Property Info

The Lizard Island is a uniquely shaped island found on the western edge of the Cognashene community. For its small size, less than 1 hectare, it provides habitat for a great diversity of species, including more than 105 plant species. The island is primarily open bedrock with several depressions and large crevices where rainwater collects and a variety of wetland species flourish. As a result, despite the small size of the island, a range of species with different habitat affinities occurs. In addition to the dominant open rock barren community type, The Lizard is home to small, isolated bogs, raised ponds, coastal meadow marsh and small pockets of White Pine, Red Maple and White Birch. Diversity is especially high in the coastal meadow marshes which provide habitat for a small population of the Great Lakes endemic, Stiff Yellow Flax (Linum medium var. medium). This is a provincially rare species, which thrives on the natural water fluctuations of Lake Huron, emerging in sandy and rocky shorelines during low water years. This island was generously donated by the McCarthy family who were part of our dedication ceremony which took place during the summer of 2003.