Sherwood Park Forest

Return to Sherwood Reach

Sherwood Park has one of the finest stands of native trees in the city. Steep slopes are covered in locally rare old growth forest with magnificent trees more than 150 years old. This woodland has experienced severe stress from the constant pressure of urban use. Erosion on the steep slopes which undermines trees causing them to fall, compaction of the soil around tree root systems, destruction of tree seedlings and other plant species required for regeneration of a healthy woodland, are examples of the problems threatening Sherwood Park’s beauty. These problems result from heavy use especially bicycle riding and walking on the steep slopes and in the woods. Too many “informal” trails have been created by these users, leading to woodland damage.

The Sherwood Park Advisory Committee composed of representatives from local residents’ associations and other user groups, meets regularly to advise the City’s Parks and Recreation Department on the management of Sherwood Park. Several native tree and shrub plantings have been undertaken by the Advisory Committee, jointly with the Department of Parks and Recreation, in areas of the Park experiencing erosion or requiring rehabilitation. These plantings involved local schools and members of local residents’ associations. The Advisory Committee has developed an overall set of guidelines for the management of Sherwood Park and produces an annual workplan listing projects for joint action with Parks and Recreation. The guidelines and workplans are intended to help preserve and restore the natural environment so that Sherwood Park’s educational and recreational potentials are realized and maintained.

To reach the community objectives, The City of Toronto produced a “Ravine Working Plan” for Sherwood Park in 1989 and an “Ecological Land Classification Vegetation Inventory and Monitoring Plan” in 1998/99 (by William Draper Consulting). The “Ravine Working Plan” provides guidelines for Management and maintenance of the natural ravine system to maintain the natural system so there will be a healthy environment for public recreation. “The goal is to restore natural vegetation and maintain the ravine in its historic natural character while maintaining it as a usable public space.” Closing of some trails and some erosion control measures were also recommended. The following paraphrases the regeneration situation and recommendations: The present overstory is composed mostly of desirable native species; however, the regeneration lacks both quantity and quantity and has low species diversity. Prolific regeneration of non-native species such as Norway maple threatens the future of native species within the ravine. Planting of native species is required and Norway maple regeneration must be removed from much of the area. Species that are shade tolerant or moderately shade tolerant and grow well on sand loam sites are ideal for this ravine. Suitable species are Sugar Maple, Red Maple, Red Oak, White Oak, Basswood, American Beech, White Pine and Eastern Hemlock. Naturally occurring regeneration together with these plantings will help to maintain a healthy ecosystem for the future.

The table below gives some additional data on the forest type areas shown in the above map.