Lawson Nature Reserve © Sheila Fleming
About
The best-kept secret in southwest Oxford – Lawson Nature Reserve encompasses 15 hectares of provincially significant Carolinian woodland and wetland. The property’s topography varies from moraine, to grassy meadow, to hardwood swamp. Visitors can observe a great diversity of flora and fauna.
The Lawson Nature Reserve was generously donated by Dr. John Lawson, a respected physician, naturalist and long-time member of Ontario Nature. In 1976, he bought the 15-hectare property just south of Ingersoll, solely to conserve the land and return it to its natural state.
Wood frog, Lawson Nature Reserve © Noah Cole
Plants and Animals
The nature reserve is home to about 300 native plant species, and many other native fauna species, including Baltimore orioles, indigo buntings, yellow birch, black ash, red-backed salamanders and rare Virginia bugleweed.
Ontario Nature reforested an old gravel pit on the property from the 1960s with white pine trees and created a wetland was created in the south-west portion of the property to increase wildlife habitat. With the support of our volunteer stewards, we are continuing to restore and maintain this pond because it serves as a vital habitat for amphibians and waterfowl.
Striped hairstreak, Lawson Nature Reserve © Noah Cole
Visiting
Come visit the nature reserve’s 1.6 kilometres of loop trails, with several benches along the trails and a pavilion near the entrance.
Main Trail – Surface: Natural, boardwalk
Difficulty – Easy
Average Grade – 2°; Maximum Grade – 15°
Average Width – 1.3m; Minimum Width – 0.4m
Pond Trail – Surface: Natural
Difficulty – Easy
Average Grade – 1-2°; Maximum Grade – 12°
Average Width – 0.6m; Minimum Width – 0.4m
The Ridge Trail has is closed.
You can view a map of our trails.
Lawson Nature Reserve © Stephanie Muckle
We do not charge a fee for entrance and there are no operating hours on any of our nature reserves. Volunteer stewards monitor the properties. We rely on visitors to be safe, minimize their impact on nature and be respectful of others. For more information about visiting the nature reserves, please read our Permitted Activities Policy.
We welcome donations to support this nature reserve and our system of 26 nature reserves.
Ruby-throated hummingbird, Lawson Nature Reserve © Terry Parker
Stewardship
The Ingersoll District Nature Club is the official steward of the nature reserve. Ontario Nature, in collaboration with the nature club, has continued Dr. Lawson’s conservation legacy by working to protect natural spaces like Lawson Nature Reserve, ensuring they are preserved for generations to come. They are integral in maintaining trails and protecting the natural heritage of the property.
Volunteers have helped monitor salamanders—an engaging activity that directly supports long-term conservation. Every observation adds valuable data to help protect these important species over time.
If you are interested in assisting or joining the club, please visit their website.
To learn more about volunteering as a nature reserve steward, please see our Volunteer Stewardship webpage.
Lawson Nature Reserve trail building crew
Directions
Take exit 216 from Highway 401 west to Culloden Road South. Follow this road south to Concession 2 (McBeth Road) and turn east. Proceed approximately one and a half kilometres along McBeth Road. The nature reserve is located on the north (left) side just past Greenwood Farms.
You can access the nature reserve by a roadway directly across from a privately owned house. Please respect the homeowner’s privacy.
View Lawson Nature Reserve in a larger map.
Ingersoll District Naturalists Club, Lawson Nature Reserve © Sheila Fleming
Meadowhawk dragonfly, Lawson Nature Reserve © Noah Cole
Photo Gallery
