An internationally significant natural area

Located northeast of Lake Simcoe, the Carden Alvar is an outstanding example of globally-threatened alvar habitat combining alvar grasslands, shrublands, forests and wetlands and is critical to the survival of globally rare communities and the endangered Eastern Loggerhead Shrike. Little Bluestem Alvar is NCC's latest project on the Carden Alvar. Carden Alvar supports no fewer than 450 plant species, 142 butterfly and dragonfly species and 238 bird species. Carden's open alvars are also the perfect habitat for lichens, mosses, moulds and fungi.

The Carden Alvar's grasslands are a diverse riot of colourful wildflowers in late spring and boast an incredible diversity and number of grassland bird species who draw dedicated birdwatchers and researchers to this unique site. On-site management includes renewable energy water pumps to support grazing cattle, which help maintain the open habitats Shrikes prefer for hunting and nesting.

The Carden Alvar Natural Area contains a provincially- designated Life Science ANSI (Area of Natural and Scientific Interest) and is part of the Carden Plain Important Bird Area, which is a designation based on populations of species-at-risk. Working with partners like The Couchicing Conservancy, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, the Carden and Orillia Field Naturalists, the Toronto Ornithological Club and the Ontario Field Ornithologists, NCC has participated in the protection priority sites across the Carden Alvar totalling 6,000 acres (2,500 hectares). Under the careful management of NCC and our partners, the protected lands on the Carden Alvar will become a model for alvar ecology and stewardship in North America.