Deerock Lake

Completed February 2025

OCA’s first acquisition! Deerock Lake is now part of our conservation efforts, expanding the protected natural footprint of the 2,246 ha Elzevir Peatlands Conservation Reserve. This 50-hectare property is a rare wetland system recognized for its scientific value. It’s home to species at risk like Blanding’s Turtle, Five-lined Skink, and the critically imperiled Southern Twayblade orchid. It also provides crucial winter habitat for the area’s reintroduced elk herd. OCA is proud to work with partners to ensure its long-term protection.

The gorgeous Deerock Lake property is situated immediately adjacent to the Elzevir Peatlands Provincial Conservation Reserve, meaning that the protection of these lands expands an existing natural area. The wetland system that this land is a part of stretches from the Conservation Reserve significantly west and south, and most of it is recognized as an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest as a result of its uniqueness.

The 50-hectare (127 acre) property contains primarily fen and swamp wetland, including an ecologically uncommon “lagg” which is an area of open water where water flow from the surrounding peat bog concentrates. The area hosts a number of species at risk that rely on the sensitive wetland habitats including Blanding’s Turtle, Five-lined Skink, and the rare Southern Twayblade, a unique species of bog orchid which is critically imperiled in Ontario. This area of Ontario is home to a reintroduced Elk herd that uses this wetland complex for overwintering habitat. On a recent site visit OCA team members observed trees stripped of their bark where elk had been keeping themselves fed during the long winter.

OCA is excited to work with our partners, the Government of Ontario and Quinte Conservation on the long-term stewardship and management strategy for these lands.