Altberg Wetland Nature Reserve, Marsh
About
From the southwest end of South Bay on Balsam Lake, a large wetland complex spreads up the valleys of two creeks. This mosaic of swamp forest and marsh forms a Provincially Significant Wetland, a part of which is protected within the Altberg Wetland Nature Reserve. Rudolf Altberg donated the property to Ontario Nature to be cared for as a wildlife sanctuary.
The 41-hectare (102-acre) nature reserve is nestled in a gently rolling plain, and contains a mix of wetland types – including swamp, meadow marsh and shallow marsh.
Wood frog © Deirdre Dimitroff
Plants and Animals
Black ash, a species with 25% of its global range in Ontario, can be found amongst the maple trees that comprise the canopy of this forested swamp. Trees in these forests tend to have shallow roots and blowdowns often occur. This creates pit and mound topography, providing diverse habitats for breeding birds and amphibians. The large marsh central to this property surrounded by swamp forest is a safe haven for wood ducks, soras, Virginia rails and northern waterthrush. The second nodding trillium record within the Kawartha Lakes municipality was found on the property during a BioBlitz in 2024.
Nodding trillium, Altberg Wetland Nature Reserve © Melissa Thomas
Stewardship
In 2007, the Kawartha Field Naturalists became the official stewards of the nature reserve.
If you are interested in helping or learning more, please email contactus@kawarthafieldnaturalists.org.
To learn more about volunteering as a nature reserve steward, please see our Volunteer Stewardship webpage.
Large silver maple © Deirdre Dimitroff
Visiting
No boardwalks or formal trails have been developed on the nature reserve. To protect this rare habitat, this property does not have a marked trail system and is not open to members of the public.
If you have any questions or would like to conduct research on this property, contact Ontario Nature.
Badge moss sp., Altberg Wetland Nature Reserve © Julianna Kosturik
Photo Gallery
