Crowe River

Tucked between Mud Turtle Lake and Whetstone Lake in Hastings County lies something special: 566 acres of forest, wetlands, and winding riverfront that have stayed wild, untouched, and roadless. This is the Crowe River property, a spectacular stretch of land full of life, from Monarch butterflies and Wood Thrush to the charismatic Blanding’s Turtle. It’s part of a growing network of protected areas and helps build the spine of a key north-south conservation corridor in Hastings County.. The exciting part? We’re not done yet, which means you can be part of protecting this unique property for the long term.

The stunning Crowe River property stretches across 566 acres (225 ha) of mixed forest, wetland, and dense riparian vegetation in Hastings County, tucked between Mud Turtle Lake and Whetstone Lake along a remote, wild, and undeveloped section of the Crowe River. With few roads in the area, the landscape has remained entirely in natural cover. Its protection will ensure it stays that way for generations to come.

The three distinct blocks that make up the Crowe River property are separated only by Crown Land in contiguous natural cover. The wider landscape supports a network of large wetland complexes that cross both public and private lands and includes the sizable and ecologically important Limit Lake.

The land also helps form a key north-south connection between protected areas in the region. In 2022–2023 OCA’s founding donor Ben Samann generously donated and sold several nearby properties into conservation. Since that time OCA and other conservation organizations have conserved additional lands in this area. The Crowe River property provides a key link between these protected lands, enhancing a growing corridor of conservation.

This area is home to a number of species at risk, including the charismatic Blanding’s Turtle, the talented singer/songwriter the Wood Thrush, and the iconic Monarch butterfly, all of which rely on the intact habitats this region provides.

OCA is proud to be advancing the protection of this incredible landscape and continues to work with partners to complete the project. Support is still needed to get this project across the finish line! If you are interested in supporting, please contact us or donate through our donation page.

Area Protected

225 hectares (566 acres)

Key Species

Blanding's Turtle, Wood Thrush, Monarch Butterfly

Nearest Town

Marmora, ON

Project Lead

OCA