Natural Environment

     The Town of Spanish represents a picture of geographic beauty.  Situated on the northern shore of Lake Huron, it is surrounded by forest and identified by the characteristics of the Canadian Shield.  This explains the hilly terrain and ridges found within the area.  Integrated together, theses factors make Spanish and surrounding area home for many wildlife species.

The Spanish Wetlands

      The Spanish River Delta, known locally as the Spanish Marshes is located just south
of the town of Spanish, off highway 17. This marsh area has been designated as
Provincial Significant Wetlands by the Ontario government. The marsh is a staging area
during migration, and is home to a variety of birds and waterfowl. For the avid bird watchers, they can enjoy the view of Osprey, a Blue Heron or a Bald Eagle hunting for a meal in the delta. During the spring, when the inland lake is frozen, hundreds of migrating waterfowl flock to the marshlands to stage for two to three weeks. The birds observed during the season are Whistling Swans, Red Headed Ducks, flocks of Buffleheads and whole array of other northern ducks.

The Spanish River

The Spanish River is located in north eastern Ontario, just west of Sudbury.
It begins near Biscotasing, Ontario and ends 200 kilometers southwest of Spanish, Ontario.
It is on the North Channel of Lake Huron. The Spanish River played a significant role in the development of the area. It become a mode of transportation for people and materials.
The Spanish River Lumber Company started in 1880. After the big logging boom, in 1931
the Minister of Lands and Forests arranged an exchange for timber rights for the Spanish
River Lumber Company. By the 1950's the Ontario government realized that the fast
growing development was a threat to the natural beauty of the Great Lakes region.
The province then decided to create provincial parks, to restore and preserve the
magnificence of the area and keep it accessible to the public to also enjoy.

Geology and Soil

     The geological features of the Town of Spanish area differ in composition.  In an analysis conducted by the Ministry of Natural Resources, the area is composed of three different geological landforms in such close proximity makes the area very geographically unique.

     The soil composition for this area is characterized by its location with the
Precambrian Shield of the Canadian Shield.  The soil deposits are on average less
than two feet deep, often exposing the underlying bedrock.  The level sites
of the area furnish wet sands, silts, and clay.

The Area's Forest

      The Spanish area is found within the Mississagi Crown Management Unit of the
Great Lakes and St. Lawrence forest region of Ontario.  The surrounding forest stands are composed mostly of Jack Pine mixed with Poplar, White Birch, and Hard Maple. 
Scattered throughout the region are some strands of other species such
as Red Pine, Spruce, and other conifers.

Invasive Weeds - Hogweeds

      This weed poses a serious threat to natural ecosystems and human health. Most plant parts are covered in stiff white hairs that are filled with sap that can cause serious skin inflammation activated by exposure to the sun. Symptoms consist of painful blisters that form within 48 hours of exposure, pigmented scars that can last up to 6 years, severe burns to your skin, and risk temporary or permanent blindness. If you are exposed: wash affected areas immediately; keep the affected area out of the sun; seek medical advice for burns. For more information on Hogweed and how to dispose of them

http://www.ontarioweeds.com/weed.php?w=HERMZ

     For more information concerning the area’s natural environment, please contact the
Ministry of Natural Resources, Blind River District Office:  (705) 356-2234