From the Point

by Gales Of November

Title

From the Point

Artist

Gales Of November

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

Point Pelee is the southernmost point of mainland Canada. It was established in 1918 as Canada's first park for conservation at the urging of birdwatchers It is as far south as northern California.

Birdwatchers gather at Point Pelee to catch birds as they stop to rest before and after their crossing of Lake Eerie. It is also a place for butterfly lovers to see the Monarch as it makes the same journey. There is also unique flora at the point that is not seen elsewhere in Canada such as the Prickly Pear Cactus.

The land was originally ceded by a number of tribes living in the area to the Crown in 1790. The Caldwell Chippewa did not sign the treaty, but were nonetheless forced to move from the area.

Originally wanted for the trees on the point to supply the navy, people began developing the area with a small community developing. Point Pelee also became a vacation destination. In time, the Park Service force those people to move too. Since that time, efforts have been underway to restore much of the point to its original state. Roads and homes have been removed.

There are paths and boardwalks through the marshland and a small, park run tram, takes people to the southernmost parking area. A walk through the woods takes you to the sandy spit of land that extends into Lake Erie.

Swimming and wading is prohibited at the point due to the dangerous rip currents that can pull people into the lake.

Uploaded

December 10th, 2013

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