City of Vaughan Marks Opening of Historic Baker's Woods
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The City of Vaughan in partnership with The Regional Municipality of York, and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), recently marked the official opening of Baker’s Woods – one of the oldest woodlots in Vaughan.
“Baker’s Woods is a significant old-growth forest in the heart of our community that dates back nearly 200 years,” said Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua. “As a growing City, it is important that we continue to preserve our green spaces and woodlots. The City, the Region and the TRCA are working together to protect and maintain this historic woodlot, ensuring this natural habitat will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.”
Baker’s Woods is a 31-hectare old-growth forest located at Bathurst Street and Highway 7 in Thornhill. It is one of the only remaining forests of its size in the City of Vaughan and one of the most mature, with maple trees over 100 years old. The forest dates back to 1816 when it was managed as a maple sugar bush.
In 2000, Baker’s Woods was purchased by the City of Vaughan, York Region and the TRCA. It is now part of the City of Vaughan’s Sugarbush Heritage Park and holds municipal, provincial and international heritage protection designations. Since the acquisition, the City of Vaughan, York Region and the TRCA have met annually to manage and maintain the woodlot.
The City of Vaughan is responsible for the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the forest, including hazardous tree removal, garbage pick up, and ensuring the safety of walking trails.
Baker’s Woods is a 31-hectare old-growth forest located at Bathurst Street and Highway 7 in Thornhill. It is one of the only remaining forests of its size in the City of Vaughan and one of the most mature, with maple trees over 100 years old. The forest dates back to 1816 when it was managed as a maple sugar bush.
In 2000, Baker’s Woods was purchased by the City of Vaughan, York Region and the TRCA. It is now part of the City of Vaughan’s Sugarbush Heritage Park and holds municipal, provincial and international heritage protection designations. Since the acquisition, the City of Vaughan, York Region and the TRCA have met annually to manage and maintain the woodlot.
The City of Vaughan is responsible for the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the forest, including hazardous tree removal, garbage pick up, and ensuring the safety of walking trails.
“The joint ownership agreement for Baker’s Woods is a perfect example of the positive results that can be attained when we work cooperatively with other levels of government,” said Ward 4 Councillor Sandra Yeung Racco. "As a City, we take pride in being able to offer many opportunities for our residents to stay active and enjoy the outdoors, and by preserving this important woodlot, we’re making an investment in healthy communities.”