St. Williams Conservation Reserve
Rebuilding vital ecosystems to honour Ontario’s heritage
Equestrian trails are located at the Nursery Tract. Horse riders are also permitted to use the multi-use trails at the Turkey Point Tract, which are also used by ATVs, dirtbikes, and bicycles. Code of Conduct for Equestrians: Ride at a leisurely pace. Keep to a walk unless safety is certain and ground conditions rule out […]
All trails are open to low-impact activities such as walking, hiking, and bird watching. Please be alert and aware of other trail users! Code of Conduct for Walkers and Hikers: Remember that on shared-use trails there are other users enjoying the trails with you. Be aware of any horses, dogs, bicycles, or motorized vehicles. If […]
Outdoor recreational activities are allowed as long as they do not pose a risk to the sustainability of the Conservation Reserve. The St. Williams Conservation Reserve asks that recreational users follow the Code of Conduct at all times while on the property: General Rules for all Users Expect and respect other trail users Leave the […]
Woodland Vole (Microtus pinetorum) Status in Canada: Special Concern Status in Ontario: Special Concern Status at SWCR: Common This small chestnut-brown rodent has a short tails and is native to the Carolinian life zone. Quick Facts: The SWCR is within the major part of its range: Southwestern Ontario close to lake Erie. It occupies a variety […]
Virginia Goat’s-rue (Tephrosia virginiana) Status in Canada: Endangered Status in Ontario: Endangered Status at SWCR: Rare – occurs in only one location This perennial herb has conspicuous pink and yellow flowers above a leafy stem. In Canada, Virginia Goat’s-rue occurs within a very restricted portion of Norfolk County, and the SWCR population it is the only […]
Spotted Wintergreen (Chimaphila maculata) Status in Canada: Endangered Status in Ontario: Endangered Status at SWCR: Rare and increasing In Canada, there are only 5 known populations of this low evergreen perennial shrub: four here in Norfolk Country, and one in Niagara County. Quick Facts: The SWCR is home to two out of the five existing populations […]
Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) Status in Canada: Special Concern Status in Ontario: Special Concern Status at SWCR: Very Common This iconic butterfly is easily recognized by the distinctive orange and black patterns on its large wings. Caterpillars have a distinctive look of their own, with bright bands of yellow, black, and white along their bodies and […]
Louisiana Waterthrush (Parkesia motacilla) Status in Canada: Special Concern Status in Ontario: Special Concern Status at SWCR: Rare breeding bird This Medium-sized migratory songbird has a distinctive light stripe above the eye. It nests in the wetland habitats of the SWCR. Quick Facts: In Ontario, it only breeds in the province’s most southern regions. It is […]
Karner Blue (Lycaeides melissa samuelis) Status in Canada: Extirpated Status in Ontario: Extirpated Status at SWCR: Extirpated This small butterfly has blue wings that measure only 22 to 32 mm across! Males are a brighter blue than females, who make up for it by having bright orange crescents around silver and black spots on their wings. […]
Frosted Elfin (Callophrys irus ssp. Incisalia) Status in Canada: Extirpated Status in Ontario: Extirpated Status at SWCR: Extirpated It gets it’s frosted appearance from a scattering of pale coloured scales on the underside of its wings. The SWCR was home to the last Ontario population, and our efforts are now focused on restoring habitat in the […]