Lost Bay Nature Reserve

Lost Bay nature reserve in winter.

In October of 2000, the dream of linking the woods and wetlands of Ontario's Algonquin Park to New York State's Adirondack Mountains came a step closer to reality. Local landowners saw an opportunity to protect provincially significant wetlands and mature forest around Lake Gananoque, and with the generous help of local donors, the Nature Conservancy of Canada acquired the Lost Bay Nature Reserve. Shortly afterwards, the nature reserve was turned over to Ontario Nature and a local group, the Kingston Field Naturalists, became the official stewards of the property. The acquisition of the Lost Bay Nature Reserve was a completely non-government initiative, demonstrating what concerned citizens can do on their own to protect nature.

Named for the eastern arm of Lake Gananoque, the Lost Bay Nature Reserve is approximately 43 hectares (106 acres) in size. It is considered part of the Algonquin to Adirondack Connection (A2A) because it is located within the Frontenac Axis – the southernmost part of the Canadian Shield that forms the Thousand Islands. These islands provide a bridge for plant and animal species to cross the St. Lawrence River. This enables wildlife to travel within the corridor between the two parks in response to environmental change, maintaining both population and genetic diversity.

About three-quarters of the site is forested and the remainder consists mostly of wetlands. The wetlands of Lost Bay are considered Provincially significant and are home to a number of important birds and mammals. Ducks, especially Wood Ducks, are often seen foraging for food and sheltering in the marshes. The relatively undisturbed wetland areas, linked by natural corridors of forest, also provide an excellent habitat for birds such as the Red-shouldered Hawk, Great Blue Heron and Osprey. Songbirds, such as Black-capped Chickadees and Yellow Warblers, nest in the tall maples nearby.

How to get there

The Lost Bay nature reserve is located approximately 17 kilometres northeast of Gananoque, in the township of the Front of Leeds and Lansdowne. From the 401, take Highway 2 east to Kyes Road. Travel north on Kyes Road and follow it as it changes into Russel Road and Black Rapids Road. Shortly after the community of Sand Bay Corner, take the 'Lost Bay Lane' cottage road to the nature reserve.