The Koffler Scientific Reserve at Jokers Hill’s mandate is to:
Most of Jokers Hill’s 350 hectares are blanketed by a mosaic of wetlands and forests, including Ontario’s largest remaining stand of old-growth hardwood.
In this ecological observatory, scientists monitor, measure and analyze natural processes as they unfold. The hayfield and pastures – relics of the equestrian days – are an outdoor ecological laboratory where researchers perform intensively manipulative experiments that subject theories about the environment to scientifically rigorous testing.
Hear from our researchers
Living at the Koffler Scientific Reserve has been pivotal in my experience as a graduate student, financially and as a resource for experimentation, inspiration, and community.
Dr. Rosemary Martin, PhD from the University of Toronto, Mississauga Campus
My PhD thesis work focused on how population density influences reproductive and stress physiology in small mammals, and then how these density-dependent changes may drive future population dynamics.
Dr. Phoebe Edwards, PhD from the University of Toronto, Scarborough Campus
Our History
A glimpse into the layers of geological, social and economic history buried beneath the hilly terraces and woodlots of the Oak Ridges Moraine.
The site of numerous kettle lakes, the Moraine filters and releases groundwater into 65 watersheds, including all of Toronto’s major river systems. As the glaciers retreated and the climate warmed, deciduous forest species, including beech and maple, along with cedar and white pine, moved in from their southerly glacial refugia.
They introduced Etienne Brulé, the French explorer dispatched by Samuel de Champlain in 1610, to the “Carrying Place Trail”. Later the French built a fort along what would become the primary trade highway into Ontario’s interior.
By the early 20th century the hills had been extensively logged and quarried. Only a few remnants of old growth remained, mostly in areas too rugged to develop.
In 1952, he gave the estate to his daughter Billie and her husband, Major General Churchill Mann. The couple managed a thoroughbred racing and breeding operation on the site, and built an extensive trail system.
Kofflers retained architect Napier Simpson to redesign the main residence, and landscape architect J Austin Floyd to reconfigure the grounds and ponds. In 1995, the Kofflers donated their 350-hectare equestrian estate, Jokers Hill, to the University of Toronto. The gift made the University one of the largest landowners on the Oak Ridges Moraine—and steward of a site of regional, provincial and national significance.
There, atop the Oak Ridges Moraine, they found a landscape carpeted with opportunity. The natural and agricultural ecosystems on the site offered tantalizing prospects for studies in biodiversity, ecology, evolution and conservation science. The property’s proximity to the campuses meant that students would have ready access to a place where they would not just learn about science, but where they could do science.
Our Benefactors – The Kofflers
In 1995, Drs. Murray and Marvelle Koffler generously donated their 350-hectare equestrian estate, Jokers Hill, to the University of Toronto.
It now forms our Koffler Scientific Reserve at Jokers Hill. The gift made the University one of the largest landowners on the Oak Ridges Moraine—and steward of a site of regional, provincial and national significance.
Dr. Murray Koffler had been searching for a country place when realtor Moffat Dunlap told him about Jokers Hill.
For Murray, the prospect of country living evoked a summer from his youth, when he worked on a farm, “pitching manure and milking cows; it was a fantastic experience because I was a city boy.” He wanted his own children to be exposed to country living and to the openness and freedom that could be found at a place like Jokers Hill.
With the Shoppers Drug Mart retail chain growing rapidly in the 1970s, the Kofflers also relied on Jokers Hill for entertaining a wide circle of friends, international dignitaries and business associates.
An avid horseback rider, Murray made the property available for the Continental Championship of North America, a major, international, three-day, equestrian competition supervised by HRH Prince Philip, then President of the Fédération Equestre Internationale. Captain Mark Phillips provided advice on course design and construction.
Among many guests were former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and his wife Margaret, whom the Kofflers had come to know well.
During one weekend visit for cross-country skiing, Trudeau was pressed into service to flip pancakes, which were being served with maple syrup made right on the property.
Between social events, the Kofflers became increasingly enchanted by the natural beauty of the property.
Their routines included family picnics, fishing, hiking, cross-country skiing and horseback riding along the kilometres of trails winding through the property – journeys of discovery that gave them an appreciation for the subtle texture of the land. “One of the most beautiful experiences,” Marvelle reflects, “has been watching our five children become totally linked to nature and the splendour of the surroundings.”
Rejecting the idea of ever developing the land, the Kofflers sought to conserve it.
To that end, Murray wound up the gravel operation in the northeast corner of the property and restored the 30-hectare quarry with extensive tree planting. The Kofflers thought that they might gift the land to the province one day. “We knew we had something special,” said Murray. “Everywhere you looked there was something waiting to be discovered.”
At a 1995 dinner party at Jokers Hill, Murray fell into conversation with then UofT president Robert Pritchard.
Hearing the story that the Province of Ontario did not have the finances to manage the property as a park, Pritchard suggested the Kofflers give the land to the university. “I stuck out my hand and said, ‘Fine, you’ve got it’.” Under the transfer agreement the university formally took possession in 1995 and the Kofflers leased back the main house, which they continued to use until 2006.
We recognize and thank Murray and Marvelle and their family for their numerous contributions and leadership, and generous donation of Jokers Hill Estates.
“We didn’t realize the land’s tremendous potential in terms of its importance for scientific study,” Murray once remarked.
“We never thought we would get so much pleasure from seeing Jokers Hill evolve the way it has. We’re very proud.”
Remembering Murray Koffler (1924-2017)
“Perhaps best known as the founder of Shoppers Drug Mart and co-founder of the Four Seasons Hotels Ltd., Koffler was also deeply committed to improving the lives of Canadians through his philanthropy.”
Remembering Marvelle Koffler (1929-2020)
“Marvelle was one of the University’s greatest proponents, generously supporting research and education in the areas of conservation, pharmacy and breast cancer care.”