mostly along the boardwalk:
Broadleaf arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia). I do my best with plant ID but am often wrong. Corrections and clarifications are always appreciated! According to Wikipedia, Native Americans used the potato-like tubers produced by this plant.
Swamp loosestrife, also called waterwillow (Decodon verticillatus), a native to eastern U.S. and Canadian wetlands. Not to be confused with Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), native to Eurasia and categorized in Michigan as an invasive.
Orange jewelweed (Impatiens capensis). Another North American native, it was flowering everywhere and providing a late nectar boost to birds and insects.
The morning started out cool, with temps in the upper 50s F. Insects were sluggish and looking for sunny spots to warm up.
Green Darner dragonflies were everywhere. These were warming up in the sunshine on a juniper tree by the nature center. Zoomed.
Cicada about to be rescued. Along the shaded walk through the Carolinian forest, we came across several insects that were too cold to fly. Rather than leave them in the middle of the trail, we moved them to safe sunny spots.
Hackberry Emperor butterfly. Hackberry trees were plentiful in the forest.
Later in the day, the sun had warmed up the temps and insects were much more active. This Twelve-spotted Skimmer paused long enough for a portrait.
Same for this American Snout butterfly at the boardwalk parking lot.
Point Pelee’s main draw for me was the hope for migrating birds. These maps show why it’s such a hotspot.
Map showing major North and South American migration routes. Bigger.
Zoomed in on the same map. Point Pelee is where four routes meet on the north shore of Lake Erie, just to the right of the bottom of the mitten (i.e. lower Michigan). Those same routes hit the south shore of Lake Erie where the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area is located.
Although the winds were favorable that day, we saw only one shorebird. But it was a photographer’s dream because the bird tolerated the closeness of people as it foraged on the beach.
Sanderling at Point Pelee.
Because it was the only shorebird and so cooperative, I’ll include a couple more shots.
Running along the beach. Closer
Foraging a little further from the water. Closer
Point Pelee can be a great place for songbird migration, in particular warblers. We saw several species but few came out in the open.
Bay-breasted Warbler poses at Point Pelee.
THE DAILY BUCKET IS A NATURE REFUGE. WE AMICABLY DISCUSS ANIMALS, WEATHER, CLIMATE, SOIL, PLANTS, WATERS AND NOTE LIFE’S PATTERNS.
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