April 29, 2024

Cooper Marsh Conservation Area. Photo courtesy of Ontario Power Generation.

Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) staff are looking forward to welcoming visitors at Cooper Marsh Conservation Area’s Visitors Centre, which reopens for the season on May 1. Nestled in the heart of the popular South Glengarry wetland, the building has served as an educational and interpretive centre for residents, tourists, students, and nature enthusiasts. 

“The Visitors Centre is open Wednesdays to Sundays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.,” says RRCA Communications Specialist, Vincent Pilon. “Everyone is welcome to drop in at the Centre to learn about the wildlife found at the Marsh, see specimens up close under a microscope, record the plants and animals they observe during their walks, take in the taxidermy collection, and make use of the free lending library to upgrade their nature hikes with field guides, binoculars, insect collection kits, pond dipping kits, and more.”  

The RRCA will be hosting weekend guided walks through the Marsh beginning on June 1. The conservation authority is also looking forward to hosting educational programs and workshops for school groups in partnership with the River Institute as well as this summer’s Eco Friends camp. More information and registration links for the camp can be found at rrca.on.ca/Events. 

“All are invited to step into nature at Cooper Marsh this summer, whether they are looking to explore the Marsh’s system of nature trails, have a picnic by the turtle pond, observe or photograph wildlife in their natural environment, or even take part in our citizen science biodiversity monitoring efforts,” says Pilon. 

Located on the picturesque north shore of the St. Lawrence River, Cooper Marsh Conservation Area is a few minutes’ drive west from South Lancaster. The 673-acre wetland is home to a rich variety of plant and animal species and is part of the larger Charlottenburgh Marsh – one of the most significant coastal wetlands in Ontario. The RRCA actively maintains, enhances, and restores this natural area, which also features viewing blinds and towers, and a 12-kilometre system of boardwalks and nature trails. Nearly 45,000 people visited Cooper Marsh Conservation Area in 2023. The RRCA is reminding visitors that some of the Conservation Area’s trails are temporarily closed due to recent repairs to the Marsh’s system of ring dykes and pumps.

RRCA’s Charlottenburgh Park near Summerstown is also set to open on May 17. The Marina at Gray’s Creek Conservation Area reopened on April 29. For more information, visit rrca.on.ca or contact (613) 938-3611 or info@rrca.on.ca.