South Nation Conservation (SNC) is welcoming residents and visitors back for another summer season at its Conservation Areas, trails, waterfront parks, and boat launches across Eastern Ontario.

With warmer temperatures, budding trees, and spring wildlife returning across the region, SNC’s seasonal recreation sites are now open for public enjoyment ahead of the
May Long Weekend.

Docks have been installed and gates opened at the following boat launch and waterfront locations:

• High Falls and Doran Park Conservation Areas (Casselman)
• St. Albert Conservation Area (St. Albert)
• Crysler Park Boat Launch (Crysler)
• Embrun Boat Launch (Embrun)
• Cass Bridge Conservation Area (Winchester)
• Jessup’s Falls Conservation Area (Plantagenet)
• Chesterville Waterfront Docks and Boat Launch (Chesterville)
• Spencerville Mill Riverside Park and Boat Launch (Spencerville)

The following seasonal sites are also open for day use:

• Oak Valley Pioneer Park Conservation Area (Winchester Springs)
• McIntosh Memorial Park Conservation Area (Berwick)
• Findlay Creek Boardwalk Conservation Area (Ottawa)
• Mill Run Conservation Area (Augusta)

Portable washrooms have been installed at most SNC Conservation Areas, including
year-round properties such as Warwick Forest, Robert Graham Forest, Oschmann Forest,
Two Creeks Forest, Reveler, W.E. Burton, J. Henry Tweed, and Nokomis Park.  

“Spring is always an exciting time as we welcome visitors back to our Conservation Areas, trails, and waterways across Eastern Ontario,” says John Mesman, SNC Managing Director. “Our staff complete extensive maintenance and safety preparations each year ahead of the summer season, and we’re proud to provide access to natural spaces where people can connect with nature, enjoy the outdoors, and experience the many environmental and recreational benefits these properties provide.”

  Visitors are reminded to help protect these natural spaces and enjoy them safely by following a few simple guidelines:

•        Stay clear of dams and water control structures. Fast-moving water and changing conditions can be dangerous. Fishing is prohibited within 75 feet of dams to protect public safety and fish populations.

•        Follow boating safety practices, including wearing a personal flotation device and reducing speed in narrow channels, near shorelines, and within communities.

•        Keep pets on a leash at all times and clean up after them.

•        Pack out what you pack in and use designated waste and recycling bins.

•        Stay on marked trails to protect wildlife and sensitive natural areas.

•        Camping and motorized vehicles are not allowed on SNC properties.

SNC manages over 20,000 acres of conservation lands across Eastern Ontario, including forests, wetlands, waterfront parks, trails, and natural areas that support recreation, environmental education, and ecological protection. Many of these properties were generously donated through SNC’s Land Securement Program — a long-standing initiative dedicated to conserving natural spaces for future generations.

As a not-for-profit, community-based environmental organization, SNC relies on partnerships, donations, grants, and self-generated revenue to support conservation, stewardship, and recreational programming across its 4,480 km² watershed jurisdiction serving 16 member municipalities.

🌐 For a full list of SNC Conservation Areas and recreation opportunities, visit: www.nation.on.ca/en/parks-recreation/conservation-areas

🌐 For more information about SNC’s Land Securement Program, visit: www.nation.on.ca/en/land-forestry/land-securement

Media Contact:
Erin Thorne, SNC Communications Specialist
1-877-984-2948 | ethorne@nation.on.ca