Beaver Meadow Conservation Area
This 89 hectare (220 acre) area features a large wetland that harbours wood ducks, osprey and herons. Deciduous woods and a large plantation of wildlife shrubs on the property are excellent for songbirds. Two short hiking trails branch off from the parking lot, each ending at a scenic observation platform overlooking the wetland. Wild ginger, trilliums, baneberry, jackin-the-pulpit and Indian-pipe are some of the wildflowers that may be found here, along with a mix of deciduous trees including white birch, American beech, black walnut, butternut, shagbark hickory and six species of maples. Quinte Conservation acquired the property in 1970 to be managed for wildlife. Ducks Unlimited also has a dam on this site.
A Little History
For a short, but intense period in the early 1900s Beaver Meadow existed as an experimental farm complex. G.W. McMullen was involved in growing celery and mushrooms, harvesting sugar turnips, producing maple syrup, raising chickens and manufacturing explosives.
Directions
Take County Road 10 (Lake Street) south from
Picton, then turn right onto County Road 11.
Download this information as well as a conservation area map here.
