About Coyle Creek
Coyle Creek is located in the heart of the Niagara Peninsula, near the boundaries of the City of Welland and the Township of Pelham.  The creek forms an important component of the Welland River watershed, as it is a key tributary.  In the spring, the creek teems with spawning fish that migrate upstream from the Welland River.  Fish species include northern pike, crappie, channel catfish, sunfish, carp, and large mouth bass. Mud puppies are also present along with various minnow species.

Animal species include muskrat and its more celebrated cousin, the beaver.  The fact that Coyle Creek contains a small colony of beavers makes it a unique place in Southern Ontario. Beavers once inhabited the whole of Southern Ontario, however, they began to disappear duirng the 20th century in the face of human pressures. For this reason, the FCC is especially committed to the protection of the beaver on Coyle Creek.

The surrounding woods contain numerous other fauna, such as groundhogs, wild turkey, various upland game birds, foxes, coyotes, white tail deer, raccoons, and opossums, among others. The creek also provides ideal habitat for waterfowl, such as Canada geese and mallard ducks.

Although much work has been done to protect the creek, it remains highly vulnerable to dergradation from human activities.  The entire creek is encompassed by private property, meaning it does not enjoy the protection of park status. Fortunately, some of the property owners, notably Pelham Hills Golf Course (formely Welland Golf Course) have helped to preserve and enhance the natural evironment of Coyle Creek. Converesly, the ongoing construction and expansion of a nearby housing project (subdivision) is a severe blow to conservation efforts. Large tracts of forest were destroyed during the construction project, leaving the future of Coyle Creek's status as an oasis of wild habitat in jeopardy.

The Friends of Coyle of Creek are dedicated to preventing this from ever transpiring.  
      
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