Property Info

The Lizard is a uniquely shaped island found on the western edge of the Cognashene community. For its small size, it provides habitat for a great diversity of species, including more than 105 different plants. The island is primarily open bedrock with several depressions and large crevices where rainwater collects and a variety of wetland species flourish. 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. As a result, a range of species with different habitat affinities occurs. 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 to conservation by the McCarthy family.