Burnt Lands alvar
The Burnt Lands is an alvar between Almonte and Ottawa near Upper Huntley, Ontario, Canada. It probably obtained its name from one of the forest fires that swept the area during early European settlement.
| Burnt Lands Provincial Park | |
|---|---|
IUCN category Ia (strict nature reserve) | |
Burnt Lands Alvar | |
| Location | Ottawa and Mississippi Mills, Ontario |
| Coordinates | 45°15′40″N 76°09′00″W |
| Area | 516.00 ha (1,275.1 acres) |
| Established | 2003 |
| Governing body | Ontario Parks |
| www | |
It is possible that fires assist in creating or maintaining alvars. However, the shallow soil, with alternating drought and flooding, is likely the main factor. The main point is that in a land that is typically covered in forest, alvars provide small area of open prairie-like conditions for plants that require such conditions.
This alvar is one of the best examples of this habitat type in Lanark County and in southern Ontario. It has been the subject of numerous scientific studies. Because of its significance, The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources has designated ca 610 hectares (1,500 acres) of the alvar as an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest. A smaller parcel of several hundred hectares is protected within the Burnt Lands Provincial Park (Nature Reserve).
It is a popular destination with local naturalists, including bird-watchers and photographers.