Hay Marsh Nature Reserve

Located on St. Joseph's Island, along the St. Mary's River, this 40 hectare Ontario Nature nature reserve protects a precious piece of Great Lakes shoreline. Hay Marsh is virtually inaccessible by land, and the shoreline presents challenges to boats trying to land. Inaccessibility is a good thing when protection is the focus of a nature reserve. Indeed, the property donor, John Kerastas, enjoyed many summers fishing and hiking in northern Ontario's bush, and wanted to see his piece of property safeguarded:

"Just as I enjoyed the Canadian wilderness, so should future generations have that privilege."
-John Kerastas

Star Flower.

The Hay Marsh Nature Reserve is composed primarily of mixed swamp with a marsh along the shoreline of the St. Mary's River. In the fall, the Tamarack trees blaze in golden hues, while the Black Ash, Sugar Maple and Poplar trees complete the autumn colour spectrum. Shallow marshes of cattail and thickets of alder and bulrush extend along the river's edge. The nature reserve's location on Lake Superior makes it an important stopover for migrating waterfowl, as well as a fine habitat for spawning fish.

Nearby is the federal wildlife sanctuary at Fort St. Joseph, as well as Ontario Nature's St. Joseph Island Nature Reserve.