Carolinian zone
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The term Carolinian zone is used in Canada to refer to the southernmost part of the province of Ontario, generally considered to lie south of a line drawn between Toronto and Grand Bend, Ontario.
This region is the northern continuation of the deciduous forest region of the eastern United States which extends south to the Carolinas. Besides its southern location, the climate of this area is also moderated by the nearby Great Lakes, so it is able to support animal and plant species usually not found in other parts of Canada. Because the major population centres of Ontario are located nearby, there has been significant loss of wetlands and forested areas to urban areas and farms.
Examples of species found in this region are:
- Virginia Opossum
- American Badger
- Hooded Warbler
- Prothonotary Warbler
- Carolina Wren
- Yellow-breasted Chat
- Eastern prickly pear cactus
- Tulip tree
- Sassafras
Protected areas in the Carolinian zone include:
- Point Pelee National Park
- Pinery Provincial Park
- Rondeau Provincial Park
- Rock Point Provincial Park
- Wheatley Provincial Park
- Long Point
- St. Clair National Wildlife Area
Watersheds within this zone include those of the:
- Ausable River
- Catfish Creek
- Credit River
- Grand River
- Kettle Creek
- Sydenham River
- Thames River
- Welland River
