Queenston is a small town located within Niagara-on-the-lake, adjacent to the Niagara river separating Canada from the United States. Queenston's major feature is the Queenston Heights park that includes two monuments. The first monument of Sir Isaac Brock the British General, and the second monument is Laura Secord. Queenston heights is located right on the southern tip of the Bruce Trail, and has a very large historical significance as it was the location of the Battle of Queenston. In this battle the United States military, and New York militia led by Major General Stephen Van Rensselaer attempted to take the town of Queenston from Major General Isaac Brock. The British/Canadian army consisted of British regulars and Mohawk warriors along with local militiamen. This battle took place on October 13^th 1812, during the battle the Americans losses were 60-100 killed, 170 wounded, and 825 captured. The British side losses were 21 killed, 85 wounded, and 22 captured. During the battle General Brock was killed and command of the British was taken by Major General Roger Hale Sheaffle who led them to victory. The monument to General Brock is a 56-metre tall column commemorating the British victory. After this battle Laura Secord overheard American plans to attempt invade Canada again, after hearing this Laura Secord walked over 32km to warm British forces of the impending attack. This resulted in British and Mohawk forces reinforcing and repelling the American attack. In 1840 in Benjamin Lett and Irish Anti-Canadian terrorist, succeeded in destroying a part of the monument. It was later torn down fully and rebuilt. Humans shaped Queenston Heights into a beautiful park constructing monuments to commemorate the British victory in Canada. This was also the first real battle of the war of 1812. Queenston was largely trade based city as it was the most direct route between Upper Canada and New York state. Controlling the river was very important in the War of 1812 as it could be used as a supply lines for advancing troops.

Municipality: Niagara on the Lake

Local area name: Queenston Heights

Other identifying names or descriptions (e.g., Central Business District)

Latitude and longitude: 43.1642° N, 79.0572° W

Physical Dimensions

Length: 5 Kilometers

Width: 1.5 Kilometers

Surface Area: 7.5 Kilometers ²

Elevation:

Highest point: 202m Queenston Heights Park

Lowest point: Village of Queenston 108m

Queenston Heights Park is located on the top of the Niagara Escarpment. Down the Escarpment to the North lies the town of Queenston. This town and location is historically significant to Canada, and is where the Battle of Queenston was fought. Most notably where General Isaac Brock died. General Brock was attempting to retake the Redan Battery overlooking the Niagara River which contained the British artillery, to turn the tide of the battle as the British and Canadian forces were being pushed back into the town of Queenston (Plousos, 2015). Due to the decision made by General Brock, he was shot during the attempt and died of his injuries. Though eventually Redan Battery was retaken. With regained control of the artillery, the British and Canadians began harassing the American boats attempting to cross the Niagara river, allowing only 700 of the 3,000 available American militia into Canada (2015). To the East of Queenston Heights is the Niagara River which connects Lake Ontario to Lake Erie, and is the defining border between Canada and the United States. The Niagara river also flows into Niagara Falls farther downstream and through the Sir Adam Beck Hydroelectric Generating Plants. The boundaries of the area I am describing contains Queenston Heights Park and down to the town of Queenston. Within Queenston tourism is quite an important aspect in the Niagara region's economy. Within Niagara on the Lake there are wineries which are very important to tourism, local economy, and ecology of the area.

Native Plant Species

Within the Niagara Escarpment which includes Queenston Heights Park there are a number specific and important Flora and Fauna that are on the endangered, threatened, and special concern lists. These species are all at risk because of urban sprawl and deforestation. Though in the Niagara region surrounding Toronto, the Greenbelt plan has stopped development into farmland and areas that are sensitive. In an attempt to maintain important ecosystems to these at risk native species. The Niagara region is one of that last places that you can find Carolinian Forest in Canada. In the tables below there are plant and animal species that are considered endangered, threatened, or special concerns. All of these species are found within the Niagara Escarpment some within the Queenston and Queenston Heights region. Though urban development and deforestation have a large impact in stopping the growth of these native species in the area, allowing for invasive species more room to expand.

Table 1: Native Plant species that are Endangered, Threatened, or Special Concerns

Native Animal Species

In this area there are also multiple animal species that are on these lists and are at risk. As you can see there are a number of species that are struggling to live in the urban ecosystems we have changed and created. A number of these species need certain eco-systems to be able to survive such as wetlands for turtles, and trees with underbrush for certain birds.

(Figure.1)

The decline of natural species such as the Mourning dove and Bobwhite are shown in (Figure.1). Where invasive species such as the starling and house sparrow are thriving in the new urban environment where invasive species are more adapted to survive and reproduce. This graph is created from older data, if we follow the trends suggested in this graph the populations of these native bird species should be struggling to reproduce even more.

