Featured ArticleThis Month's Featured Article
By David Richardson
Probably Kawartha Lakes most popular conservation area, Ken Reid was acquired by Kawartha Conservation in 1980 and was named after the property's previous owner. With 272 acres of natural settings, trails, picnic shelters, a beach, children's play area, bordered by wetlands and Sturgeon Lake, Ken Reid is the perfect place to spend the entire day. There are also a lot of opportunities to go snow shoeing or cross country skiing in the winter. Located just north of Lindsay, east of the intersection of Kenrei Road and Angeline St. the area is easy to find and easy to get to. It serves as the home for Kawartha Conservation's Administration Center and provides several parking areas and washrooms.
With the abundance of trails throughout the area it would be hard to pick out favourites. One of the more popular routes is through part of the MacLaren Marsh on a floating boardwalk where many birds, frogs and other wetland creatures can be seen. The boardwalk will eventually lead you to the Marsh Lookout which is a large wooden platform built on the edge of the water, complete with benches and railings. The view from the lookout is picturesque at any time of the year. Looking out over the marsh you can see an osprey nest built on a platform among the cattails and if you're lucky the osprey may be home providing excellent photography opportunities with a good lens.
Further out in the marsh can be seen a walking bridge along the Victoria Rail Trail. This multi-use trail runs right through the heart of Ken Reid Conservation Area and stretches 55 kilometres from Lindsay to Kinmount, adding to the already numerous hiking possibilities in the area. On closer inspection under the walking bridge the old timbers of the railway bridge can be seen sticking out of the water.
If you're looking for a nice natural walk through the forest the Point Trail offers a 2.8km round trip loop that follows a long point that stretches out into Sturgeon Lake and offers great views of geese, ducks and the occasional deer. Once you've reached the farthest tip of the point you will find a small picnic area, benches and a shelter built to give a little protection should the weather not cooperate. The Point Trail offers some beautiful vistas of Sturgeon Lake and there is even a spot at the shelter looking out over the lake that is perfectly framed by the trees which could be used as a post card.
Ken Reid is also very popular with pet owners who want to let their furry friends get some exercise. Of course people are expected to take responsibility for cleaning up after their pets. Although dogs must be on a leash within the conservation area there are plans to develop a 3 acre off leash dog park. The park will include a calming area for excited dogs that have just arrived, a separate area for older or smaller dogs that may require extra protection and a large common area all of which will be fenced in to prevent any animals from running off. The possibility of pet waste composting is also being explored.
Whether looking for a spot for a quiet picnic, a refreshing swim or a nice walk while experiencing the natural scenery of the Kawarthas, Ken Reid should defiantly be near the top of your places to go list. You won't be disappointed.
About the author, David Richardson
David is an outdoor enthusiast who's hunger for wilderness adventures is hard to satisfy. His stories have been published in various magazines and he is the owner of Trails and Tamaracks.
Where the Trails and Tamaracks Team can be found...
| Fishing with the Fish Whisperer, Black Lake, Parry Sound District | |
| Trails and Tamaracks Anniversary Weekend at Double M Campground, Lindsay | |
| Trails and Tamaracks Anniversary Dance at Double M Campground, Lindsay | |
| Dragonboat practice at Double M Campground | |
| Dragonboat practice at Double M Campground | |
| MEC Paddlefest, Toronto Harbour | |
| Dragonboat Races, Port Perry | |
| Dwight and the Lake of Bays, Ontario | |
| Team member Shiney's birthday | |
| Wheatley Provincial Park | |
| Canada Parks Day | |
| Point Pelee National Park | |
| Love Family Camping Weekend, Double M Campground, Lindsay | |
| Bon Echo Provincial Park | |
| Septemberfest, Kenrei Park, Lindsay | |
| Killarney Provincial Park, east side loop and silver peak | |
| Killarney Provincial Park, George Lake Campground with a day trip to Killarney Lake | |
| Team member Tyler's Birthday | |
| Team member Steph's Birthday | |
| Team member Dave's Birthday | |
| Team member J-Bird's Birthday | |
| Team member Traviss' Birthday |