Top Peter Attfield Happy Valley Forest Along the ORT in King Township lies the largest upland forest of the entire Oak Ridges Moraine, and the largest forest in York Region. An exceptional number of species of plants and animals live here. This biological diversity is attributed to several factors. The Moraine lies in a transition zone, including ranges of both southern and northern species. Steeply rolling ridges and valleys create many types of habitat.
Some lowlands have secondary growth of birch, aspen and poplar.
The upland maple-beech forest is outstanding for its extent, maturity, and relative lack of human disturbance. Rare plants including ferns, lily-leaved twayblade and other orchids grow on the forest floor. The forest has been identified by provincial biologists as an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest, but is being nibbled away by logging and residential development. Explore Happy Valley Forest with me on October 18 th .