Flowerpot island.
where are its features?
Flowerpot Island is pretty famous for its large size sea stacks, long time ago lighthouse, trails, and its pure water
How big is it?
2 square kilometers (490 acres)
Its location.
Flowerpot Island is located in Lake Huron
What it looks like?
flowerpot rock pillars, caves, historic light stations, and rare plants
Why there?
What natural and/or man-made processes lead to its creation?
Over hundreds of years ago, there was a part of the island that was a sea arch that because of wind and water, was eroded away and widened until it weakened and partially collapsed into the sea, the remainder being the “flower pot” part, (a sea stack).
Here is one of the sea stacks.
How old is it and when did it form?
It is estimated that it formed around 1,645 years ago (about the year 380).
How has it been used by humans over time
?
People take ferries there to hike, have picnics, swim, snorkel, and many other activities. There is also a lighthouse and Indigenous people have fished there for over 1,000 years. An Indigenous legend said that evil spirits lived on the island so no one ever inhabited it.
The lighthouse helps guide boats at night.
Why Care?
What other big issues is this related to?
Increased risk to public health and safety
Environmental Risks
Strain on Infrastructure
Impact on Local Communities
Why is it important / unique / interesting
Geological Features
extraordinary natural and cultural landmark. It is best known for its iconic limestone sea stacks, commonly referred to as “flower pots.”
biodiversity hotspot, home to multiple rare species of plants and animals
Historical Sites
Flowerpot island Light Station
Well-preserved Shipwrecks
Adventure and Exploration for Visitors
Who are some of the stakeholders in relation to this feature
Social
Parks Canada, Friends of the Bruce District Parks Association, Local Residents, Visitors, Tour Operators
Economical
Bruce County Council and Local Businesses that relies on tourism
Environmental
Parks Canada and Conservation Groups
Political
Bruce County Council and Municipal Governments
What are some examples of flora / fauna that rely on this place
Flora
Bird’s-eye Primrose, Columbine, Fringed Polygala, Herb-Robert, Harebell, Green-leaved Rattlesnake Plantain, Large-leaved Aster.
Fauna
Squirrels, the snowshoe hare, the eastern garter snake, and multiple species of birds
How is it being protected / preserved? Are there any organization dedicated to protecting it
Parks Canada Agency
Visitor Management
Enforcing compliance with regulations among visitors and tour operators.
Introducing a visitor capacity limit to reduce environmental impact.
Encouraging responsible tourism through education and awareness programs.
Site Management
Implementing conservation planning to prevent ecological degradation.
Restricting access to sensitive areas to protect rare vegetation.
Maintaining infrastructure (trails, boardwalks, waste management facilities) to minimize human footprint.