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, cast a fishing line, 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.

Rogers Reservoir Restoration Project

Construction at Rogers Reservoir is Almost Complete!

Rogers Reservoir is a unique and historically important conservation area along the East Holland River in the Town of East Gwillimbury. It is important because it consists of both riparian and upland forest, a small plantation, wetlands, and meadow habitats. These habitats host a wide variety of provincially rare wetland species like great blue herons, American coots and sora rails. Construction has been ongoing since the fall of 2017 to enhance the natural heritage features of Rogers Reservoir and improve the habitat for wildlife.

Some of the improvements that have been made include:

Newly constructed wetland habitats that will be home to many provincially rare species.
A new boardwalk that the public can use to view migratory birds, waterfowl, turtles and fish.
Specific habitat features in the wetlands for wildlife including basking logs and nesting habitats for turtles.

So, what's left?

Construction crews and staff are busy putting the final touches on the area. Construction is anticipated to wrap up soon, and staff will be out during the spring and fall to install new habitat features in the wetland including planting native trees and shrubs, installing basking logs and nesting habitats for turtles.

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