This is designated a restricted use property. Please contact the GBLT for visiting details.

Property Info

The Portage Preserve protects 2.76 acres of forest, rock, and shoreline habitat on Cognashene’s Portage Island. On our visits to the property so far, we have seen four species at risk: Bald Eagle, Northern Map Turtle, Monarch Butterfly, and Eastern Foxsnake. It is likely that more will be observed on future visits. The northern part of the Portage Preserve shoreline is designated as Type 1 Fish Habitat, so protecting this property will contribute to the long-term abundance of Georgian Bay’s fish populations.

Portage Island is home to a number of cottages, as well as a piece of federally protected land and the Georgian Bay Land Trust’s Portage Island Reserve. Protecting the new Portage Preserve helps ensure that a balance is maintained between nature and development in this growing cottage area, and will strengthen the long-term health of the island’s existing protected areas. Thank you to the anonymous land donors for this gift to the community!