Ken Reid Conservation Area
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McLaren Creek Wetland |
Whether you enjoy hiking, cycling or cross country skiing, Ken Reid Conservation Area is a great place to spend the day. Maintained trails and child-friendly facilities provide a variety of ways for visitors of all ages to experience this natural setting.
Kawartha Conservation acquired the 110 hectare (272 acre) property just north of Lindsay in 1980 from farmer Ken Reid. It is both our flagship conservation area and the location of our Administrative Centre for our watershed jurisdiction. Feel free to drop in during business hours.
Facilities
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Go for a swing on the edge of Sturgeon Lake |
There are three picnic shelters complete with parking lots and washroom facilities, and the Kawartha Field Centre which provides a classroom setting. Click here for more information about each of these facilities and for reservation details.
The family-friendly beach area offers a large playground structure, an unsupervised swimming area and change rooms. Click here for beach water quality postings.
On the Trails
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The floating boardwalk is also wheelchair accessible from the nearby parking lot |
Ken Reid offers several loop trails that lead through forests, meadows and wetlands. A favourite route includes the floating boardwalk that wends through the provincially significant MacLaren Creek Wetland bordering Sturgeon Lake. During the summer months you can spot red bellied snakes, snapping turtles and leopard frogs.
Visitors pausing at the marsh lookout further along the trail may spot the Osprey on the nearby nesting platform. These and other birds living in the area make it a popular destination for birders. A quiet hiker may also catch a glimpse of a deer, fox, hare or other wildlife that live in the meadows and forests of the park. Wildflower enthusiasts will enjoy the diversity of plants, but all visitors are asked to stay on the trails as poison ivy grows throughout the conservation area.
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| Marsh lookout | One of many unique trails to explore |
Hours of Operation
May-October 7:00 am to 9:00 pm
November-April 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
No access is permitted outside of posted hours.
Directions
- From Highway 35, turn east onto Kenrei Park Road for 2.7 km
- Destination will be on the left at 277 Kenrei Road, Kawartha Lakes, Ontario
Note:
Parking is available year round across from the Kawartha Conservation Administrative Centre.
The northern section of the Conservation Area is closed to vehicle access from October 31 to May 1.
Trail map
click map for larger
