Size: 86-acres (34-hectares)

Status: Open to the Public, no trails

Protected: May 19, 2005

Donors: Gladys Leslie


Background:

Mrs. Gladys Leslie of Toronto, who had owned the property with her late husband for over 50 years, donated this wetland property to the Conservancy in 2005.

Landscape and Species:

  • an excellent example of mature Soft Maple swamp on a broad floodplain, with occasional specimens of Bur Oak and White Ash on rocky outcrops
  • part of the Head River canoe route; the section within Waterthrush Woods is slow-moving and can be paddled in either direction
  • in summer, the swamp has a vibrant understory of ferns and nettles growing on mucky soils
  • bird life is varied and abundant, most notably Northern Waterthrush, a species of warbler that specializes in wet woods

It is accessible only by canoe on the Head River, which winds through Waterthrush Woods from nearly a kilometer. The property also contains the outlet tributary from young Lake, and the lower reaches of the Cranberry River.

Photo: Toby Rowland
Photo: Dorthea Hangaard
Photo: Dorthea Hangaard
Photo: Dorthea Hangaard

    Photos: Toby Rowland and Dorthea Hangaard

    Visit this Nature Reserve:

    From the village of Sebright, travel east and north on Monck Road for approximately 3 km; turn left on Young Street and follow to the end. Canoes can be put on the river to the right; follow downstream and Conservancy signs mark the beginning of the reserve. Alternately, access Young Lake from the Dalton Community Centre; a Conservancy sign marks the southern edge of the Waterthrush Woods property.

    Best time to visit: summer or fall