The Georgian Bay Land Trust has acquired 365 acres of forests, wetlands and shoreline in Honey Harbour with the intent of creating a new nature reserve.
According to officials, the newly acquired land is one of the largest remaining undeveloped parcels in Honey Harbour, providing important breeding habitat for many species, including an established Great Blue Heron rookery.
Officials said the property’s ecological values are “exceptional” as it contains parts of two Provincially Significant Wetlands and one of only five designated Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest in Georgian Bay.
“This rich ecology supports the environmental health of the surrounding community, providing breeding habitat for many species, and maintaining water quality through natural water filtration,” said officials.
Officials also said maintaining these natural corridors allows wildlife to move between land and water, supporting large-scale migrations and the local survival of many species, including large mammals.
“Protecting this land means protecting species that require wide, intact ranges. It means safeguarding nesting sites, migratory stopovers, and rich wetlands that filter our water,” said Jenn LeMesurie, the organization’s Land Securement Coordinator. “And it means ensuring that future generations will always experience the wild beauty that makes Georgian Bay so special.”
Officials said it was brought to the Land Trust’s attention by local cottagers in 2025, when it was put up for sale for the first time in over 120 years.
Organization officials said the acquisition was made possible through contributions from community members, the Ontario Conservation Accelerator and the Government of Canada’s Land Trusts Conservation Fund, part of the Natural Heritage Conservation Program through Canada’s Nature Fund.
