The Sydenham River, a lifeline for plants, animals and people for thousands of years runs through the heart of southwestern Ontario. The name Sydenham comes from Lord Sydenham, who was governor of Canada from 1839-1849.  The river has provided fishing for natives, transportation for immigrants and a shipping route for early traders. It still feeds the area’s agriculture base. Meandering from its source near Ilderton all the way to Wallaceburg and Lake St. Clair, the Sydenham River is the only major watershed in Canada that lies entirely within the Carolinian Life Zone, home to plants and animals that are found nowhere else in Canada. These plants and animals make this part of Canada the most biologically diverse area in the country. It is estimated that some 2,270 species of plants are found here.

Travelling along the Sydenham River, you can see how society has impacted on the river. Dams and mills are the most obvious signs of this influence. But you will also see hundreds of historic homes, churches and schoolhouses. But the river is also about recreation too. Since 1974, the SCRCA has organized one of the greatest sporting events in the area: the Sydenham River Canoe Race.

For more about the Sydenham River’s heritage visit this weblink: http://www.sydenhamdiscovery.ca/english/index_from_game.asp?s=culture.asp