Workshops and Camps

In partnership with the River Institute, the RRCA is hosting week-long day camps this July for children aged 7 to 10. Click here for more information.

Citizen Science

Help monitor biodiversity at Cooper Marsh Conservation Area by becoming a citizen scientist!

About Cooper Marsh

The Cooper Marsh Conservation Area and Visitors Centre are located 18 kilometers east of Cornwall on County Road 2 near South Lancaster, and 102 kilometers west of Montreal. From Highway 401, exit 814 onto County Road 34 (Lancaster interchange) then turn south onto County Road #2 and proceed 3 kilometers to the main entrance.

Nestled on the picturesque north shore of Lake St. Francis, the Cooper Marsh Conservation Area is the proud Legacy of the late Mr. William Cooper Sr., a past Chair of the Raisin Region Conservation Authority. This cherished wetland is part of the larger Charlottenburgh Marsh - one of the most significant wetlands in all of Ontario. The RRCA actively maintains, protects, enhances and restores this natural area.

Follow the wetland boardwalks to explore the marsh and isolated ponds. Climb the viewing platforms and visit the viewing blinds to enjoy more than 130 species of birds that call Cooper Marsh their home. Drop by the Visitors Centre to take in taxidermy displays, view specimens under a microscope, and discuss your wildlife sightings with RRCA staff. Join one of the educational programs at Cooper Marsh run by the River Institute. Tours lead by RRCA staff, River Institute or volunteers may be offered when resources permit. Visitors can also take the Cooper Marsh Self-Guided Tour which showcases the Marsh's unique history, rich biodivsersity, and ecological importance using new interpretative signage. 

Wetland birds that breed at Cooper Marsh Conservation Area include the Osprey, American Bittern, Virginia Rail, Sora, Green Heron, Wood Duck, Pied Billed Grebe, Black-Crowned Night Heron, Sandhill Cranes and the rare Least Bittern. The Marsh contains a wide variety of amphibians, turtles and fish. In the spring and fall migrations, many bird species visit the Marsh.

The Conservation Area and trails are open all year round. As the Cooper Marsh Conservation Area is a protected habitat, bicycles, dogs and motorized vehicles are prohibited on the trails.

Cooper Marsh Lending Library and Guided Walks 

During the summer months, visitors to Cooper Marsh Conservation Area can drop by the Marsh's Visitors Centre to borrow binoculars, insect collection kits, and an assortment of informative guides and books to enhance their nature hike experience. All items are lent out free of charge.

From June to August, RRCA staff offer free guided weekend strolls through Cooper Marsh Conservation Area, providing visitors with a chance to learn about this important wetland and the plants and animals that call it home! All visitors are welcome. The guided walks start in front of the Visitors Centre and last approximately 40 minutes.