Glenridge Quarry Naturalization Site

The Naturalization Site opened on September 28, 2004 and has evolved from an open pit quarry, to a municipal landfill, to the Glenridge Quarry Naturalization Site. The Naturalization Site is a wonderful example of an area that is in harmony with both of its uses: conservation and recreation.

The site is a large area with a variety of trails and is the perfect setting for a hike, or an afternoon of educational fun.

There are several facilities for having a picnic and be sure to bring your binoculars as the site is a popular spot for bird/wildlife viewing.

Enjoy the children's science area that is perfect for families to learn about the natural environment together. You can even connect here with the Bruce Trail. Along each of the trails are signs describing the features and evolution of the park. Several of these include the history of the Niagara Escarpment, the meadow habitat and nature area, wetland display and children's science area.

The Quarry site is located in Thorold just off of Highway 406 and east of the Brock University campus. Originally a limestone quarry the the City of St. Catharines took it over, and from 1976 to 2001 it was the site of a municipal landfill.               Back in the 1990s the Niagara Region decided that this site would be naturalized upon closing on January 1, 2002. This naturalization site has received several awards including; First Place and Gold Award at the 2005 International Awards for Livable Communities, American Planning Association, American Society of Landscape Architects, Ontario Public Works Association and the Canadian Urban Institute.

In order to once again naturalize any area there should be no barriers to growth and reproduction of native species. The site was restored with Carolinian vegetation where none had existed for decades creating a pollinator habitat and allowing wildlife to repopulate the area. Today studies have shown that over 125 species of bees have returned to the site.

Seven family friendly trails for your enjoyment:

Meadow Trail - 0.6 km Children's Science & Nature Trail - 0.3 km Loop Trail - 0.3 km Pond Boardwalk - 0.1 km Heritage Arbouretum Trails - 0.4 km Bruce Trail Link - 0.3 km Summit Overlook Trail - 0.5 km