Rogers Reservoir
Rogers Reservoir Conservation Area
Encounter great blue herons, American coots and sora rails at Rogers Reservoir Conservation Area. This 84 hectare site is a great place to watch nesting birds and cycle along trails which are part of the Nokiidaa Trail system linking the Towns of Aurora, Newmarket and East Gwillimbury. The concrete lock and its swing bridge are remnants of a ‘Ghost’ Canal System built and abandoned in the early 1900’s – without ever having been used.
Activities
Meadow Restoration
You’ve seen the new wetland at Rogers Reservoir, but did you know we’re restoring a meadow too?
This meadow will be a sight to behold – you’ll be able to see it from the Nokiidaa Trail on the north side of the river, but a newly meandering trail will also allow you to explore up close. As we move forward with this project, there may be opportunities to participate in meetings, plantings, guided walks and more.
Rogers Reservoir Management Plan Updates
Together with local residents, visitors, community groups and other interested stakeholders we’re updating the Management Plan for Rogers Reservoir Conservation Area.
What’s a Management Plan? A guide that provides direction so our Conservation Areas are cared for in a way that balances recreation with conservation.
The Public Consultation phase was completed in 2021. We had over 350 public survey responses and engaged with 70 groups of people during our pop-up on-site consultation.
What have we learned so far?
- 46% of visitors are East Gwillimbury residents
- 39% of visitors are families, 25% are visiting alone
- 36% have been coming for a decade or more!
- Visitors come to:
- Enjoy nature
- Exercise
- Recreational Activities
- Spend time with family and friends
- Rest, relax and escape city life
- Visitors most enjoy:
- Trails
- Nature Setting
- Beautiful atmosphere
- Relaxing and quiet
- Wildlife
- Our visitors want to see more
- Information Signage and Maps
- Waste Bins
- Rest Areas
What's next?
Together with the Steering Committee, we’ll consider the feedback and select the recommendations that are feasible and appropriate to include in our plans moving forward. It’s a careful balancing act between satisfying what our visitors want while, ensuring the ecological integrity of this Conservation Area is sustained.
Updates to the process will be posted here as we continue this work. Your next chance to formally review the Draft Management Plan will be in Spring and Summer of 2022.
Do you have something to share? Please contact Lauren at any time to engage with us, we welcome your input!
Need some help finding your way?
Smartphone maps are now available
Did you know you can now access the Rogers Reservoir map
using the free Avenza App?
Simply download the Avenza App on your smartphone and use it when you visit. It’s that easy! Once the map is downloaded, you won’t have to use your data when you hit the trails.
Hours, Locations & Map
Open daily from dawn until dusk
Location & Trail MapLatitude: 44.0888
Longitude: -79.4660
Location: Situated just north of Newmarket.
Who to Contact
Conservation Lands
✆ 905-895-1281
✆ 1-800-465-0437 Toll free
✉ info@LSRCA.on.ca
Amenities
- Hiking trails
- Information Kiosk at Green Lane
- Parking lots (at 1000 Green Lane East, Newmarket and 11 Mount Albert Sideroad, East Gwillimbury)
- Connection to the Lake to Lake Trail
Natural Features
- East Holland River
- Wetlands
- Forest
- Meadow