Lawson Nature Reserve

The Lawson Nature Reserve in winter.

The Lawson Nature Reserve was the generous donation of Dr. John Lawson, a respected physician, naturalist, and long-time member of the Federation. In 1976, he bought the 36-acre property just south of Ingersoll, solely for the purpose of conservation. His intention was to return the land to its natural state.

The topography of Lawson Nature Reserve varies from moraine to grassy meadow to hardwood swamp. The property is home to about 200 plant species, including the rare Virginia Bugleweed. One-third of the site is classed as Provincially Significant Wetland. One section of the property is an old gravel pit from the 1960s that has been reforested with White Pines. There had been dumping of domestic and farm garbage near the front of the property in the past, which has since been cleaned up by the Ingersoll District Nature Club, official stewards of the property. A wetland was created in the south-west portion of the property to increase wildlife habitat.

How to get there

Take exit 216 from Hwy. 401 west to Culloden Road South. Follow this road south to Concession 2 (McBeth Rd.), the third road south of Hwy. 401, and turn east. Proceed approximately 1.5 km along McBeth Road, the property is located on the north side just past Greenwood Farms. You can access the property by a roadway directly across from a privately owned house. Please respect the homeowner's privacy.