Table 2: Native Animal Species that are Endangered, Threatened, or Special Concerns

Native Animal Species that are Endangered, Threatened or Special Concerns

Land-use change is a huge problem in our world today especially in areas that have at risk species living there (Hough, 2004). A prime example of this is in the Niagara area, due to the fertile soil, much of the forest was converted into farmland and is now used for agriculture. Another human related change that has an impact on at risk species is the disruption of natural cycles (Hough, 2004). Using pesticides and other chemicals that have high concentrations of nitrogen and carbon allow runoff to get into the water table. Which then affects these species in a negative way. Not to mention the excess of garbage, pollutants, and toxins that are side effects of using machines and agricultural practices. These side effects aren't even meant to hurt or kill off plant and animal species. Over harvesting of plants or crops, and over hunting of animals are done to purposefully lowering the population of at risk species of animals. These are all examples of one big problem that our world has today. Which is the exponential increase of the human population. That fact coupled with that the need for comfort and efficiency, creates a world where nothing matters but the human population. Specifically, in the Niagara area, "Tourism-related deterioration of natural landscapes is a common problem" (Margret, 2001). Along with the Niagara region tourism industry increasing, "Niagara Falls is one of the first natural features in North America to become a world-renowned tourist attraction" (Margret, 2001). So with the Niagara region becoming more of a tourist attraction land use has been changed to be more tourist friendly. Existing tourist's destinations within the Niagara region such as Queenston Heights and Fort George within Niagara on the lake have benefited from the increase of tourists in the area. This is shown as de Grunchy says, "the number of visitors has increased from a few hundred per year in the early 1800's to well over 12 million per year at the end of the twentieth century (2001). Though overall tourism related land use change has a negative impact on the environment.

The soils in the Niagara region are renowned for being rich in nutrients and producing high quality fruits and grapes that may fail in other regions in Canada. Reynolds says, "In Ontario vineyards are often located on sites that contain heterogeneous soil types" (2017). Heterogeneous in this context means that there is a diverse composition of soil types in that area. The soil composition which allows the viticulture to be so successful impacts how vineyards are an iconic part of the Niagara region. In the town of Queenston there are Vineyards adjacent to the west and surrounding the countryside. Soil is composed of clay, sand, and loam. Though the vineyards are located where the soil moisture composition is the most consistent and stable thorough out the year. The main feature of the topography of Queenston is where Queenston Heights Park is located, at the top of the Niagara Escarpment.

(Figure.2)

The Niagara Escarpment is a major natural feature of this landscape, it consists of a large bulge or mountain like features with deep valleys on each side respectively. As shown by the large dark shading representing the Niagara escarpment in (Figure. 2). The Escarpment towers above any other natural features in Southern Ontario making it stand out and become a large attraction to outdoorsmen, rock climbers and hikers. Within the Niagara Escarpment are the majority of natural species including plants and animals that are endangered or special concerns as I mentioned in the tables above. There is one main trail spanning the distance along Escarpment called the Bruce Trail, which runs from Tobermory by Lake Huron all the way down to Queenston Heights at Southern end of the Escarpment. Natural changes that affect the landscape are erosion of the Escarpment, and the creation and success of the viticulture agriculture in the Niagara region. This was done by previous generations removing wooded areas and forests. Then grading the soil to make it even enough so the fruit trees, and grape vines can all get the most water and have the best grape yields (Reynolds, 2017).

Within the Queenston area there is a larger water reservoir underneath Queenston heights and the Niagara river closely. These two hydrologic features of this landscape are very important. Alberti says, "The water cycle plays an essential role in the functioning of ecosystems by integrating the complex physical, chemical, and biological processes that sustain life" (2008). Within the area of Queenston there is the nearby Niagara river, which connects two of the Great Lakes, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.

(Figure.3)

The natural environment's hydrological cycle is affected by human use of water, "as humans develop cities, they alter the hydrologic cycle by extracting water for urban uses …. or substituting built infrastructure in order to transfer and control the water flow (Alberti, 2008). Alberti mentions, "changes in the hydrological cycle due to urban development have significant physical, chemical, and biological consequences for ecosystems (2008). We can clearly see this in the pollution of Lake Ontario, even only one Great Lake suffering from pollution and changes in the hydrologic cycle, creates consequences within the surrounding area. When the Great Lakes were created by glaciers gouging deep into the earth's surface, and the meltwater helping to fill these holes creating the great lakes. The Niagara river that connects two great lakes runs right by the town of Queenston located on Canadian side of the Niagara River as shown in (Figure .4) Sir Adam Beck Generating Stations No.1 and No .2 are on the Canadian side of the border, along with the Sir Adam Beck Hydroelectric Station Reservoir (Macfarlane, D. 2013). These two dams were created by American and Canadians along the Niagara River. Macfarlane mentions, "in the 1950s physically reconfigured Niagara Falls and the Niagara River immediately above the falls in order to divert water while masking the scenic effect" (2013). This human change in the environment was to make the Niagara Falls more appealing to tourists while diverting, at times, more than three quarters of the water underneath the falls. This water was diverted to hydroelectric generation stations close by underground (Macfarlane, 2013). This is the biggest human induced change in the hydrogeology of a landscape that Canada has seen and its hidden right underneath our noses. The Sir Adam Beck Hydroelectric Station Reservoir is located right underneath Queenston Heights as shown in the map below, making this change even more significant to the local landscape.

