With this Conservation Area, getting there is half the fun since it is located a boat ride away on Pelee Island. The alvar is an area of thin topsoil over limestone bedrock, a very unique ecosystem and one of the region's most biologically diverse, supporting some 55 native alvar plants.
There is no formal trail but the area is yours to explore and there is much to see. Look out for Oak-Hickory Woodland, Oak Savannah, Red Cedar Savannah, and old-field thicket. From late July to early September, all the open areas are masterfully coloured with the yellow of gray-headed coneflower, the purple of nodding wild onion and clusters of the white of whorled milkweed.
Chinquapin oaks are scattered throughout the unique alvar habitat and can often be well over 100 years old. In the open savannahs, visitors can find the provincially rare Hop Tree as well as Blue Ash.
Of special note is the local abundance of Downy Wood Mint, a plant that in Canada is confined to Pelee Island. Stone Road Alvar is also prime habitat for the endangered Blue Racer snake. As well, five rare butterflies occur quite commonly at Stone Road - the spectacular Giant Swallowtail, the Tawny Emperor, Acadian hairstreak, Hackberry Butterfly, and Sachem Skipper. Carolinian bird species such as the Yellow-breasted Chat and the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher like the property's dense thickets.
Directions: From either Leamington or Kingsville, take the Pelee Island Ferry to Pelee Island. Please contact Pelee Island Transport Inc. at 1-800-661-2220 for departure dock and ferry times.
Once on Pelee Island, Stone Road Alvar Conservation area is located in the extreme southeast corner of the island. From the West Dock take West Shore Rd. to East West Road and then turn down Stone Rd. to access the Conservation Area. Information provided by the Essex Region Conservation website.
For more information on trails or to view a trail video by activity please go to the OTC Youtube Channel
Ontario Trails do not own or manage any trails. Check with the identified manager before using this trail. Do not trespass, allowed uses only.
For more information on the great sport of snowshoeing please see our partner Snowshoe Canada
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