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 as a wildlife sanctuary.

The 41-hectare (102-acre) nature reserve is nestled in a gently rolling plain, just south and west of the Kawartha Lakes and the Trent Canal system. Large areas of swamp forest and open marsh are found on the property.

In 2007, the Kawartha Field Naturalists became the official stewards of the nature reserve.

Wood frog © 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.

Email Ontario Nature

Large silver maple © Deirdre Dimitroff

Altberg Wetland Nature Reserve © Deirdre Dimitroff