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Trail Guide >
Post 9
Revised Sept. 15/00. The latest version of the guide is always available on http://www.lionstrail.org
The southern part of Durham Region contains the drainage basins of a number of creeks: Duffins and Carruthers in Pickering and Ajax, Oshawa and Harmony Creeks in Oshawa, and the Soper and Wilmot in Clarington. Whitby contains the two branches and mainstream of Lynde Creek. The stream you are walking beside is called the East Lynde Creek. Originating in the Oak Ridges Moraine eleven kilometres to the north-west, the East Lynde flows in a southerly direction to meet with the West Lynde just north of Highway 2. Lynde Creek continues south to the Lynde Shores Conservation Area beside Lake Ontario.
As you look at the creek during your walk, you may notice a number of physical characteristics. The East Lynde bends or meanders over the floodplain. The outside curve of these meanders tend to erode the bank while the inside of the bend deposits gravel, sand, and silt. In this way the creek can move over time creating oxbows and meander scars as it cuts a new course. You may also notice that the nature of the creek tends to periodically change as you head up or down stream. It alternates between fast flowing riffles and slower moving pools.
The creek, its floodplain, and the surrounding tablelands serve as an important north-south wildlife corridor in a part of Ontario becoming increasingly urbanized. Wildlife need to be able to move to different areas. In Durham, the valley lands offer the best opportunities for wildlife to remain connected with the natural areas on the north shore of Lake Ontario, along the old Lake Iroquois shoreline, the Oak Ridges Moraine, and the Kawarthas in the north-east. If wildlife is left in isolated pockets of habitat, each species’ chances of survival in the long term is poor.
Hey Kids!
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Spring: | Never go near a creek unless you are with an adult. In the spring they flood and help deposit sand, silt, and clay in the valley. The plants love this new soil. Remember, that fast flowing water is very dangerous and can carry you away. |
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Summer: | The creek is full of life. Can you name the different types of plants and animals that would live in or beside the creek? |
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Fall: | The creek provides life for many of the animals nearby. What kinds of animals would come to the creek for a drink? You should not drink creek water. It’s not safe for humans. |
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Winter: | Remember, if the creek is frozen it’s still not safe. Flowing water keeps creek ice especially thin. Stay off creek ice! |