(Earlier this year, the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust (MMLT) purchased their newest conservation property – the Mikinaak Nature Reserve. Called Mikinaak after the Omamawinini (Algonquin) word for Turtle. Photos: Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust)
The Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust (MMLT) is excited to announce the protection of its newest conservation property: Mikinaak Nature Reserve, a remarkable 100-acre landscape in the Fall River Watershed. Wetlands, creeks, beaver ponds, rocky ridges, forests, and open water create an astonishing diversity of habitats, but it was the turtles that first stole the show!
During one of MMLT’s earliest visits, several turtles were spotted basking together on a log in a wetland near the northern end of the property. Among them were four Blanding’s Turtles (a threatened species), including one that was the largest the members of the MMLT team had ever seen.
Those memorable sightings inspired the property’s name: Mikinaak (pronounced mi-ki-knock), the Omamawinini (Algonquin) word for Turtle. The name was warmly endorsed by the local Shabot Obadjiwaan First Nation and reflects both the ecological importance of the property and its connection to the land’s Indigenous heritage.
Mikinaak Nature Reserve is MMLT’s 18th protected property. Purchasing the property was possible is thanks to the incredible generosity of the MapleCross Fund and Ontario Conservation Accelerator whose support allowed MMLT to act quickly to ensure this special place remains protected for generations to come.
Since acquiring the property, MMLT staff and volunteers have returned several times to start documenting its wildlife and have been amazed by what they’ve found, including a Great Blue Heron rookery, a flock of Trumpeter Swans, calling frogs, and numerous at-risk bird species.
As MMLT’s Conservation Coordinator Andrew Dunbar shared, “Every visit has revealed something new. One of my favourite moments was coming across the turtles tucked away in the wetlands. As a hobbyist wildlife photographer, I was absolutely thrilled to capture that moment. It’s rare to find so much ecological value packed into a single 100-acre property!”
Mikinaak Nature Reserve is strategically located for conservation, near several provincially significant wetlands, and the southern edge of the property lies within the 2,000-acre Maberly Bog, one of Lanark County’s “Green Gems”. The north side of the property is adjacent to the Tay Havelock Rail Trail, just east of Armstrong Line. A convenient parking area is found on the other side of Armstrong Line and provides an opportunity to appreciate part of this landscape.
Although Mikinaak Nature Reserve is ecologically significant in its own right, its conservation value could be further enhanced through expansion. To this end, MMLT is exploring the possibility of acquiring an adjacent property by accessing a mix of government and private grants, combined with local community support. If successful, the expansion would not only enhance the conservation value of the property, it would also create possibilities for the development of walking trails and significantly improve the opportunities for nature appreciation.
Anyone interested in learning more about Mikinaak Nature Reserve or contributing to the expansion project is encouraged to reach out to MMLT’s Executive Director, Ramsey Hart at ramsey.hart@mmlt.ca or 613-253-2722.
About Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust
Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust is a charitable land trust dedicated to conserving ecologically significant lands in the Mississippi River and Lower Madawaska River watersheds. MMLT currently protects 1,778 hectares (4,393 acres) of forests, wetlands, and other vital habitats in eastern Ontario, ensuring they remain wild and healthy for future generations. Learn more about MMLT at mmlt.ca.
