June 14, 2021
Nature Reserve of the Month: Cunningham
The Cunningham nature reserve is a 27- acre parcel of land located in the Township of Eastnor near Lion's Head. The reserve was initially a conservation agreement up until 2021 when it was donated to us. Since it is home to sensitive habitats, we do not encourage visitors. Know that the land is protected and safe for wildlife to thrive! Permission for scientific visits could be obtained upon request. If you would like to hike in some of our other reserves, please check out EBC's reserves webpage here.
Cunningham is mostly forested with stretches of wetland habitat. The forests are dominated by Eastern White Cedar. Tamarack, White Pine, Soft (Silver and Red) Maple, Balsam Fir, and Elm are also present. Ferns, mosses, and other wetland-specific species can be found in the understory, with aquatic plants in the open water areas. The property is also reported to contain many beautiful orchids!
Areas of Natural Scientific Interest (ANSI) and Provincially Significant Wetlands (PSW) are both on-site and within close proximity. It's located within the Cemetery Bog Provincial ANSI and PSW. There are four Provincial ANSIs located northwest of the property: Zinkan Island Cove, Bruce County Forest Miller Lake Tract, Ira Lake, and Black Creek Swamp. Cunningham is also surrounded by four Provincially Significant Wetlands: (Sadler Creek, Spring Creek Wetland Complex, Stokes Bay/Gauley Bay Wetland Complex, and Otter Lake-Cherry Hill-Ira Lake).