(Figure.4)

Human induced changes in the climate and microclimate of Queenston and Queenston Heights Park are as follow the creation and paving of greenspace for roads and parking lots. Black pavement attracts heat and covers up green space that reflects the radiation back into the atmosphere (Hough, 2004). Where pavement absorbs the heat and makes the microclimate warmer. Not to mention the positive effects that trees and water have on the abundance of C0² in the world created by car's gas emissions and the burning of fossil fuels for energy. Though Queenston is still a small town when compared to Niagara Falls, or St. Catharine's. Urban sprawl the development of buildings and roads and a side effect of the human population increasing though these cities create urban heat island where the concrete and pavement absorb the radiation from the sun and make the surrounding area warmer than it would be in nature. If we look back to 1812 the town of Queenston was only comprised of a few houses. Where now it is a thriving town in Niagara on the lake. Queenston Heights Park shown in (Figure.5) was created to commemorate General Isaac Brock's death, also hand not been built yet. One of the major uses of power that directly connected to human comfort, is the creation and implementation of temperature regulation devices such as air conditioners and furnaces. In any modern house you will certainly find one if not more commonly both of these devices. These are used to create a different climate inside buildings where people live.

(Figure.5)

Before European settlers the location that now is Queenston was the territory of the 6 Nations and Mohawk peoples. Their influence was noticed and talked about in historical documents where they are described as great warriors that strike fear into the Americans (Plousos, 2015). The Six Nations peoples fought with the British in the battle of Queenston repelling them back across the Niagara river this is a great Canadian victory and there is a monument on Queenston Heights honoring the first nations warriors that fought alongside General Brock in that battle. As shown in (Figure. 6) this picture represents a recreation of what the Battle of Queenston Heights would have looked like. Depicting the Americans crossing the Niagara River and attacking the Redan Battery.

(Figure.6)

Currently Queenston Heights Park is a government run park located on the Niagara escarpment. Its primary function is a tourist destination as the park is very well maintained and has a restaurant. It also functions as a location for wedding parties. Also Niagara on the Lake has a primarily tourist based economy, in the town of Queenston there are bike paths along the Niagara river for tourists, along with wine tours located close by in the Niagara region. There is little industrial land use in the area, though residential and agricultural land uses are by far the most predominant in the Niagara region. Over time the agricultural land uses of the vineyards and fruit trees located in the Niagara region are the most influential in terms of economic impact. Though now tourism is the primary driver of the economy in Niagara on the Lake using historic sites such as Fort George and Queenston Heights as anchors to bring tourists to the area.

Within the town of Queenston there are a number of architectural Heritage buildings such as the Laura Secord Homestead. This attraction offers tours by costumed guides, along with a history of the surrounding area and the story of Laura Secord. The significance of Laura Secord is her journey across 32 kilometers to warm the British and Canadian militaries about the impending American attack. This online resource provided by Niagara Parks also Queenston Heights Park and all its attractions. This website shows all the events, deals, gardens, and attractions that Queenston Heights has to offer. Including the employees dressed in 1800's British Military costumes who are there to inform you about Sir Isaac Brock and other important parts of the park. The heritage buildings on Queenston Heights Park include Sir Isaac Brock's Monument, Laura Secord's Monument, as well as the Landscape of Nations monument which honors the Six Nations peoples that helped fight and win the Battle of Queenston. General Isaac Brock's monument was destroyed in 1840 as a result of Benjamin Lett. An American sympathizer succeeded in destroying a part of the monument it was then rebuilt in 1853. (Figure. 7) This picture represents what General Brock's monument currently looks like after it has been rebuilt.

(Figure.7)

All of the heritage buildings that are included in Queenston Heights are protected as the park is managed by the government of Ontario. Another part of the Architectural Heritage of Queenston is the Willow Bank estate "The Willowbank site has evidence of encampment sites and the trading practices typical of an important crossroads, with significant artifacts dating back to the Archaic Period (9,000 BCE)" (History). Queenston Heights also marks the end of the Bruce Trail which runs all the way up to Tobermory, this is an official trail, other recreation activities include Municipal bike trails along the Niagara River running through the town of Queenston. Along with these trails there is spots for picnics and pavilion bookings. Allowing large groups of people to attend the events held at Queenston Heights Park.

