At present there is a proposal underway by the Grand Trunk Trail Committee:
Natural Heritage can be described as the natural landscape which provides a number of functions which are a benefit to the public and contribute to a better quality of life. Some of these functions include the aesthetic appeal of our rural landscape, habitat for wildlife, hydrological benefits, and economic products. The study area has a number of natural heritage features which contribute to the natural heritage value of the area. Features such as "Greenways" along the abandoned rail line and the Thames River and the Dolomite Limestone outcrops found along the River contribute to the overall uniqueness and aesthetic appeal of the area.
When land settlement began in Perth County prior to 1850, almost the entire land base was covered with trees. Because this vast expanse of forest was an impediment to early settlers, land clearing began immediately and increased at a rapid pace. By 1910 the amount of forested land dropped to about 10 percent of the total land base. Blanchard Township which encompasses the town of St. Mary's has 2.6 percent forest cover, which is the lowest percent forest cover of any township in Perth County (Smith, Undated). It can therefor be said that any forested areas within Perth County have special significance and hold natural heritage values.
The abandoned Grand Trunk Rail Line can be considered to be a "Greenway" which is defined as vegetated anthropomorphic link between natural areas, parks, or historic areas (Labaree, 1992). Greenways follow streams and rivers, ridge lines, abandoned rail lines, hedgerows, canals, and other transportation corridors. Greenways provide a number of ecological functions such as:
1. Providing habitat for plant and animal communities.
2. Acting as a conduit for plants, animals (including
man), water, sediment, and chemicals.
3. Providing a physical barrier preventing movement
(usually perpendicular to its axis)
4. Acting as a filter preventing passage of some things
but not others.
5. Acting as a source. Providing the surrounding area
with a number of things.
6. Acting as a sink trapping sediments and nutrients
The abandoned Grand Trunk Rail Line lies within the town of St. Mary's and thus is easily accessible to the public and in effect can provide a natural classroom for learning. Two schools, Arthur Meighen and Holy Name of Mary School (Figure 6) are closely situated to the abandoned rail line, with Holy Name of Mary School actually abutting the abandoned rail line property. The close proximity of the abandoned rail line to area schools provides a unique opportunity for students to use the area for hands-on educational projects. Projects such as habitat restoration, exotic species control, and the development of a self guided interpretive trail has the potential to increase the natural heritage value of the surrounding area as well as provide educational opportunities for students at the same time. Some of the educational values that can be derived from the area include; natural history, botany, environmental studies, geography, soil studies, dendrology, and biology. Schools may wish to use the area as a living classroom to study natural processes such as plant competition, nutrient recycling, habitat evolution, and predator prey relationships.
The proposed Grand Trunk Tail within the town of St. Mary's has the
potential to provide local residents, tourists, and other 
users
with a link to St. Mary's past. Historical features such as the Grand
Trunk Rail Line, the Junction Station, and the Sarnia Bridge could be highlighted
in interpretive displays and signage to increase the historical and educational
value of the trail. The Junction Station has been recognized by the Provincial
Government as a historical site and a plaque recognizing the structures
historical relevance has been erected by the province near the building
(Figure 11).
The Grand Trunk Railway in Southwestern Ontario was constructed to provide a link between the railways Michigan lines and its eastern seaboard terminus at Portland Main. A line from Toronto to Sarnia was completed in 1859 (Andreae, 1972). Southwestern Ontario is strategically positioned between the American Midwest and the New England States and provides the shortest route between the two. The Railways built in this area were known as the "Bridge Railways" of Southern Ontario. It is very unlikely that the Grand Trunk would have been built in Southwestern Ontario as early as it was if not for its strategic location.
The proposed Grand Trunk Trail has good potential to provide various recreational opportunities promoting fitness, stress relief, and well being for local residents, tourists and other users. It is the opinion of the author that recreational activities should be limited to those activities that are compatible with each other, peaceful, and undamaging to the natural surroundings. The following recreational activities are suggested by the author as being consistent with this type of use;
- walking, running, and hiking - wildflower identification
- biking - environmental education
- nature watching - cross-country skiing
- photography - snowshoeing
The operation of motorized vehicles, excluding motorized wheel chairs, along the proposed Grand Trunk Trail should be discouraged as it is damaging and disruptive to the surrounding environment. Operation of motorized vehicles along the trail would also cause conflicts between user groups as well as pose a safety concern. In the opinion of the author the operation of motorized vehicles along the proposed Grand Trunk Trail is not consistent with a safe, undamaging, and peaceful experience with the natural surroundings.
In order for the proposed Grand Trunk Trail to provide recreational opportunities for the widest range of people it is suggested that the grade along the trail not exceed 5 percent (assuming a surface of hard packed stone dust) in any location and that the needs of the elderly and physically challenged be taken into consideration when designing signage, bridges, boardwalks, handrails etc.
