The Greenbelt protection has extended to 21 major urban river valleys and 7 coastal wetlands across the Greater Golden Horseshoe - including the Fourteen Mile Creek!
The addition of these waterways to the Greenbelt is an important recognition of the vital role the Greenbelt plays in protecting the hydrological features we rely on for clean drinking water, flood protection, and healthy ecosystems.
Fourteen Mile Creek is a small, almost completely-urban creek whose furthest headwaters originate in the farmlands south of Old Base Line road. Every 5 years Conservation Halton releases a report card to assess the health of the Fourteen Mile Creek watershed. Grades around urbanized areas typically decline because of reduced natural vegetation and hard surfaces, such as roads and roofs. Protecting the urban river valleys is very important for our communities health.
Top facts about the Fourteen Mile Creek:
Contained in this amazing creek valley are nearly a dozen different plant communities, filled with over 250 plant species.
Fourteen mile creek, along with these diverse plant communities, provides habitat for at least 15 species of fish, 10 species of mammals, 10 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 63 species of birds.
Fourteen Mile Creek is mainly an urban and suburban creek, with only its outermost roots stretching outside of the city. And yet, when given a chance, there is a vibrant natural community hidden in its deep, winding ravines.
Fourteen Mile Creek’s deciduous forests coat the ground each fall in a dazzling display of fall leaves. These leaves are vital to the functioning of the native deciduous forest. They cover the ground in a thick layer, which provides habitat for insects, birds and other animals, returns nutrients to the soil, provides food for fungi, and acts as a kind of natural insulating ‘mulch’ for native plants.
In 2014, Fourteen Mile Creek was one of only three urban creeks in all of Burlington and Oakville that had a diverse enough active fish community to get a “Good” water quality rating at any of its checkpoint stations. “Good” is the highest rating any checkpoint obtained.
Want to learn more?
Right now, we are working with community groups, municipalities and organizations across the Greenbelt to ensure the urban river valleys and the Greenbelt remain healthy for generations to come.
The Conservation Halton has produced extensive research about the Fourteen Mile Creek.
The Conservation Halton organizes many events to help you learn more about the watershed, or you could check-out our events page.