The land that Queenston Heights Park is on, is controlled by Parks Ontario. Public access to everyone during the parks open hours during the spring, summer, and early fall. Due to the fact that the Niagara Parks Commission is in control of the management of the park it is always well groomed and looks pristine, including beautiful gardens and well-groomed grass and greenspace. Though is left as is during the winter months when tourism is at its lowest. This is a government controlled park that included historically significant monuments, including the Sir Isaac Brock's Monument, and the Monument to Laura Secord. These are also maintained by the Niagara Parks Commission.

Within all urban landscapes there is a struggle for space between humans and nature "What makes urban landscapes particularly complex is that they are hybrid phenomena emerging from interactions between human agents and ecological processes" (Alberti, 2008). Within our cities they are connected to multiple different things and there is historical context about the area and its surrounding pre-existent biological features. The town of Queenston is connected to other urban landscapes by the paved roads allowing for automobiles and humans to move through the landscape. Another part that is connected to Queenston and Queenston Heights is the Niagara Escarpment this wooded area is very important for animals and plants that use the Escarpment to move around away from the spreading urbanization. Within the Niagara Escarpment there is the Bruce Trail spanning from is Southern starting point all the way up to Tobermory. The Bruce Trail is a connected hiking path that allows hikers and nature enthusiasts to be totally surrounded by nature.

Organization: Niagara Parks, Government of Ontario

Address: 14184 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0

Phone: (905) 357-7808

Alberti, M. (2008). Advances in Urban Ecology. Integrating Humans and Ecological Processes in Urban Ecosystems. doi:10.1007/978-0-387-75510-6

Biodiversity in the Niagara Glen. (n.d.). Retrieved November 17, 2018, from https://www.niagaraparks.com/biodiversity- in- the-niagara-glen/

Hough, M. (2004). Cities and natural process: A basis for sustainability. London: Routledge.

Species Monitoring. (n.d.). Retrieved November 26, 2018, from https://sustainability.niagaracollege.ca/project/s... monitoring/

Margret A. de Gruchy, M. A., Matthes, U., Gerrath, J. A., & Larson, D. W. (2001). Natural recover y and restoration potential of severely disturbed talus vegetation at niagara falls: Assessment using a reference system. Restoration Ecology, 9(3), 311-325 doi:10.1046/j.1526-100x.2001.009003311.x

Plousos, S. (2015). Redan Battery and the Battle of Queenston Heights. Northeast Historical Archaeology, 44, 60–84.

Macfarlane, D. (2013). "A Completely Man-Made and Artificial Cataract": The Transnational Manipulation of Niagara Falls. Environmental History, 18(4), 759–784.

Queenston Heights Park. (2009, December). Retrieved from http://brocku.niagaragreenbelt.com/listings/76-parks- gardens- a-conservation- areas/665-queenston-heights-park.html

Laura Secord Homestead. (n.d.). Retrieved November 17, 2018, from https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/heritage/laura- secord-homestead/

Http://www.avensonline.org/fulltextarticles/JSUR-2.... (2015). Journal of Surgery, 01-07. doi:10.13188/2332- 4139.s100001

History. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://willowbank.ca/wpdir/history/

Reynolds, A., Brown, R., Jollineau, M., Shemrock, A., Kotsaki, E., Lee, H., & Zheng, W. (2017). Application of remote sensing by unmanned aerial vehicles to map variability in Ontario 'Riesling' and 'Cabernet franc' vineyards. ActaHorticulturae, (1188), 73-82. doi:10.17660/actahortic.2017.1188.10

Images

(Figure .1) Hough, M. (2004). Cities and natural process: A basis for sustainability. London: Routledge.

(Figure .2) Brock University, Historical Maps, Feburary 15^th, 2018

(Figure .3) Brock University, Historical Maps, Feburary 15^th, 2018

(Figure. 4) Macfarlane, D. (2013). "A Completely Man-Made and Artificial Cataract": The Transnational Manipulation of Niagara Falls. Environmental History, 18(4), 759–784.

(Figure. 5 )https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/14/ea/0b/58/het-queenston-heights.jpg

(Figure. 6) https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/search.jsp?Erp=20&N=38537+38529&Ntk=Subject_ Search_Interface&Ntt=Niagara+River+%28N.Y.+and+Ont.%29&searchPageTyp e=vrl&view=grid

(Figure. 7) https://www.touristplaces.ca/niagara-on-the-lake-on/queenston-heights-park/

(Intro Photo) https://niagaraatlarge.com/2016/09/07/native-memor...

This Local Landscape Report was prepared by [Jacob Schapansky] for the Brock University course TMGT 2P94: Human Dominated Ecosystems on December12th, 2018.

All copyrights for cited material rest with the original copyright owners.