Planning and Development Considerations
Discussions regarding planning and development considerations are centered around the development of the proposed Grand Trunk Tail and its linkage with the River View Walkway. However, some discussion is given to the further development of the existing River View Walkway to compliment the proposed Grand Trunk Trail.
The information obtained from the inventory and assessment, which was conducted as part of this study, is used here to determine points of interest, site sensitivity, and areas of concern. The following development proposals strive to respect existing natural resources while integrating educational and recreational opportunities in the development of the Grand Trunk Trail. By integrating the environmental, educational, and recreational opportunities in a complimentary fashion it is hoped that a greater awareness, enjoyment, and appreciation of the natural environment will occur.
The four vegetation communities identified within the study area (1. old field, 2. deciduous forest edge, 3. riverine swamp shoreline, 4. riverine limestone pavement shoreline) although not considered rare, should be considered significant as they provide a number of values to the public as previously discussed in the Natural Heritage Values section. It is suggested that the four vegetation communities identified from the inventory be incorporated into interpretive signage and trail design to promote educational and natural heritage values of the trail. As two of the vegetation communities identified from the inventory occur along the North Thames River it is suggested that the River View Walkway be enhanced in an area along the limestone pavement shoreline vegetation community to take advantage of this feature. An enhancement such as an outlook with interpretive signage is suggested (Figure 6).
It is suggested that a link be created between the River View Walkway and the Grand Trunk Trail. A suggested route for the linking trail would be along the Water Street North bridge, into the Lions Club Park, along the paved road following the North Thames River, and then linking with the Grand Trunk Trail at either the Emily Street Underpass or somewhere at the north end of water street depending upon availability of public land ( Figure 6). The linking trail would use existing roadways and appropriate signage to guide users to the Grand Trunk Trail. The actual connection and access to the Grand Trunk Trail may present some design problems as the Grand Trunk Railway rises over Emily Street in this location to gain height to span the Thames River. It is suggested that a trail head with parking be located within the Lion's Club Park to provide access to the trail system. A second outlook created along the North Thames River and within the Lions Club Park would provide a view of the Sarnia Bridge, the North Thames River, and shoreline vegetation communities. The outlook would also direct users to the access point of the Grand Trunk Trail through the use of an interpretive map.
The two vegetation communities along the Grand Trunk Trail, "old field" and Deciduous Forest edge, could be indicated with interpretive signage at lay-by stations along the trail as indicated in Figure 6. The "old field" interpretive station would be located at the proposed nature studies and educational area close to Arthur Meighen and Holy Name of Mary School .
No provincially rare species as defined in the Atlas of the Rare Vascular Plants of Ontario (Argus et al., 1982-87) were found during the inventory. However, rare species may exist within the study area as the inventory is not exhaustive in nature. Regional rarity of plants identified in the inventory could not be assessed with any accuracy as there is little published information in this regard for Perth County. No published flora for Perth County exists, although one is being worked on by Arnold Wellwood and Terry McIntosh (M.J. Oldham 1993). A preliminary checklist of Perth County flora compiled by Terry McIntosh of Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo is incorporated into a draft copy of the "Distribution and Status of the Vascular Flora of Southwestern Ontario" compiled by Mike Oldham in 1993. This publication makes reference to flora in Perth County as being either present and native or present and introduced only and therefor cannot be used to assess rarity.
The only species of flora identified within the study area which may bare some significance as a regionally rare species is the semi-aquatic species Lizard's-tail (Saururus cernuus) which was identified along the North Thames River in the vicinity of the Lions Club Park. Lizard's-tail is listed in the "Distribution and Status of the Vascular Flora of Southwestern Ontario" as being present in Perth, Oxford, and Huron Counties but being either rare, unknown, uncommon, or very uncommon in Essex, Kent, Lambton, Middlesex, Elgin, and Haldimand-Norfolk.
If upon further study rare plant species are discovered to be growing along the Grand Trunk Trail, it is recommended that these species be identified through interpretive signage. Interpretive signage should vaguely reference the location of any rare species to protect them from molestation and unscrupulous collectors.
Approximately 42% of the total number of species identified in the inventory were non-native. This is not surprising as vegetation within a railway right of way is often heavily disturbed. Vegetation management activities such as burning, mowing, and spraying promote the growth of invasive species which often are non-native. Active rail lines often provide a mechanical method of seed dispersal for non-native species as seeds are transported in rail cars in the form of livestock bedding, forage, and manure.
Early settlers throughout Canada and the United States promoted the growth of European forage grasses as they felt that their livestock did poorly when raised on native pastures. To this day most roadsides, lawns, and forage grass and legume mixtures consist of non-native species. Many non-native species provide inferior wildlife food and habitat when compared with other suitable native species. As well, some species such as Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) and Dog-strangling Vine (Cynanchum rossicum) are so aggressive that they literally take over an area leaving little desirable native habitat.
