Size: 729-acres
Status: Open to the Public, with trails
Protected: December 15, 2017
Protected by: our supporters!
This property, with over 4 kilometres of the Black River running through it, came under permanent protection in 2017. Hundreds of donors quickly rallied to ensure we could purchase the property, including a major contribution by the Government of Canada's Natural Areas Conservation Program. The funds raised will ensure the organization can care for it permanently. Ron Reid is one of the founders of The Couchiching Conservancy and our first Executive Director. He has made a lasting contribution to the land trust movement in our region, in Ontario, and beyond.
Unique features:
- Surrounded by Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park.
- Habitat for numerous Species-at-Risk.
- Home to Ontario's only lizard, the Five-lined skink (Endangered).
- Recreational opportunities include a walking trail to Ragged Rapids, and excellent canoeing on the Black River.
Visit this Nature Reserve:
Best time to visit: any time. Be prepared for expected conditions (mosquitoes in the spring-summer, damp in the spring and fall, etc). The mosquitos and black flies are fierce!
Location & Parking: The pinned location below indicates the Reserve sign. To get to the trail head, keep driving along Black River Road (about 3.5km) - past a sandy parking area on the right (river side), a forested area and an open field area with a small cabin/structure. The trail parking area is on the right. The road is closed in the winter. The rest of the year, the road is a little bit rough and narrow, so use caution.
Trail: The trail is marked and 900 meters down to Ragged Rapids. FYI there is another trail that connects to the base of the rapids, but that is private property. Please stay on the marked trail and check yourself for ticks.
Visit Rosebush Landing:
Best time to visit: the ladder is installed annually mid-May to October. Check our social media channels for updates as it depends on water levels.
Location & Parking: The second map below is Rosebush Landing, named for Joan & John Rosebush who were major contributors in the fundraising campaign to purchase this nature reserve, and are long-time supporters of the Conservancy. There is a winch and a ladder (we recommend climbing down with your face towards the bank) to give you easier access to this beautiful river. There is a pull off from the road so you can park near the winch and ladder. There are some tall grasses, so please check yourself for ticks.
The Ron Reid Nature Reserve is one of the Conservancy's wildest and most remote properties. If you've been, you know that access through the Black River Road takes extra care to drive, but the rewards are great, excellent paddling and a stunning hiking trail. This remoteness also means that the road can only be accessed seasonally. Once the snow flies, the Black River Road from Lewisham Lane east to Victoria Falls Bridge is maintained as a snowmobile trail (Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs Trail 209). This means the snow on the road is actively groomed for snowmobiles and is NOT plowed for vehicle access. From March 1 to May 15 the City of Kawartha Lakes closes the same stretch of road for the spring melt. Do NOT drive your vehicle on Black River Road east of Lewisham Lane from November/December (whenever the first snowfall is) to May 15. If you get your vehicle stuck on the road during this period, a tow truck will NOT be able to access the road to tow you. You can still access the road by foot or ski in winter but beware of fast-moving snowmobiles and be prepared for backcountry conditions and poor cell reception.