The Thousand Islands - Frontenac Arch region connects the Canadian Shield with the Adirondack region. The Thousand Islands are a chain of islands in the west end of the Saint Lawrence River.
The moderating effect of the Great Lakes allows some plant and animal species to survive here that are typically found further south. Also, some northern species extend their range south, drawn by the rugged granite landscapes of the Canadian Shield.
This region was designated a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2002.
