Rattray Marsh Conservation Area, Protected wetland in Mississauga, Canada
Rattray Marsh Conservation Area is a 94-acre protected wetland along Lake Ontario featuring marsh forests, wooded areas, and shoreline. These different habitat types support hundreds of plant and animal species throughout the year.
Major James Rattray owned the property until 1959, when it changed hands. Local citizens then launched a 16-year campaign to prevent development and ultimately secured protection for the land.
The name comes from James Rattray, who once owned the estate here. Today the marsh serves as a vital refuge where people come to watch birds and observe native plants thriving in their natural setting.
The area is accessible from two entrances on Lakeshore Road West or Bexhill Road, open from sunrise to sunset. Wear sturdy footwear as trails can be muddy and wet, especially after rain.
This is one of the last lakefront marsh ecosystems remaining between Toronto and Burlington. The site hosts an exceptional variety of more than 400 plant species and over 200 bird species, a concentration rarely found elsewhere in the region.
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