Cameron Ranch was purchased by a coalition of conservation organizations working in partnership with the Nature Conservancy of Canada. The ownership of this 1,214 hectare site, characterized as “Ontario’s Serengeti” because of its extensive grasslands, was transferred to Ontario Parks in April 2003. The Couchiching Conservancy contributed $204,000 raised from local sources to assist this exceptional purchase and is now assisting with its management.
Unique features of this property
- one of the largest natural properties on the Carden limestone plain
- supports at least five types of globally-rare alvar communities
- abundance of alvar plants including northern dropseed, tufted hairgrass, early buttercup, false pennyroyal, and prairie smoke
- located within an important Bird Area, because of its significance for grassland and shrubland birds
- nesting population of the endangered eastern loggerhead shrike
- in danger of encroaching limestone extraction activity
Best time to visit: May and June.
Location
From Orillia, follow Hwy 12 east, past Atherley, turn left onto Simcoe County Road 46. Follow past Lake Dalrymple; the same road becomes City of Kawartha Lakes Road 6. Ranch is on your left approximately 5 km past village of Dalrymple. look for Cameron Ranch Alvar sign. Note: Because of the hazards associated with cattle grazing in the Ranch and its remote interior, public access is restricted to guided groups with prior approval. most of the species ca be readily seen from Wylie Road. Call (705) 326-1620 to arrange visits.
