Ontario Nature Protects Critical Urban Biodiversity Jewel in Whitby With the Acquisition of Thickson's Woods

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Ontario Nature

Oct 29, 2026, 07:00 ET

WHITBY, ON, Oct. 29, 2026 /CNW/ -- Ontario Nature is proud to announce the addition of 24.86 acres (10.06 hectares) across five vital urban parcels, expanding its nature reserve network into the Town of Whitby. Known as Thickson's Woods, this remarkable sanctuary represents the last remaining old-growth white pine forest on the north shore of Lake Ontario. The property is a vital refuge for wildlife within an increasingly urbanized landscape.

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Monarch Butterflies Roosting, Thickson's Woods Nature Reserve © James Kamstra
Monarch Butterflies Roosting, Thickson's Woods Nature Reserve © James Kamstra

Located in the Traditional Territory of the Williams Treaties First Nations -- specifically under the Johnson-Butler Purchase of 1787/88 -- the nature reserve harbors exceptional ecological significance. The newly acquired property includes mature mixed forest, coastal wetland, open regenerating meadow and 400 metres of Lake Ontario shoreline along the Waterfront Trail.

Thickson's Woods sits at the intersection of two major flyways, making the property a world-class migratory stopover where songbirds recharge during their long migratory flights. The nature reserve supports an astonishing 75 rare species, including 20 provincially at-risk species such as prothonotary warblers, wood thrushes, eastern milksnakes, monarch butterflies and endangered butternut trees.

The permanent protection of Thickson's Woods was made possible through the generous support of the Estate of Hazel May Broker, the Echo Foundation, the Ontario Conservation Accelerator, The Zita and Mark Bernstein Family Foundation, and Thickson's Woods Land Trust -- alongside many dedicated Ontario Nature members.

Quotes
"Before the property was protected initially, the shoreline was fragmented and development was at the doorstep. Caring residents were determined to protect what remained, and they did it. Their action saved a vital migratory stopover and the last old-growth white pine forest on this biodiverse stretch of Lake Ontario. Nature does well when people act as they did."
– Andrés Jiménez Monge, Ontario Nature Executive Director

"Congratulations Ontario Nature in stepping up to be the next generation of steward of this important site, building on the experience and long-standing commitment of the Thickson's Woods Land Trust. Every community needs authentic spaces nearby just like this and groups like Ontario Nature are the ones that can lead and realize this vision.  We are delighted to be able to support this great project, place and organization!"
– Mike Hendren, Ontario Conservation Accelerator

Background

  • Thickson's Woods will be Ontario Nature's 27th nature reserve, totalling 3,225 hectares (7,970 acres) of the province's most vulnerable habitats.
  • The property was initially saved from logging in 1983 by a dedicated group of local naturalists who formed Thickson's Woods Land Trust. This nature reserve is a legendary labor of love built over more than four decades of community action and grassroots fundraising.
  • Local on-the-ground volunteer care will continue in partnership with community stewards, including the Durham Region Field Naturalists.
  • By bringing Thickson's Woods into its nature reserve system, Ontario Nature ensures this ecological oasis will be cared for in perpetuity.
  • The nature reserve permanently protects imperiled species, enhances climate resiliency along Lake Ontario and gives people an accessible connection to nature.
  • Thickson's Woods is the first urban, transit accessible property within Ontario Nature's nature reserve system.

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Ontario Nature protects wild species and wild spaces through conservation, education and public engagement. A charitable organization, Ontario Nature represents 9,500 members, 130,000 supporters and 160 member groups from across Ontario. Learn more at: ontarionature.org.

SOURCE Ontario Nature

John Hassell Communications and Engagement Director, Editor, Ontario Nature, [email protected] | 416-786-2171

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