The Alton Grange covers an important part of the headwaters of the Credit River. This region is some of the most pristine within Credit River watershed, protecting important habitat for terrestrial and aquatic species including brook trout. Credit Valley Conservation’s Subwatershed report characterizes Shaw’s Creek as “a jewel among the headwaters of the Credit River”. Nonetheless, the Grange and Shaw’s Creek face a number of threats including poor forest cover, sedimentation, salt inputs from adjacent roads, and habitat degradation in the region. The ecological health of the Grange may be an important indicator of the health of the headwaters region.