Rattray Marsh Conservation Area

Settlement The area was inhabited by the Mississauga people of the Wendake-Niowentsïo territory before the settlers arrived. A treaty was signed between the Mississauga people and new settlers in 1805 for land from Etobicoke creek to Burlington Bay and other areas reaching up to the north of Dundas street. working in co-operation with the CVCA, City of Mississauga, Region of Peel and other groups, to continue to protect the natural resources of Rattray Marsh. Members of RMPA addressed concerns posed by any new development in the Marsh. They played an important role in proposing an alternate plan for installing sewers so that they were not installed in the conservation area. was an environmentalist, veterinarian, president of South Peel Naturalists Club, and a volunteer for the Scouting movement. In 1990, The Rattray Marsh Protection Association published Ruth Hussey’s detailed account of the marsh history and its natural history in the book titled “Rattray Marsh Then and Now” co-ordinated by Judith M. Goulin, who finished the book after Ruth Hussey died in 1984. Among the many awards received by Ruth Hussey was the Carl Nunn Media Conservation Award from the Federation of Ontario Naturalists for her dedication to conservation of Marsh. A large granite boulder at the Old Poplar Row entrance to the Rattray Marsh has been installed by RMPA to pay tribute to Ruth Hussey’s efforts in preserving the Marsh. The stone says “Because of her, Rattray marsh is ours.” == Urbanization ==

Rattray marsh has ecologically degraded over the years due to urbanization of the surrounding area. The urbanization has resulted in sediment build-up in the Sheridan Creek, a portion of which flows through the marsh. Excess nutrients degrade the health of marsh and reduce the diversity of wetland vegetation. == Plants ==

Several of the biogeographic influences such as the marsh’s proximity to the limits of Carolinian Zone, its proximity to the Lake Ontario, its southerly temperate nature, and its cool acidic northerly nature all determine the native flora of Rattray marsh. This invasion of Ash Borer destroyed many species of Ash trees in the area including those at Rattray Marsh. Some of the dead ash trees impacted by emerald ash borer were cut down for the safety of wildlife, visitors and staff. Downed logs are placed in various locations to provide habitat for wildlife. A number of native trees and shrubs were planted in place by Credit Valley Conservation. The remaining ash trees were injected with an environmentally safe bio-insecticide treatment to prevent them from getting infected with emerald ash borer. == Birds ==

The variety of plants and natural food sources found in Rattray Marsh provides an important habitat for many species of birds. The marsh is also a stopping point for many of the migratory bird species in spring and fall including various species of songbirds, waterfowl, birds of prey and shorebirds. According to Credit Valley Conservation, there are 227 species of birds found in the Rattray Marsh. Following the Emerald Ash Borer infection and destruction of trees, several native plants have been planted in the Marsh to provide food sources for birds while removing invasive species like Buckthorn. Nests of uncommon species like Great Horned Owl and Eastern Screech Owl have also been spotted in the marsh in 2021 and 2022 respectively. Due to wide variety of birds found in Rattray marsh, it is often frequented by bird watchers and bird photographers. According to the Rattray Marsh Environmental Study report from August 2009, out of the 218 bird species sighted between 1975 and 2007, 84 hold Priority Conservation Status, 81 are Species of Conservation Concern, 47 are considered Area sensitive for habitat requirements, and 40 are considered Provincially Rare. Bird listing at the time had identified 62 species not recorded since 1984. == Mammals ==

There are 26 species of mammals found in the Rattray marsh including White Tailed Deer, Red Fox, Muskrat, Beaver, Striped Skunk, Coyote, Mink and other species (many of which are nocturnal by nature.) Temporary fences were installed in some areas in 2022 to prevent deer from grazing on new trees and shrubs planted to restore the conservation area. == Fish ==

Many fish use the wetland for breeding, feeding and shelter and move into the marsh from Lake Ontario during spawning season. There are 11 species of fish found in the Rattray marsh. In April and May, White Suckers are found swimming upstream to spawn. The fish migration times in the marsh are often dependent on the operation of the shingle bar affected by the variation in water level. During lower water levels, the shingle bar cuts off the flow between Lake Ontario and the marsh. While White Suckers are native to marsh, invasive species like Carp are most often seen splashing near the surface of the water. == Reptiles and amphibians ==

Rattray marsh is home to 18 species of reptiles and amphibians amongst which are a various species of toads, frogs, turtles, snakes, and salamanders. All species of turtles found in Ontario are currently considered species at risk. The most common turtles found in the marsh are Midland Painted turtles and Snapping turtles, with an occasional sighting of Map turtles and Blanding’s turtle. == See also ==