The Howard Watson Nature Trail (HWNT) is a remnant prairie, a habitat-type that at one time covered much of southern Ontario. Temperate grasslands and savannahs are among the most endangered ecosystems worldwide. In Ontario, less than 0.5% of the historic prairie and savannah areas remain. Because these ecosystems are so rare, many of the species that are found within them are also rare or at risk.
14 of the plant species found on the HWNT are provincially tracked, including three species at risk, Dense Blazing Star (Threatened), Riddell’s Goldenrod (Special Concern) and Hop Tree (Threatened); and two other species known from fewer than 5 populations in Ontario, Smooth Agalinis and Fringed Puccoon.
Dense Blazing Star
Riddell’s Goldenrod