Some non-native species have been classified as noxious weeds under the "Weeds Control Act." This act states that "every person in possession of land shall destroy all noxious weeds thereon." Weeds are classified as noxious for several reasons. Some are noxious because they reduce crop yields; some because they are health hazards to either man or livestock; and some because they increase crop diseases. Some of the more aggressive non-native species that warrant control along the abandoned rail line and along the North Thames River within the study area include Dog-strangling Vine (Cynanchum rossicum), Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), and Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica). Dog- strangling Vine and Purple Loosestrife have been recommended for removal as these plants are very invasive and highly competitive. Once these plants are established in an area they quickly take over and produce a monoculture of poor quality wildlife habitat. Common Buckthorn is recommended for removal as it is an alternate host for the fungus that causes leaf and crown rust in agricultural oat crops (Alex, 1992)
The non-native Purple Touch-me-not (Impatiens glandulifera) is present in great quantities under the Sarnia Bridge but as I am unaware of any published information as to this species invasive behaviour or possible noxious qualities I cannot recommend its control. The spread of Purple Touch-me-not should be monitored and the appropriate control methods used if warranted.
Not all non-native species are particularly undesirable, many species such as Birdfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), White Sweet-clover (Melilotus alba), Yellow Sweet-clover (Melilotus officinalis), Red Clover (Trifolium pratense), White Clover (Trifolium repens), and Cow Vetch (Vicia cracca) are promoted as good quality livestock and wildlife forage which possess good soil building and stabilizing qualities. Even though 42% of the vegetation by species growing within the abandoned rail line is non- native, these species provide a diversity of habitat and green space within an urban environment and to this extent they are desirable.
It is suggested that an area near the two schools (Arthur Meighen and Holy Name of Mary School ) be actively rehabilitated and managed as a natural area to promote and increase the educational and natural heritage values of the proposed Grand Trunk Trail. This management and rehabilitation would require an active non-native species removal and native planting campaign.
Activities such as dumping, encroachment by adjacent landowners, and
operation of motorized vehicles reduces the value of a 
trail
system for the public. Dumping along the abandoned rail line was
observed in several areas but was most noticeable along the back of Dresden
Industrial at the north end of Wellington Street. From an aesthetic
point of view dumping of debris and garbage detracts from the trail user's
visual experience. Dumping also eliminates habitat for plants and
animals and reduces the area's natural heritage value.
Encroachment onto the railway right of way is believed to be taking
place just west of James Street North on the
south side of the railway right of way (Figure 12). Landowners
in this area have "cleaned up" existing natural vegetation by mowing and
creating rock gardens.
The operation of Motorized vehicles along the abandoned rail line does not appear to be prevalent but as vehicle barriers are non existent or are somewhat rudimentary in places, access by motorized vehicles is occurring on an infrequent basis. It is hoped that as the Grand Trunk Trail is developed adjacent landowners and users alike will develop an appreciation for the trail and undesirable activities will cease. A management plan for the Grand Trunk Trail should be developed which would clearly state what types of activities are undesirable.
A management plan should be developed that would identify areas to be rehabilitated as well as where additional tree planting is to occur. It is the opinion of the author that all rehabilitation and tree planting should be done with native species which are well adapted to local conditions.
Memorial tree planting is becoming a popular way in which to recognize a person's achievements or as a way of leaving a living legacy in memory of a loved one. This type of planting is probably best suited to formal gardens and manicured lawns and thus may be best suited to sites like the River View Walkway or incorporated into the proposed Peace Gardens at the west end of the Grand Trunk Trail (Figure 6). It is suggested that trees used for memorial planting should also be native species.
Based upon St. Mary's bordering position between the Carolinian Zone and the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence Deciduous Forest Region and considering local soil types, a list of native trees and shrubs suitable for planting in rehabilitation areas and memorial groves was developed. This list is presented in Appendix I.
Trail Development and Management
It is beyond the scope of this report to provide a management plan for the development of the Grand Trunk Trail. However, it is highly recommended that a comprehensive trail development and management proposal be developed by the proponents of the Grand Trunk Trail if this project is to proceed. This proposal with extensive input from local users groups, adjacent landowners, and other interested parties should address the following topics:
- ownership and responsibility
- legal liability
- zoning bylaws and planning issues
- budget and costing
- development strategies (ie. Phased development)
- permitted uses
- access restrictions
- access points (trail heads)
- integration with other trail systems
- emergency vehicle access
- Disabled access
- night use and lighting
- private property and fencing issues
- signage
- maintenance
- parking areas
- structures (bridges, boardwalks, stairs, ramps, benches, guardrails,
access barriers, etc.)
- surface treatment
- natural area rehabilitation
- tree planting
-linkage with other trail systems (ie. Avon Trail)