A rich diversity of natural habitats makes up 90% of Royal Botanical Gardens’ 1,100-hectare property, including limestone cliffs, forests, meadows and sensitive aquatic habitats like Cootes Paradise Marsh and Grindstone Estuary. Located in the heart of an urban environment, the Gardens’ nature sanctuaries are increasingly affected by public use and development.  Following the Gardens’ mandate, conservation lands management goal and policy objectives, the Research and Natural Lands Department is dedicated to understanding, restoring and maintaining healthy ecosystems. To do this, science staff have developed research and monitoring programs and conservation projects that focus on aquatic ecology, botany and wildlife. Information resources like the Nature Interpretive Centre, library, geographic information systems (GIS), and herbarium all play important roles in helping Royal Botanical Gardens reach its goals. Download a science publication  Click below to learn more about the ongoing restoration work being carried out in our nature sanctuaries.  Amphibians  Coastal Marshes Natural Fish Hatcheries  Grindstone Estuary  Marsh Vegetation  The Fishway  Waterbirds NEW!  Download a PDF of the updated Checklist of the spontaneous flora of Royal Botanical Gardens'  nature sanctuaries. Science contacts Ask our science staff a question about the science and conservation program. The Fishway Find out how we keep carp out of Cootes Paradise and how you can see native fish up close. Project Paradise Learn about one of the largest habitat restoration projects in North America. Directions Click here to see how easy we are to find. Local weather Find out what the forecast is before you head out!
About Science and Conservation Nature Sanctuaries and Trails Conservation and Biodiversity Research Information Resources Related Sites