![]() Norfolk Forest Complex IBA ![]() Norfolk Forest Complex IBA offers a rare opportunity to conserve continuous blocks and corridors of Carolinian habitat in one of Canada's most fragmented landscapes.
The Norfolk Forest Complex is a fragmented Carolinian forest ecosystem within an agricultural matrix. The deciduous and swamp forests are home to one of southern Ontario’s richest breeding bird communities, including Scarlet Tanagers, Winter Wrens, and a dozen warbler species. The Complex includes a nationally rare community type (Tulip Tree – Eastern Hemlock) and supports a wealth of biodiversity, including threatened Jefferson Salamanders and endangered Spotted Turtles. This is critical habitat for breeding birds at risk, including Hooded, Cerulean and Prothonotary Warblers, Acadian Flycatchers, and Louisiana Waterthrushes.
Large portions of the Norfolk Forest Complex are privately owned, subjected to forestry or agricultural practices, or seriously threatened by invasive species. However, some portions of the IBA are managed by naturalist groups or lie within conservation areas, and there is support for transforming out-of-production agricultural fields into restored natural habitat to connect and buffer existing Carolinian forest blocks. Through IBA Communities in Action, we’re partnering with local stewards and volunteers to restore bottomland agricultural lands to swamp forest, remove invasive species, plant native species in upland habitats, improve ecosystem functioning by restoring hydrological flow, and erect signs and fences to discourage inappropriate land use.
For more information visit these Web sites:
Download more fact sheets about Canada’s IBAs or call 1-800-267-4088 ext. 241 to request one.
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The Norfolk Forest Complex is a fragmented Carolinian forest ecosystem within an agricultural matrix. The deciduous and swamp forests are home to one of southern Ontario’s richest breeding bird communities, including Scarlet Tanagers, Winter Wrens, and a dozen warbler species. The Complex includes a nationally rare community type (Tulip Tree – Eastern Hemlock) and supports a wealth of biodiversity, including threatened Jefferson Salamanders and endangered Spotted Turtles. This is critical habitat for breeding birds at risk, including Hooded, Cerulean and Prothonotary Warblers, Acadian Flycatchers, and Louisiana Waterthrushes.
Large portions of the Norfolk Forest Complex are privately owned, subjected to forestry or agricultural practices, or seriously threatened by invasive species. However, some portions of the IBA are managed by naturalist groups or lie within conservation areas, and there is support for transforming out-of-production agricultural fields into restored natural habitat to connect and buffer existing Carolinian forest blocks. Through IBA Communities in Action, we’re partnering with local stewards and volunteers to restore bottomland agricultural lands to swamp forest, remove invasive species, plant native species in upland habitats, improve ecosystem functioning by restoring hydrological flow, and erect signs and fences to discourage inappropriate land use.