Beaver lodge, Altberg Wetland Nature Reserve
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 39-hectare 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 reserve.
In 2007, the Kawartha Field Naturalists became the official stewards of the reserve.
Wood frog © Deirdre Dimitroff
Visiting
Visitor access to the property is through an opening in the fence next to the sign.
No boardwalks or formal trails have been developed on the reserve.
Large silver maple © Deirdre Dimitroff
Directions
From Fenelon Falls take Highway 35 west to Victoria County Road 8 (aka Glenarm Road). Continue west on the county road to the hamlet of Glenarm. At Glenarm, turn north on Victoria County Road 35. The reserve is on the east side of the road, about three kilometres north of Palestine Road. Look for the green and white Ontario Nature sign on the fence, marking the entrance to the property.
View Altberg Wetland Nature Reserve in a larger map.
Maple swamp © Deirdre Dimitroff
Altberg Wetland Nature Reserve © Deirdre Dimitroff