Yorklands Green Hub Story Map

Human Impact

Did you know that these ponds are all human-made! That's right, people actually had to dig them by hand! Having these human-made ponds here have impacted the area over the years. There have been both positive and negative impacts on the environment. 

When the ponds were first made, it brought lots of different species like beavers and turtles, frogs and fish. But there's one animal that has outstayed its welcome. Can you guess which animal? If you guessed Canadian geese, you're right! Large flocks of Canadian geese took over these lands despite the efforts to control the population. Can you see any Canadian geese? 

Why might this be a problem? 

Well it's not so much the geese but rather what they leave behind. That's right, their poop can be damaging to the pond water especially in larger amounts. Goose poop has phosphorus and nitrogen in them, and when they get into the water it causes something called pond eutrophication. This is a natural process but with all the extra nutrients algae and weeds grow much quicker. All the extra algae can deplete the oxygen in the water. This is harmful to all the fish and other aquatic animals because they can't breathe. 

Can you spot any algae along the water? 

So how do we reduce the number of geese so there's less goose poop in the water? 

Well the geese often stay in areas like parks and open fields where there are people because people tend to feed them. They have gotten very comfortable around people and populate many of our city parks. 

Another animal that came to live in these ponds is the Blanding’s Turtle. The Blanding’s Turtle is a medium-sized turtle easily identified by its bright yellow throat and chin. These turtles have a domed shell that resembles an army helmet.

These turtles are considered a threatened species. This means the species is not endangered yet but is likely to become endangered if steps are not taken to address factors threatening it.To help protect these turtles and reduce the disturbance to their habitat, the province has officially banned fishing at one of the more popular local fishing holes, including these ponds.

If you happen to see these turtles, try not to disturb them or their habit. Do not touch or try to pick up these turtles either.

Rehabilitation

The ponds at the Guelph Correctional Centre are very popular fishing holes in Guelph but we aren’t supposed to fish there.

The provincial government has put a ban on all activities that could be potentially harmful to many natural species of plants and animals including the turtle species living in the pond. A baby snapping turtle at the edge of one of the ponds on the property is pictured here. 

The ponds are known to be home to an endangered species of turtle called the Blanding's Turtle. 

Have you ever seen a snapping turtle? Have you ever seen a rare and endangered Blanding’s turtle? The Blanding's Turtle has a smooth, high domed upper shell and a bright yellow chin and throat. 

The province is also trying to allow native species of plants to re-grow in the area. Some native species include Button Bush, Sneezeweed, Queen of the Prairie and Swamp Milkweed. These plants are also wonderful pollinators you can grow in your yard if you have one. Pollinator habitats are important to provide homes and food for our bees and butterflies. 

This site has been recognized by the City of Guelph as a cultural heritage site and is an important stormwater facility. A group called the Yorklands Green Hub hopes to create a sustainable eco hub on the Correctional Centre lands where people can practice and learn about sustainable architecture, water conservation, renewable energy, and pollinators. Would you like a school field trip at the Guelph Correctional Centre lands? 

Connection to land

It is important to be thankful for the environment around us! I want you to find a nice spot along the pond and play a little game with me. As we play our game remember to be kind and respectful to the plants and animals around you. 

This is the senses game!

First I want you to look around for 5 things that you can see!

Maybe you see some plants! Do you see a big oak tree or maybe you see a little yellow dandelion? Maybe you see some animals! Do you see a Canadian goose or maybe even a turtle? 

Next I want you to find 4 things you can feel! 

Maybe you find some things that feel rough, like the bark on a tree. Or maybe you find some things that feel soft, like a fuzzy leaf. Maybe you find some things that are smooth, like the water!

Next I want you to listen for 3 things you can hear!

For this one make sure you're really quiet! What can you hear? Do you hear any animals? Any people? Can you hear the water?

Next I want you to find 2 things you can smell! 

Are there any flowers or plants nearby that have a smell? Maybe there's a cedar tree nearby? Take a little bit of cedar in your hands and rub it around, can you smell the cedar? 

Finally can you notice 1 thing you can taste! 

Now this ones a little tricky, so I'll help you out. Did you know that you can eat the cedar leaves! Some people even make cedar tea out of them! You can try a little bit if you like, what does it taste like? 

Now take a moment and be thankful for everything you noticed around you. We are very lucky we have such beautiful lakes and rivers right here in Guelph! 

Recreation

Favourite activities at the Guelph Correctional Facility include hiking, fishing, art and winter sports like skating, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Unfortunately activities on or in the water are not allowed. Fishing and swimming are not allowed because these activities could interfere with some of the natural species living in the ponds and skating is not allowed because skating on storm water ponds can be unsafe. The ice is not stable. Many people still fish there even though signs on the property say it isn’t allowed. 

There are other places to fish and skate in and around Guelph where it is allowed and it is safe. Do you skate? Do you fish? Where are your favourite places to do these activities? 

Even though you can’t fish or skate at the correctional facility there are still fun things to do. Take a walk, take or paint a picture of cultural and natural wonders there.

Native species

There are so many different plants and animals here, some of them are actually quite rare! 

There are a lot of birds here! Do you recognise any?

Canadian geese often are in this area because of it's big space, with lots of places to nest! 

Some native flowers found here, such as goldenrod and new england aster are super important for pollination. They’re great for pollinators like butterflies, beetles, flies, and even bees! It is very important that there are lots of native flowers for pollinators, because they pollinate the plants that the world relies on for food!

As a fix, start a pollinator garden in your own backyard! You can plant Goldenrod, Beebalm, Raspberry brambles, or let your grass grow really long. These gardens supply food and pollen for the pollinators to keep them in the area and ensure they continue to pollinate our crops. 

