Langstaff EcoPark
Langstaff EcoPark with its centrepiece, the Keffer Marsh, is the most significant natural regeneration area in the upper West Don, and now supports a wide range of aquatic and terrestrial wildlife, despite being surrounded by the Langstaff industrial-commercial district comprising over 1,000 businesses. The park is located along a 2-km stretch of the river between Highway 7 and Langstaff Road, with access points to the main BSG trail from Centre St. and North Rivermede Rd. in the south, on Rivermede Rd. and Audia Court in the centre and at Langstaff Rd. in the north.
Langstaff EcoPark, which was officially opened in June 1997, is the result of a visionary plan realized by a partnership of local businesses,
community groups
and government agencies that variously contributed design expertise, labour, materials and financial support. Local residents and employees
have transformed the valley with over 10,000 new trees, shrubs and aquatic plants that have enhanced wildlife habitat in zones ranging from
rolling uplands and lowland meadows through wetlands to the watercourse itself. Coyotes, foxes, beavers, mink, snakes, turtles, frogs and many
species of birds are on the list of wildlife that might be sighted while walking, hiking or biking through the park.
Langstaff EcoPark continues to evolve as the recently planted trees and shrubs slowly mature. Each year on Earth Day, the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce holds a tree planting event somewhere in the valley, so the park's ecology will keep on developing for years to come.