Crothers Woods, Natural park in Toronto, Canada.
Crothers Woods covers 52 hectares across the Don River valley and includes open meadows, wetland areas, and forest sections with red oak, sugar maple, and American beech. The property is crisscrossed by approximately 9 kilometers of natural dirt trails ranging from beginner-friendly to intermediate difficulty.
The land remained undeveloped until 1787 when European settlers acquired it from the Mississauga people through the Toronto Purchase agreement. Since then it has been used for agriculture and eventually protected as a natural preserve.
The park takes its name from William Crothers, an early settler of the area. The woodland is used by hikers and bird watchers who come to observe native plant diversity and enjoy views across the Don River valley toward the city.
Wear sturdy footwear since the trails are natural dirt paths that can become slippery when wet. Visit between May and October when trails are in the best condition and wildflowers and wildlife are most visible.
The forest is home to butternut trees, a locally endangered species that visitors can spot along certain trails with careful observation. These trees represent a direct link to the woodland ecosystem that existed before European settlement.
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