Get to know what will be the Black River Wildlands with some upcoming events. Donate to participate in a Hike, Bike or Paddle!
The Couchiching Conservancy has a rare opportunity to protect more than 4 km of Black River shoreline, winding through 730 acres of diverse wilderness. This parcel will fill a significant gap in Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park. The river runs through the core of the property and its floodplains features rich, deep sands that are uncommon in the rest of the park. Forest and wetland habitats make it a mecca for wildlife and birds.
The Conservancy is racing to raise $575,000 to purchase this Nature Reserve, to protect its ecological values from the rapidly escalating development pressures along the Black River. The Reserve will have trail use, canoeing and kayaking opportunities, with linkages to the Ganaraska Trail and Trans Canada Trail.
This is a great opportunity to bring this beautiful river run under permanent protection.
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To help you to get to know what will be the Black River Wildlands, Janet Grand and volunteers will be leading a number of events. You can hike, bike or paddle. Details below.
A special thank you to Janet Grand who is coordinating and running these events, along with event volunteers!
There are a few things to note:
- Please arrive at least 15 minutes early
- You are responsible for bringing your equipment
- Life jackets are required for paddling events
- These are not paddling instruction events
- Biking and Hiking events take place on the road, which is gravel and fairly level – please always be aware of local traffic
- Meeting location for each type of event identified below
- Kids under 12 are free to attend (just add a note for us so we know they are coming)
Events:
Weather: Rain or shine. Paddling events will be cancelled if there is thunder and lightening.
[wc_divider style=”dotted” line=”single” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=””]Hike on the Wildlands
- July 30, 10am – 1pm
- Aug 6, 10am – 1pm
- Aug 13, 10am – 1pm
- Aug 20, 10am – 1pm
- Aug 27, 10am – 1pm
- Sept 10, 10am – 1pm
- Sept 17, 10am – 1pm
Have a leisurely look at what will be the Black River Wildlands. Join naturalists and volunteers to learn about the property and its unique features. Invest in the protection of this land with a minimum donation of $30 per person to participate. Parking at Lewisham Rd with carpooling 5 minutes to the start of the property.
[wc_googlemap title=”Lewisham Rd” location=”1 Lewisham Rd, Washago, ON, L0K 2B0″ zoom=”15″ height=”250″ title_on_load=”no” class=””]Register & Donate
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- July 30, 10am – 1pm
- Aug 6, 10am – 1pm
- Aug 13, 10am – 1pm
- Aug 20, 10am – 1pm
- Aug 27, 10am – 1pm
- Sept 10, 10am – 1pm
- Sept 17, 10am – 1pm
Have a leisurely look at what will be the Black River Wildlands. Meet at Lewisham Rd to check in, and then bike your way along Black River Rd to explore this beautiful region. Invest in the protection of this land with a minimum donation of $30 per person to participate.
[wc_googlemap title=”Lewisham Rd” location=”1 Lewisham Rd, Washago, ON, L0K 2B0″ zoom=”15″ height=”250″ title_on_load=”no” class=””]Register & Donate
[wc_divider style=”dotted” line=”single” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=””]Short Paddle of the River
- Aug 20, 9 am – 12pm
- Aug 20, 2pm – 5pm
Get to know the Black River on a short paddle up the river. The Couchiching Conservancy has a chance to protect over 4km of Black River, one of the last wild rivers in southern Ontario. Please note that this is not a paddling instruction event. Bring your own canoe/kayak/stand up paddleboard, paddle, bailer and life jackets are mandatory. Registration is required, and a minimum donation of $50 per person will help protect this 730 acre property. Additional donations are appreciated.
Meeting at the ‘sandy parking area’ on Black River Rd. Watch for Conservancy signs and other vehicles – you can’t miss us! Map below gives you a general sense of area – not the specific meeting spot (there is no street address for our meeting spot so Google can’t find it).
There are no portages or rapids on either long or short paddle. The put in is very close to the road.
[wc_googlemap title=”Lewisham Rd” location=”1 Lewisham Rd, Washago, ON, L0K 2B0″ zoom=”15″ height=”250″ title_on_load=”no” class=””]Register & Donate
[wc_divider style=”dotted” line=”single” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=””]Day Paddle of the River
- Sept 10, 9am – 4pm
Get to know the Black River on a long paddle up and down the river. The Couchiching Conservancy has a chance to protect over 4km of Black River, one of the last wild rivers in southern Ontario. Please note that this is not a paddling instruction event. Bring your own canoe/kayak/stand up paddleboard, paddle, bailer and life jackets are mandatory. Registration is required, and a minimum donation of $100 per person will help protect this 730 acre property. Additional donations are appreciated. Please bring a lunch. Meeting at Black River Rd and Chisholm Trail. Watch for Conservancy signs and other vehicles – you can’t miss us!
There are no portages or rapids on either long or short paddle. The put in is very close to the road.
[wc_googlemap title=”Lewisham Rd” location=”8417 Chisholm Trail, Washago, ON, L0K 2B0″ zoom=”15″ height=”250″ title_on_load=”no” class=””]Register & Donate
[wc_divider style=”dotted” line=”single” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=””]Register & Donate
Download the Black River Wildlands Registration Form
You can also get registration forms through The Bird House Nature Company (108 Mississaga St E, Orillia, ON L3V 1V7) and The Couchiching Conservancy’s office (1485 Division Rd W, Orillia, ON L3V 6H2)