Kilally Meadows Environmentally Significant Area (ESA) is located in northeast London. The publicly-owned portion of the ESA (146 ha) stretches between Adelaide Street and Highbury Avenue, along the North Thames River and Meander Creek. This ESA is situated within the floodplain of the North Thames River. The site varies from shady river-side woods to open meadows to wet swamps.
The main access points are at the east end of Windermere Road and the west end of Kilally Road.
There is a variety of trails within this site, totaling 10.3 km (see map on reverse). Most of the trails are flat and easy to walk.
The managed trails are marked with yellow blazes. The Thames Valley Trail (white blazes) also uses the trails on the north side of the river. On the south side of the Thames, the paved, multi-use Thames Valley Parkway extends between Adelaide and Highbury.
Link to trail map: http://thamesriver.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022-KilallyESA-brochure.pdf
We would also direct you to read our DISCLAIMER and our TRAIL USERS CODE.
Region(s): Middlesex CountyNearby towns and cities: London
KILALLY MEADOWS characteristics
Length: 10.3 kmDifficulty: Moderate (Trail classifications)
Trail surface: Natural
Trail use: Hiking
Accessibility Notes: Accessibility not known.
Fees: None reported
Flora & Fauna:
Plant Communities:
A variety of vegetation communities can be found in the Kilally Meadows ESA, including riverine woodlands, shrub thicket swamps, marshes, and dry and wet meadows.
In the sunny meadows, Orchard Grass, Smooth Brome, and Reed Canary Grass are found along with asters, Wild Bergamot, goldenrods and Joe-Pye Weed. Some tallgrass prairie species such as Indian Grass, Big Bluestem and Butterflyweed are also found here.
Sycamore, poplars, elms and willows grow along the river. In low wet areas, dogwood and willow thickets dominate. The valley slopes support poplar, Hackberry, Bur Oak and Sugar Maple. A stand of Black Maples, unusual in London, is found on the tableland near Meander Creek.
Springtime brings a variety of wildflowers in the wooded areas including Marsh Marigold, Wild Leek, White Trout Lily, Dame’s Rocket and Yellow Violet.
Wildlife:
The river and diversity of habitats makes this site an excellent place for wildlife. Birds use the river as a corridor. Look for Belted Kingfisher, Bank Swallow and Mallard. In the nearby floodplain, nesting species include American Woodcock, Hairy Woodpecker, Gray Catbird and Yellow Warbler.
In wet areas, you may see or hear the calls of the Tetraploid Gray Treefrog, Northern Spring Peeper, or Green Frog. Midland Painted Turtle and the endangered Spiny Softshell Turtle may be seen basking on logs in the river on sunny days.
Mammals common to urban areas may be seen, including Grey Squirrel, Raccoon and White-tailed Deer. The presence of beaver dams along Meander Creek indicates these animals have been active as well.
The meadows attract a diversity of butterflies and moths. Great Spangled Fritillary, Viceroy and Black Swallowtail are commonly seen in mid summer. Dragonflies, damselflies and many other species of insects can also be found.
The most common species of fish in this stretch of the Thames are Smallmouth Bass, Greenside Darter, Northern Hog Sucker and Spotfin Shiner.
Amenities: None reported
Contact:
infoline@thamesriver.on.ca
Upper Thames River Conservation Authority 519-284-2931
Find it: The main access points are at the east end of Windermere Road and the west end of Kilally Road.
GPS Coordinates (main trailhead):
Latitude: 43.0247230
Longitude: -81.2432510
