St. Williams Conservation Reserve
Rebuilding vital ecosystems to honour Ontario’s heritage
Nestled deep in the heart of Southern Ontario, the St. Williams Conservation Reserve is 1085 hectares of reclaimed Carolinian forest. In the early 1900’s the settlers had cut down the original forest for timber and the light sandy soil had begun to erode without the tree roots and forest floor holding it in place. The […]
It’s that time of year again when some people will be looking for somewhere to dispose of your garden green waste. Unfortunately, disposing of garden waste along the roadside near a natural area is one of the main ways that invasive plants are dispersed and spread. Invasive plants create a heap of problems when then […]
The Norfolk Woodlot Owners Association AGM was well attended. Guest speakers Audrey Heagy and Adam Biddle did a fantastic job informing members on the history of The CR and Invasive Species of concern. #InvSpwk
Why Was The CR Established? Ontario established the St Williams Conservation Reserve so that: ‘…these tracts will be a flourishing example of extraordinary biological diversity representing their pre-European settlement natural legacy of ecological communities while protecting their unique cultural heritage and providing opportunities for compatible public land uses.’ — SWCR Management Plan 2007 – 2057 […]
The vision for the Reserve is to restore the native ecosystems that existed here more than 200 years ago. We actively manage the ecological communities on the reserve to achieve this goal. All of our practices are based on sound research, expert consultation, and the best management practices available. Click on the management activities below […]
Part of the St Williams Conservation Reserve will be closed for vegetation management work starting November 1st 2017. The area affected by this temporary closure is in the eastern section of the Nursery Tract, on both sides of the 6th Concession Road (see map). For safety reasons, this work area will be closed to all […]
Hunting is permitted in most parts of the SWCR, according to provincial and federal policy and legislation. All visitors are required to obey posted signs. Always be aware that many other people are using the SWCR. Please review and follow the ‘Code of Conduct for SWCR Users’. Be seen, be safe: wearing hunter orange increases […]
Winter Sports Code of Conduct for Snowmobile and Motorized Vehicle Operators: All motorized vehicle operators must be fully licensed and insured. Obey all regulations and by-laws regulating the operation of your snowmobile or ATV. Be safety conscious. Be aware. Ride with care. Stay on authorized trails. Unauthorized trail riding can injure vulnerable plants and wildlife. […]
All hunting within the Reserve is subject to provincial and federal regulations. To find out more about these regulations Visit the link below. Code of Conduct for Hunters and Anglers: Always hunt safely, legally and ethically. Obey posted signs. Hunting and angling is subject to Provincial policies and regulations. All hunters and anglers must be […]
Motorized vehicles, including ATV’s and snowmobiles, are permitted on all multi-use trails. Please respect the authorized trail network while visiting the Reserve: Off-trail riding can damage sensitive habitats, introduce invasive plants and animals, and is hazardous to other visitors. Code of Conduct for Snowmobile and Motorized Vehicle Operators: All motorized vehicle operators must be fully […]