St. Williams Conservation Reserve
Protecting Biodiversity, Restoring Habitats, Preserving Legacy
Get to Know the St. Williams Conservation Reserve
- 194 Turkey Point Road, Turkey Point, Ontario N0E 1T0
The St. Williams Conservation Reserve is 1035-hectares of Crown Land in Norfolk County, Ontario. The lands were first established in 1908 as part of Canada’s first forestry station and were designated as a Conservation Reserve in 2004. The Conservation Reserve is under management to restore rare and unique ecosystems and protect biodiversity and threatened species while maintaining compatible public land uses.
News & Updates
Catch up with the latest Chronicles Newsletter or our most recent updates regarding trail news, prescribed burns, or other important events.
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Our Values
With our values we aim to showcase thriving biodiversity, reflecting pre-European ecological communities while preserving our cultural heritage and supporting compatible public uses.
Natural Heritage
We protect natural heritage by conserving oak savanna and sand barren ecosystems through vegetation management, invasive plant control, prescribed burns, native plant restoration, and the Steppingstone Seed Orchard.
Cultural History
We honor cultural history through the legacy of the St. Williams Forestry Station established in 1908 as Canada’s first reforestation project, led by E.C. Zavitz and J.H. White, transforming degraded lands into productive forests.
Educational Awareness
We foster educational awareness via initiatives like Mission Monarch, Noticing Nature, and upcoming learning opportunities to build community knowledge of conservation.
Research Opportunities
We support research opportunities on species at risk, carbon sequestration, variable density thinning, long-term pine and spruce collections, and studies including McMaster Turkey Point Towers.
Trail Resources
Click on the resources below to find more information on each topic:
Recreational Opportunities
While we foster a strong research and preservation focus, we aren’t afraid to have a little fun. The SWCR offers multiple ways to enjoy the reserve in a recreational manner. Read more about our trails and the different ways to get reacquainted with nature!
Contact Information
Contact the St. Williams Conservation Reserve Community Council to get informed or to get involved. We welcome all inquiries.
- St. Williams Conservation Reserve
- 194 Turkey Point Road, Turkey Point, Ontario N0E 1T0
- info@swcr.ca
