The Rouge River Valley: An Urban Wilderness

Janet Arnett is the former campus manager of adult education at Ontario’s Georgian College. She is the author of Antiques and Collectibles: Starting Small, The Grange at Knock, and 673 Ways to Save Money.

Eleven thousand acres of forest and river valley tumble through the east
end of Toronto. Rich in plant, bird, animal, and insect life, this
massive urban wilderness is accessible by public transit or bicycle.
Sadly, it is also is under constant assault by would-be developers and
the encroaching city. Environmental protection is a neverending issue.

Garratt, an environmentalist and naturalist, has been exploring the
Rouge River Valley for some 20 years. From his diaries and field notes,
he has pulled together “a year in the life” of the area. Season by
season, he invites readers to hike along as he tramps though the valley,
hearing the bird songs, observing the vegetation’s growth and decline,
spotting animals, amphibians, and insects. He has a eye for detail and
an appreciation for the humblest of nature’s expressions. His book is
rich in descriptive detail and informative excursions into the history
of environmental wars won or lost.

Environmentalists, naturalists, birders, and anyone interested in urban
green spaces will find in The Rouge River Valley a book that speaks
their language and captures their interest.