St. Williams Conservation Reserve
Rebuilding vital ecosystems to honour Ontario’s heritage
In addition to the dedicated Mountain Bike Trail located within the Turkey Point Tract, cycling is 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 Cyclists: Keep your […]
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. […]