Rideau Waterway Land Trust

06/11/2026

🌿 A huge thank you to the Canadian Federation of University Women Perth & District (CFUW) for spending their day helping us prepare Whitefish Nature Reserve for its upcoming opening!

One of the volunteers, Eloise, shared these wonderful photos from their time on the property. We are incredibly fortunate to steward this beautiful natural gem, and thanks to the hard work of volunteers, the trails are looking fantastic.

Volunteers used native plant cuttings to help stabilize a berm and reduce erosion, and while testing the trails, they came equipped with clippers to remove trip hazards along the way. ✂️🥾

Whitefish Nature Reserve isn't quite open yet, but we're getting closer every day thanks to dedicated volunteers like these. Stay tuned for opening details! 💚

https://www.cfuwperth.org/environment

06/08/2026

🌙🦇 Looking for a unique way to spend your next Saturday night?

Join us for Moths, Bats & Moonlight at James H. Fullard Nature Reserve on June 13th! Explore the fascinating world of nocturnal wildlife with naturalist Mark Read, listen for bats overhead, and discover what comes alive after dark.

✨ Free • Family-friendly • Registration encouraged

Who’s ready for a little nighttime nature adventure?

Find more information and register here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/moths-bats-and-moonlight-an-evening-with-mark-read

06/06/2026

06/05/2026

🌎 Happy World Environment Day! 🌿

Today is a reminder that protecting nature starts close to home. Every small action taken for the environment helps create a healthier future for people and wildlife alike.

Here are a few simple ways individuals can give back to nature:

🌱 Plant native flowers, trees, or shrubs
🦋 Leave part of your yard wild for pollinators and wildlife
🚶 Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive habitats
🐢 Give wildlife space and never disturb nests or young animals
🗑️ Pick up litter while out walking or hiking
🥾 Volunteer with local conservation or stewardship groups
📚 Learn about local species and share that knowledge with others

Nature gives us so much. Together, we can give back. 💚


www.rwlt.org/land-forever-campaign

05/25/2026

🌙🦇 Moths, Bats & Moonlight: An Evening with Mark Read 🦋✨

Join Rideau Waterway Land Trust and special guest Mark Read for a fascinating evening exploring the nocturnal wildlife of James H. Fullard Nature Reserve!

Beginning at 8:30 PM, Mark will have a bat detector on site for early arrivals interested in listening for bats in the night sky. As darkness settles in, we’ll switch our focus to moths, using a UV light setup near the parking area to attract and identify some of the incredible species that call the reserve home.

Mark, a former biologist and current Assistant Park Superintendent for the Murphys Point/Rideau River cluster, has been “mothing” since 2015 and has identified more than 1,100 species at the park — contributing nearly 35,000 observations to iNaturalist! His passion for learning about local ecosystems makes this an evening you won’t want to miss.

📅 Saturday, June 13th, 2026 from 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM
🕣 Early bat detector session begins at 8:30 PM
📍 James H. Fullard Nature Reserve (1408 Davis Lock Road, Elgin ON)
🎟 FREE — registration encouraged

All ages are welcome! Register for your free ticket at the link below to receive updates in case of weather-related cancellation.

Join Rideau Waterway Land Trust and special guest Mark Read for an evening of discovery at James H. Fullard Nature Reserve. Together, we’ll explore the fascinating world of night-time wildlife and identify some of the nocturnal flyers that call the reserve home.The event officially runs from 9:00 ...

05/21/2026

Late spring is one of the best times to experience nature in Eastern Ontario. Blue Flag Iris begin blooming along shorelines, turtles can often be spotted nesting, and the forests come alive with migratory songbird calls as they seek out their mates. If you’re lucky, you may even catch sight of a deer fawn or a loon family paddling across the lake with tiny chicks in tow.

It’s a season full of beauty and new life — the perfect time to get outside and reconnect with the natural world. Enjoy a hike at one of our Nature Reserves or book a stay at Covington Cottage in Sydenham. There are still a few dates available in May and June for anyone looking to enjoy the quieter beauty of the season before summer arrives. 🌿🦌

rwlt.org/rental-cottage

05/18/2026

James H. Fullard Nature Reserve is now open for the season! This peaceful reserve is a favourite destination for bird watchers, with wetlands and forest habitats that attract a wonderful variety of species throughout the year.

And if you’re lucky, you might even spot one of the reserve’s most charming residents — a porcupine curled up in a tree, just like this little one photographed at the reserve! 🦔🌿

www.rwlt.org/fullard

05/15/2026

🎉The wait is over—Rock Dunder opens today! 🥾

Purchase your season pass at rwlt.org/season-pass or grab a day pass at rwlt.org/day-pass in advance—or at the gate when you arrive.

We can’t wait to welcome you back to the trails. Happy hiking!

05/11/2026

🌿✨ Spring is here and we’ve got TWO reasons to celebrate! ✨🌿

🏡 Covington Cottage is officially OPEN for the season!
Ready for a peaceful getaway surrounded by nature? Whether you’re looking to relax, recharge, or explore, your perfect escape is waiting.
👉 Learn more or book your stay: rwlt.org/rental-cottage

🥾 And hikers—get ready! Rock Dunder reopens this Friday, May 15th!
Grab your season pass now and get ready to hit the trails all season long.
🎟️ Get yours here: rwlt.org/season-pass

It's time to enjoy the sunshine, fresh air, and unforgettable views you've been waiting for all winter☀️🌲

05/08/2026

Have you missed Rock Dunder Nature Reserve? It’s missed you!

Join us today from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM for a hands-on morning getting the trails ready ahead of our May 15th opening. It’s a great chance to spend time outdoors, lend a hand, and enjoy the landscape a little early.

Bring water, gloves, sturdy shoes, and tools. If you’re planning to attend, please email Sara at [email protected] to let her know.

See you there!