April 27, 2026

Cooper Marsh Visitors Centre

Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) staff look forward to welcoming visitors at Cooper Marsh Conservation Area’s Visitors Centre, which is set to reopen for the season on May 1. Nestled within the popular South Glengarry wetland, the Centre serves as an educational and interpretive facility for residents, tourists, students, and nature enthusiasts. The Centre will be open Wednesdays to Sundays, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

“The Centre offers so much to those dropping in,” says Annabelle Beaudry, RRCA’s Nature Interpreter. “Visitors can use the dissecting microscopes to see specimens up close, take in the taxidermy collection, learn about the local flora and fauna that call the Marsh their home, and make use of the lending library, which offers field guides, binoculars, insect collection kits, and more.”

Beaudry will be hosting weekend guided walks through the Marsh beginning in June. The RRCA is also looking forward to hosting educational programs and workshops for school groups in partnership with the River Institute.

Amenities at other RRCA Conservation Areas are also reopening soon: Gray’s Creek’s marina is set to open on May 4 for its 47th boating seasons, and Charlottenburgh Park’s campground and beach are opening on May 15.

“Our Conservation Areas are part of over 2,000 acres of environmentally significant lands owned and managed by the RRCA to protect the health and resilience of local watersheds, conserve sensitive habitat, and provide opportunities for residents and visitors to step into nature,” says RRCA’s Public Information Coordinator, Claudia Munafo. “Last year, we welcomed an estimated 200,000 visitors at Cooper Marsh, Charlottenburgh Park, and Gray’s Creek.” 

Other amenities at RRCA Conservation Areas include over 20 kilometres of nature trails accessible year-round at no cost, wildlife viewing blinds and platforms, self-guided educational tours, playground and picnic areas, and more. For more information, visit rrca.on.ca/Recreation or contact (613) 938-3611 or info@rrca.on.ca.