RWLT Community Lands Opening to Hikers on May 30, 2020. Covid-19 protocols signage posted at sites.
Covid-19 Protocols at Rock Dunder and J H Fullard Nature Reserves:
- washrooms closed
- no garbage or waste containers — any trash or human waste/toilet paper to be taken out by hiker
- benches and other facilities not sanitized
- visitors asked to wear masks when interacting with RWLT personnel and other visitors
- at Rock Dunder, movement on trails is one way — clockwise on Summit Loop and counter-clockwise on Morton Bay Loop.
Use of Rock Dunder Nature Reserve is restricted to supporters of the Rideau Waterway Land Trust and guests who accompany them. You can become a supporter of the Rideau Waterway Land Trust for as little as $10, by purchasing your day pass online. Please carry a copy of your pass with your group.
The Land Trust does not charge user or admission fees for its other Community Lands. Visitors are asked to consider making a donation in the donation box found at the trailheads to help our volunteers with the costs of maintaining the trails and parking areas.
We welcome everyone to enjoy our community properties. We ask that all visitors respect the properties’ natural features. In extreme cases, if a community property is being harmed or is at risk in any way, the Land Trust may choose to restrict access.
Wonderful Rock Dunder
Rock Dunder is a treasure that lies within the UNESCO Thousand Islands Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve. Rising 275 feet above Morton Bay, Rock Dunder provides breathtaking views of the surrounding lakes and woodlands. Trails lead to one of the highest points of land in the area, and offer stunning vistas that are enjoyed seasonally by local residents and visitors to the area. For many, childhood memories of hiking trips to Rock Dunder remain fresh in their minds.
Rideau Waterway Land Trust members and supporters raised funds to purchase Rock Dunder in 2006. Scouts Canada decided to sell Rock Dunder, after using the site wilderness camp for almost 40 years, and to use the funds used to upgrade other camps better suited to younger campers.
RWLT’s acquisition of Rock Dunder ensures this significant property remaines undeveloped.
Located at the portage leading to the Gananoque River system and down through the heart of the UN Biosphere, Rock Dunder provides a natural rest for canoeists traveling the Rideau Waterway.
Rideau Waterway Land Trust staff and volunteers have been making improvements to the trails at Rock Dunder. The two log cabins are off limits to hikers.
Rock Dunder is located just south of Morton. Take Stanley Lash Lane west of Highway 15, and go 1200 metres to the parking lot and trail head.
Parking Note: RWLT does not control arrival and departure times of visitors. A supporter pass does not guarantee a parking place. When on-site parking at Rock Dunder is full, visitors should use off-site parking to the north. There are No Parking areas signed on the shoulder of Highway 15 near Stanley Lash Lane. Cars parked illegally may ticketed or towed: the OPP enforces the No Parking areas.
Visitors need to be mindful of traffic when walking along the highway shoulder towards the Rock Dunder entrance off Stanley Lash Lane.
James H. Fullard Nature Reserve
Sugar Bush Island, in the James H. Fullard Nature Reserve
When the opportunity to acquire Sugarbush Island arose, supporters of the Rideau Waterway Land Trust rallied together. After a successful community fundraising drive, RWLT purchased this special place in October 2010.
This 26 acre island is located near Chaffey’s Lock in Lake Opinicon. Sugarbush Island is an integral part of the 385 acre wetland complex known as the Murphy’s Bay Wetland Complex, a Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW) and Ministry of Natural Resources Fish Sanctuary. Sugarbush Island, widely regarded as one of the best natural areas in the Rideau Corridor and one of its top botanical sites, is a precious remnant of the region’s original natural landscapes. It is home to many animal species-at-risk including the Northern Map Turtle, Gray Ratsnake and Eastern Ribbon Snake. Its woodland areas provide rare habitat for many uncommon breeding birds, such as rare Common Nighthawk and the spectacular Red-Shouldered Hawk. The rich woodland nurtures the growth of many deciduous and coniferous trees. Large specimens of Butternut and Bitternut share the island with Sugar Maple and majestic White Pines. The understorey consists of Dogwood and other flowering shrubs, while the shoreline vegetation helps reduce erosion and filters out contaminants, protecting both the wetland and the shoreline habitat.
As an RWLT protected area, Sugarbush Island is available to the community for passive recreational use and quiet contemplation. In 2012, a walking trail was developed leading from Davis Lock Road through the meadow and woods to the short causeway leading to the island.
The property is known as the James H. Fullard Nature Reserve in memory of one of the favourite professors associated with the nearby Queen’s University Biological Station.
When travelling by car turn west from Hwy #15 at Elgin and proceed 7 km along Davis Lock Road to trailhead. Arrive at 1408 Davis Lock Road.