Some of the more common animals you may see here include Squirrels, rabbits, Raccoons, skunks, or even deer! Make a mental list of all the different animals you see and share with friends or family the coolest ones you saw, ask them what they saw too!

Try looking around at the native trees of the area and complete this bingo, can you guess which maple tree is which? 

History and culture

Did you know that this area used to be a working prison? 

Do you see the big building with lots of windows? The Guelph Correctional Centre that was used to be a prison that helped inmates develop skills to get back into the workforce that operated from 1911 until the early 2000s.

It was also temporarily the Guelph Military Convalescent Hospital (or “Speedwell”), to rehabilitate more than 900 injured or disabled World War I veterans between 1917 and 1921.

Throughout the years of operation, this place was home to lots of farming and industrial practices. Do you see a stone fence anywhere? Well, inmates actually made that! They took rocks from their quarry and brought them all the way back here to create the long ring around the area. Inmates could work as landscapers, fish farmers, millers, and so many other professions. 

As of 2006, the prison building and land is now seen as an official heritage property managed by the province of Ontario! 

Ghost story warning

With over a hundred years of history, it’s no wonder that people have encountered the paranormal at the Guelph Correctional Centre. Former employees have experienced everything from disembodied voices, to footsteps, to dark shadows, and even apparitions of former inmates. Keep your eyes peeled for anything paranormal!

"I encountered two very strong ghosts. I experienced one in a triage area and I felt and became his spirit. He had burning skin and I walked around in circles in the air to try to help the pain of the burn. The other encounter was in the common room, I was working an Ouija board, with a candle and he walked up behind me with curiosity, I could see him coming towards me. I could see he was muscular and broad build without a shirt. He had fair hair but I could not see his face. "-  Wanda Hewer of ghosthuntersofguelph

Invasive species

Garlic Mustard

Garlic mustard is an invasive edible herb native to Europe, and was introduced to North America in the early 1800s to be grown in people’s gardens. It is high in vitamins A and C, and has a strong garlicky smell and flavour. Since its introduction, it has escaped into the wild and become one of Ontario’s most aggressive forest invaders. 

Second year garlic mustard plants can grow up to 1.2 metres high, and dense “stands” produce more than 60 000 seeds per square metre. Imagine how quickly that can take over a forest!

Stands of garlic mustard can also double in size every 4 years. Their seeds are easily spread by humans and animals, but they are not a valuable food source for native wildlife. What are some ways that you think garlic mustard seeds can spread?

A single garlic mustard seed can remain in the soil for 30 years and will still be able to sprout. That’s a very long time. 

How to identify garlic mustard?

First-year plants produce a rosette of dark green, kidney-shaped leaves with scalloped edges.

Second-year plants grow a stem 0.3 to 1.2 metres high with triangular, alternate, sharply toothed leaves. Second-year plants produce white flowers with four small petals in May.

What can you do?

Learn how to identify garlic mustard and other invasive plants, and ways that you can manage these at your home

When picking garlic mustard, make sure to pull from the base of the plant to get the roots out as well. 

Avoid intentionally planting invasive plants. Instead, plant species that are native to your area. 

Because garlic mustard seeds are so resilient, don’t dispose of the plants in the compost or natural areas. Instead, put it in a garbage bag and put it in the waste. 

With parental supervision and after careful identification, make garlic mustard pesto with the plants you picked!

When exploring natural areas, prevent the spread of invasive species by staying on the trail and keeping pets on a leash.

Try to spot garlic mustard! There are many plants along the building itself, as well as around many bushes and trees on the property and along the trails. Count how many plants you see along the way!

CHALLENGE: keep an eye out for garlic mustard at your home or go on a garlic mustard hunt (when you’re properly equipped with bags to dispose of it). Try your hand at making garlic mustard pesto with your family! Make sure you pull up from the base of the plant so you remove the roots too.

History no.2

The Guelph Correctional Centre was nearly self-sufficient as they produced almost everything that they needed onsite. It was like their own little town, with 21 buildings including a greenhouse, slaughterhouse, cannery, tailor, machine-shops, woolen mill, kitchens and more. Some of the old buildings you see are the remainder of these work buildings. Take a walk around the building, try to find the greenhouse and chapel! 

If you click  here , you can see an old aerial photograph that shows many of the old work buildings and what they were used for. 

Have you noticed all the stone around? The stone that built the long walls along the property and many of the buildings was extracted and moved by inmates from their onsite quarry. That must have been heavy!  Before the naturalization of this area, the Ontario Reformatory grounds were home to very well manicured and landscaped lawns and gardens, all maintained by inmates. Take a moment to picture what you think the area used to look like back in the day!

This  video  by the Valeriote family shows the Correctional Centre’s beautiful gardens that were open to the public in the 1940s. 

At one point, the facility was able to produce enough food to supply all the prisons in Ontario. In a year, their 100-acre farm harvested up to 25 tons of onions, 17 tons of cabbage, 10,000 bags of potatoes, 200,000 pounds of apples, 50 tons of rhubarb, squash, cucumbers, lettuce, corn and beetroot. That’s a lot of food! 

They also produced goods for the public like license plates, picnic tables, clothing, socks, windows, and more. 

Fun fact: The separate buildings were connected by mile-long underground tunnel systems. How would these tunnels have been useful?

Over the years, there have been at least two major riots and many escapes from the facility. How do you think the inmates got out?

The end!

That's the end of our tour- you can go back the way you came or head back to York Rd. Hope you visit this spot again soon!