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The Coves Environmentally Significant Area
Greenway Park (display and tour start point will be in east end of park, accessed via Greenside Ave.),
Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (last admittance - 3:15 pm)
Category: Returning Site | Green Spaces |
Description
The Coves Environmentally Significant Area has a rich natural and human history. The areas contains the habitat of many animal and plant species that are considered rare within the city limits and even some that are considered rare provincially. The Coves area is the most distinct oxbow formation within the City of London, showcasing the natural process of movement and change in river meanders over time. The Coves area has a rich history of human settlement that has been documented back to 800 AD when the area was home to several hundred Iroquoian villagers. Many Iroquoian artifacts ca. 800-1550 AD have been found in the area including clay pipes, arrowheads, spearheads and celts. In the late 18th-century, the first Europeans arrived in The Coves with Colonel Simcoe's party who were exploring the Thames Riv! er(Col. Simcoe would later become the first Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada). An interesting handdrawn map and notes were made in the diary of a member of Simcoe's party upon their visit to The Coves. In the late 19th-century, The Coves became the home of the Cove Rifle Range where many soldiers came to practice their marksmanship.
Do London Experience
Near the West Pond of The Coves in Greenway Park there will be a volunteer on-hand to answer questions and an exhibit focusing on human history in The Coves area. The exhibit will include: - photos of some of the Iroquoian artifacts that have been recovered in the area - the handrawn map and notes made in the diary of a member of Simcoe's party upon their visit to The Coves in 1793 - some artifacts from the Cove Rifle Range - and more neat facts and photos! There will be a walking tour focusing on natural history in The Coves Environmentally Significant Area beginning at the exhibit at 10:15, 11:15, 12:15, 1:15, 2:15 and 3:15 on Saturday and Sunday. The walking tour will lead from the West Pond to the East Pond and will cover the formation of the Coves as well as Coves ecology.
Photography: Interior & Exterior – Photography, Filming & Tripod Permitted
Amenities
- Partially Accessible
- Parking
- Guided Tours Available