Accidental wilderness : the origins and ecology of Toronto's Tommy Thompson Park / Walter H. Kehm ; with photographs by Robert Burley.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Kehm, Walter H., 1937- author.

Contributor:

Burley, Robert, 1957- contributor.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Natural history--Ontario--Toronto.

Natural history.

Ontario--Toronto.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (176 p.) : 10 figures

Place of Publication:

Toronto ; Buffalo ; London : University of Toronto Press, [2020]

Language Note:

In English.

Summary:

"Once referred to as Toronto's "accidental wilderness," Tommy Thompson Park is now recognized as a fortuitous urban miracle. Initially created as a landfill site on the city's rapidly developing waterfront, the park's physical and ecological footprint have grown dramatically. Forests, grasslands, and wildlife now thrive - all within a stone's throw of some of the most densely populated areas of North America's fourth-largest city. Accidental Wilderness is a rich and lyrical collection of essays curated by internationally recognized landscape architect and original designer of Tommy Thompson Park, Walter H. Kehm, complemented by a stunning collection of photographs by renowned landscape photographer Robert Burley. The book explores the city's port origins; the park's master plan principles and design; the native-plant succession process; the park's unique flora and fauna; public advocacy; and public recreation in the park and its effect on mental, physical, and spiritual health. In an era where the looming dangers associated with climate change affect our daily lives, Tommy Thompson Park offers a hopeful narrative about how nature can flourish in, and contribute to, the well-being of twenty-first-century cities."-- Provided by publisher

Contents:

Frontmatter

Contents

Foreword

Introduction

PORTFOLIO I

The Spontaneous Ecology of Tommy Thompson Park

Building the Leslie Street Spit

Aquatic Park

The Evolution of Advocacy

PORTFOLIO II

Conservation by Design: The 1986 Plan

Plants and Natural Succession

Birds and Birding at the Spit

Mammals and Fish

Habitat Projects and Wildlife Management

PORTFOLIO III

People in the Park

Let the Spit Be!!

Home

Acknowledgments

Comparative Parks

List of Bird Species

List of Plant Species

References

Further Resources

Image Key

Contributors

Notes:

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

1-4875-3805-7

1-4875-3804-9

OCLC:

1204136024