The George Langman Sanctuary is owned and maintained by The Orillia Fish and Game Conservation Club (OFGCC). The sanctuary is a 61 acre plot of land located at the southwest corner of Bass Lake Sideroad and the 14th line of the Township of Oro-Medonte. It is just west of Bass Lake Provincial Park and a short distance from the City of Orillia. The sanctuary is open throughout the year and is free to the public, although a donation to support conservation would be greatly appreciated. During the 1970’s, the OFGCC dredged several canals throughout the marsh to enhance waterfowl reproduction. This created many small islands where waterfowl can nest and rear their young along the water’s edge. During the 1980’s the Club began work on a nature trail around the perimeter of the marsh, to allow the public to enjoy the wildlife as well as the flora and fauna that surround it. The George Langman Sanctuary nature trail has been expanded and upgraded throughout the years and is now a well maintained six kilometer trail. While walking along the nature trail, one can expect to see a variety waterfowl such as Canada geese, mute and trumpeter swans, mallard ducks, wood ducks, as well as many other types of ducks which will come and go throughout the day. There are, of course, many smaller birds which can be observe while walking through the sanctuary. The yellow finch and red winged blackbirds are very popular and are commonly sighted around the marsh area. There is abundant wildlife to be seen along the trail, such as deer, rabbits, foxes, squirrels and chipmunks, so be ready with your camera! One should also keep an eye open for the many varieties of turtles, frogs, snakes and small invertebrates that call the marsh their home. The sanctuary property is blessed with many varieties of wildflowers which can be seen as you walk along the trails. In the late 1960’s, the OFGCC constructed a bird building which houses a variety of rare upland game birds for public viewing. Currently, it is the home to a variety of pheasants, peafowl, and wild turkeys which can be seen as you enter the sanctuary property.
Members of The Orillia Fish and Game Conservation Club hope that you will visit and enjoy the George Langman Sanctuary property. Please do not feed the birds anything except greens (lettuce, cabbage, etc.) or dried corn. We trust that you will respect the wildlife that inhabit the area and endeavour to keep the sanctuary litter-free so that it may be enjoyed by everyone. It is the OFGCC’s goal to preserve this sanctuary not only for this generation, but for future generations.
Link to trail map: http://www.theorilliafishandgameconservationclub.com/wp-content/uploads/nature-trails-map/orillia-fish-and-game-conservation-club-nature-trails-map.jpg
We would also direct you to read our DISCLAIMER and our TRAIL USERS CODE.
Region(s): Simcoe CountyNearby towns and cities: Orillia
Trail feature tags: bird sanctuary | Boardwalk
George Langman Sanctuary characteristics
Length: 6 kmDifficulty: Easy (Trail classifications)
Trail surface: Natural
Trail use: Hiking
Accessibility Notes: not wheelchair accessible
Fees: None but donations appreciated.
Flora & Fauna:
See trail description section.
Amenities: None
Attractions: bird sanctuary
Contact:
info@theorilliafishandgameconservationclub.com
Orillia Fish and Game Conservation Club
Find it: 2457 Bass Lake Side Rd E, Oro-Medonte
GPS Coordinates (main trailhead):
Latitude: 44.5953600
Longitude: -79.4936090