The Cation Wildlife Reserve property is a wildlife hot spot. Bird enthusiasts have spotted several rare species on the property such as Golden-winged Warblers and Bald Eagles. Upland Sandpipers and Thrashers have also been seen here.
Closer to the wetland in the middle of the property there are tons of Leopard and Green frogs hopping along and across the trails. Belted Kingfishers, Hooded Mergansers and Painted Turtles are regular inhabitants of this swampy area.
The staghorn sumac, wild red raspberry and blackberry bushes found throughout the property are an excellent food source to many species, especially mammals. There are signs that White-tailed deer, coyotes, black bears and even moose have visited the property. This shows that this is a popular natural corridor that provides a safe haven for wildlife to roam and connect to the adjacent landscape.
The forest is now in an early successional state, made up of species such as poplars, birches, juvenile maples and ironwood trees. It will be exciting to see the changes to this beautiful piece of land in the future.
Link to trails map:
http://kawarthalandtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Cation-Wildlife-Preserve-Trails_Final.pdf
The Cation Wildlife Preserve is just one of the many nature trails and hiking trails you can find throughout Ontario by using the search features of OntarioNaturetrails.com
Region(s): Kawartha LakesNearby towns and cities: Fenelon Falls
Cation Wildlife Preserve characteristics
Length: 5.6 km of looped trailsDifficulty: Moderate (Trail classifications)
Trail surface: Natural
Trail use: Hiking
Accessibility Notes: Not wheelchair accessible.
Fees: None
Flora & Fauna:
See main trail description area.
Amenities: none
Attractions: none
Contact:
info@kawarthalandtrust.org
Kawartha Land Trust Phone: 705-743-5599
Find it: Parking available at the intersection of French Settlement Rd & Powell Lane, Kawartha Lakes, ON
GPS Coordinates (main trailhead):
Latitude: 44.6709950
Longitude: -78.8447420