Environmental Stewardship Initiatives

The Environmental Stewardship Division of the Community Services Department works with communities, groups and individuals to promote sustainable living, environmental protection and education throughout the municipality. We work to develop community programs and initiatives to increase environmental awareness, engage the community in environmental projects and establish new partnerships. Township staff offers assistance with project development and coordination, fundraising and marketing.

Ongoing Projects & Initiatives

Enhancing existing pollinator habitat through wildflower, native tree and shrub plantings
Increasing canopy coverage through various landscape restoration planting projects.
Tall Grass Prairie Restoration
Bird & Nest box monitoring. Cold Creek is a migratory corridor and nesting habitat for a variety of bird species that have been classified as species at risk.(make clickable to direct users to Bird & Nest box Monitoring info shown below)
Terrestrial invasive species management
Installation of interpretive signage at various natural property features
Offer guided hikes and nature based workshops for community groups, and property users
Reducing mowing on site to further enhance natural areas
Wetland Enhancement Project in partnership with the Toronto Region Conservation Authority

If you are interested in volunteer opportunities at Cold Creek, please email us to discuss potential opportunities!

Major Projects

The Bog Boardwalk is an important property feature that offers a unique visitors experience to our community. The mixed coniferous swamp forest (bog ecosystem) contains black spruce trees which is rare in Southern Ontario. Due to the rarity of the bog ecosystem in Southern Ontario, the area has been designated as an Area of Natural & Scientific Interest (ANSI). The existing structure has been closed for several years as it is unsafe with fallen trees and compromised structural integrity due to the age.
Starting in 2021, the Township of King began decommissioning the existing structure to prepare for the installation of a new boardwalk. The Township of King has committed to replacing the boardwalk which will enhance the trail system and increase safety for trail users. Ultimately, the project will enhance visitors experience by providing opportunities to experience nature and participate in physical activity.
Check back for updates regarding the project.
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Every year Environmental Stewardship identifies various locations throughout the site to conduct tree, shrub and wildflower planting. The Township of King works with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority as well as other organizations to increase tree canopy coverage, enhance pollinator habitats and restore various ecosystems on site.
If you are interested in volunteering at a planting event or would like to schedule a private group planting please contact environmentalstewardship@king.ca
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The Township of King is committed to helping pollinators by enhancing existing habitats and creating new ones in parks, gardens and natural areas. The Township of King has entered into a partnership agreement with Pioneer Brand Honey to introduce an apiary on-site and offer educational workshops. To learn more about the apiary and upcoming educational opportunities, please contact environmentalstewardship@king.ca
For more info on Pioneers Honey check out our Bees at Cold Creek page!
Interesting Bee Facts
- There are three types of bees in the hive – Queen, Worker and Drone.
- The Queen may lay 600-800 or even 1,500 eggs each day during her 3 or 4 year lifetime. This daily egg production may equal her own weight. She is constantly fed and groomed by attendant worker bees.
- Honey bees fly at 24kms per hour.
- Honey bees' wings stroke 11,400 times per minute, thus making their distinctive buzz.
- Did you know? Honeybees are the only insect that produces food for human consumption.
- Honeybees will usually travel approximately 3 miles from their hive.
- Honeybees are the only bees that die after they sting.
- Honeybees are responsible for pollinating approximately 80% of all fruit, vegetable and seed crops in Canada.
- Honeybees have five eyes, 3 small ones on top of the head and two big ones in front. They also have hair on their eyes!
- Bees communicate with each other by dancing and by using pheromones (scents).
- Honeybees never sleep.
- A populous colony may contain 40,000 to 60,000 bees during the late spring or early summer.
- A honeycomb cell has six sides.
- Bees maintain a temperature of 33 - 34 degrees Celsius in their central brood nest regardless of whether the outside temperature is +40 or -40 degrees.
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If you are walking the trails you might notice a small metal box secured to various trees along the trails. Trail counters are used to collect trail use data to better understand trail usage. The information collected will help guide future site and operational decisions. Trail usage of CCCA has increased tremendously as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the growing population within the region.
TRAFX Trail Counters allow the Township of King to count the amount of people using the trail. This information allows for better trail planning and helps inform property management decisions. Please note that this device is not a camera and your image is not captured. Should you have any questions or concerns please contact environmentalstewardship@king.ca
Invasive plants are non-native species that displace naturally occurring plants and can completely alter an ecosystem. Invasive vegetation poses a variety of threats to the natural environment such as the degradation of natural areas, reduced forest productivity and species richness, and adverse impacts on recreation and esthetics. Instead, consider planting native vegetation. Native plants are well adjusted to local climate, require less water and maintenance. Growing native plants and trees on your property will enhance biodiversity, support pollinators, and reduce invasive species. Planting native is beneficial to local wildlife and pollinator species providing food and habitat.
Get Involved
A variety of terrestrial invasive species have been reported and mapped on site some of which include which include buckthorn, multiflora, garlic mustard and dog strangling vine. Environmental Stewardship alongside Cold Creek staff and volunteers have been working to manage and control various patches throughout the property.
Residents can help map the distribution of invasive species present throughout the property. Sightings of terrestrial invasive plants growing within King Township can be mapped using King Mapping Software. By reporting sightings staff can identify what plants are present within King, the location of the species, control methods and the severity of the infestation. Mapping the distribution of invasive species will help Township staff monitor and mitigate the spread of invasive plants throughout the municipality. Mapping the distribution of terrestrial invasive plant species can be conducted on all property types including municipal lands, conservation lands, natural areas, green spaces and residential properties.
Helpful Resources
More information can be found at the links below about invasive species and proper management:

Construction @ Education Center

Driveway Conditions

Ongoing Projects & Initiatives

Major Projects

Interesting Bee Facts

Get Involved

Helpful Resources

Visit Our Partners