Little Bluestem Alvar Nature Reserve, a 654-acre parcel, is owned by the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) and co-managed with the Couchiching Conservancy. This property adjoins the 678-acre Prairie Smoke Alvar, also owned by the NCC; these two properties are now managed under a single plan.
Globally rare alvar habitat is prevalent, showing as bare limestone pavement, conifer shrub and sedge meadow alvar habitat types. Plants, birds and insect species unique to Ontario are commonly found throughout this property.
Location: Access is via a walking trail at the Carden Recreation Centre, or from the Prairie Smoke Alvar parking lot on Lake Dalrymple Road. Trails are not well marked; use caution if venturing to the interior of this property.
Link to brochure and trail map: https://couchichingconserv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Experience-the-Carden-Alvar-by-Foot.pdf
2oldguyswalking website has a short review of this trail, with map and images. Go here to read this review.
Little Bluestem Alvar Nature Reserve has 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: Orillia
Trail feature tags: alvar
Little Bluestem Alvar Nature Reserve characteristics
Length: 3 kmDifficulty: Easy (Trail classifications)
Trail surface: Natural and Rock
Trail use: Hiking
Accessibility Notes: Not wheelchair accessible
Fees: none
Flora & Fauna:
Not yet reported.
Amenities: none
Attractions: alvar,
Contact:
The Couchiching Conservancy 705-326-1620
Find it: Carden Recreation Centre, 258 Lake Dalrymple Road
GPS Coordinates (main trailhead):
Latitude: 44.6619410
Longitude: -79.0997240