Clarke Property

The Clarke property is located on the northern Bruce Peninsula and features spectacular views of the Lake Huron shoreline with numerous bays, low headlands, shoals and small islands. This 40-hectare (99-acre) property features globally rare alvar habitats, which are open habitats with thin or absent soil cover over calcareous bedrock (limestone or dolostone). Although alvar habitats can endure extreme climactic conditions (such as flooding, drought and variable temperatures), they are still among the most species-rich ecosystems in the world.

The Clarke property hosts the alvar pavement habitat type, which occurs on exposed bedrock that has less than 2 centimetres (1 inch) of soil. Although vegetation is patchy, bushes, mosses and lichens dominate the property. Numerous ponds, rich fens and other wetland communities contribute to the unique heritage value of the Clarke property The Clarke property was generously donated to the Ontario Heritage Trust by Dr. William Clarke and Margaret Clarke in 1984.

Heritage value

The Clarke property is recognized as part of the provincially significant Cape Hurd-Baptist Harbour Life Science Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI). This ANSI supports high ecological diversity with 35 ecotypes, seven of which are globally and provincially rare alvar vegetation community types. Several provincially rare species such as the dwarf lake iris, ram’s head lady slipper, northern dropseed, eastern Massasauga rattlesnake and Queen snake have been observed on this property. It also falls within important winter deer ranges, contains suitable habitat for migratory land and water birds, and serves as a corridor for the movement of small fish species, invertebrates, semi-aquatic mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

Rare Flora and Fauna

The Clarke property is home to a variety of rare and endangered species. The dwarf lake iris, an exquisite flower found only in select locations, flourishes here alongside the ram’s head lady slipper, a delicate orchid. The northern dropseed, a grass species, and the eastern Massasauga rattlesnake, Ontario’s only venomous snake, also inhabit this unique landscape. Additionally, the elusive Queen snake, which relies on clean aquatic environments, has been observed in the property’s wetlands.

A Mosaic of Habitats

Beyond the alvar pavement, the Clarke property features a rich assortment of ecosystems. Ponds and fens interspersed across the land create vital wetland habitats. These wetlands are crucial for supporting amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates, while also providing foraging and nesting sites for migratory waterfowl and land birds. The bush-dominated patches, moss-covered bedrock, and lichen-rich surfaces further add to the site’s ecological complexity.