Greater Golden Horseshoe Greenbelt, Protected natural area in southern Ontario, Canada
Greater Golden Horseshoe Greenbelt is a large protected area in southern Ontario that covers forests, wetlands, watersheds, and farmland. The space stretches in a wide arc from the Niagara Escarpment to the lakes east of Toronto, connecting different landscapes together.
The provincial government created the zone in 2005 through legislation to limit the spread of urban areas and preserve natural resources. The measure aimed to prevent buildings and infrastructure from swallowing the remaining open landscapes between cities.
The name refers to the horseshoe shape that wraps around the Toronto area, linking farmland with forested tracts. Farmers often sell their produce directly from the property, so visitors can sample fresh fruit, vegetables, and wine from the region.
Visitors can access the area through hundreds of hiking trails, bike paths, and waterways, with many sections open to the public. For guidance and details on individual parks or nature reserves, it helps to check maps and regional information ahead of time.
The zone shelters more than 70 species at risk, including rare amphibians and birds that find refuge in the wetlands and forests. The Niagara Escarpment within the area was recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve, underlining its ecological importance.
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