Beyond the Yard

​Our goal to enhance, expand and enrich wildlife and pollinator habitat, while creating a natural area of interest for our guests to enjoy, began taking shape in the spring of 2022. Through the collaboration and funding of several agencies, including ALUS, Ontario Nature, OSCIA, and Ducks Unlimited, we retired 10 acres of our crop field. A pond, approximated 1200' (365 m) long, was excavated parallel to the Sydenham River which marks our western property border. In turn, this would provide a wetland area, and prairie meadow where many native wildflowers and grasses were planted. 

Nature moved quickly to reclaim the area and provide us with a beautiful, peaceful space where we can experience her wonders first-hand. Insects, birds, fish have almost miraculously inhabited the area, bringing sights and sounds that have, unfortunately, been lost to most people. From brightly coloured butterflies, and dragonflies of several varieties, to an occasional turtle sunning itself, or a Great Blue Heron quietly fishing along the pond edge, to the songs of warblers and honking, quacking and antics of several types of waterfowl, especially during their migrations, we hope guests will find a walk "beyond the yard" to be energizing and relaxing at the same time.

From the house, out to the pond, around it and back again is a walk of about 1.5 km. Through the small woods that shares a boundary with the Shetland Conservation Area, there are some meandering trails that guests are also invited to walk. In the Conservation Area, which offers trailer and camping sites, you will find a dock at the river, some playground equipment, and picnic tables available for public use.  
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