About the AGA

In 1936, the Alton Grange property was purchased by Edward R. Grange, an engineer from Toronto, who bought it as a country retreat for his wife and three daughters, aged 2, 4 and 6.  When he purchased it from the Millbank family most of the land was being farmed.  Mr. Grange gradually planted the thousands of trees that exist today, and in 1956 he was presented with the first Certified Ontario Tree Farm Award for his reforestation efforts.

In 1976 the property was purchased by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and was managed by OMNR, at times more actively than others, depending on budgets and available staff. Unfortunately the property began to fall into disrepair.  The wooden bridge over Shaw’s Creek was burned by vandals and garbage was accumulating.  Some positive action was needed and this leadership was provided by Caledon Councillors Richard Paterak and Ian Sinclair.  An enthusiastic group of local volunteers stepped up to manage the property and the Alton Grange Association was incorporated and a not for profit organization.  An official Partnership Agreement was signed with the OMNR in 2002.

The new Highway 136, 1943

Trees Planted circa 1938. Photo taken in 1976.

The farm house, which was demolished in a training session for firefighters, was located in from the Station Street gate.

The barn was torn down around the time the AGA was created, and was located at the point where the eastbound causeway, running across the Shaw's Creek floodplain toward the bridge, drops down from the higher land.

The Front Pond and Gate. adjacent to the Station Street gateway, but it is more concealed now by trees and brush than it once was.

There still is a seasonal pond

The Front Approach to House, 1938. The older photos really show how much the property's tree cover has been enhanced over the years. The territory looks incredibly bare!

• To protect, restore and enhance the natural, scenic, educational and cultural value of the Grange Property.
• To promote public responsibility, understanding, and stewardship through the wise management of the natural resources of the Grange Property.
• To compile and manage natural resource information on the Grange Property.
• To promote partnerships to assist in accomplishing these goals.
• To manage and maintain the Grange Property in accordance with the goals and objectives of the Alton Integrated Resources Management Plan.

Since that time the AGA has been working on maintain the trails, board walks and bridge, working on eradicating invasive species, and maintain the general appearance of the property.

Currently the health of the Upper Credit Watershed, and particularly Shaw’s Creek, has been of major concern to AGA, and consequently much time and effort has been spent in advocacy with Credit River Alliance, CVC, Town of Caledon and other interested parties.

AGA memberships are available to the public.  These funds assist in maintaining

trails, building boardwalk and bridges, repairing fencing and funding special

events.

• Individual Membership $ 10.00
• Family Membership       $  20.00
• Lifetime Membership    $ 100.00

 Volunteers are always needed to help with spring and fall cleanup, trail

maintenance, litter collection, and invasive species management.

AGA organizes community events such as Art in the Grange, Junior Grangers activities and speakers on environmental issues.  Volunteer assistance at these events is also appreciated.