Rogers Reservoir Conservation Area

Almost six years ago now, when I was driving back from somewhere... I don't remember where,  I stumbled onto one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen. 

Funny thing is from the outside it was just a parking lot and not even a properly paved one.  I almost didn't bother.  But that time, almost dusk I took a couple of my favourite photographs ever.  It was hard to top it again.  I don't think I ever did.


I stopped blogging for so many years because I saw so many other people taking pictures that I thought were better or pictures of the same thing.

Then after hearing so many people tell me that they missed "my stories" or my photography that I realized that we are all stars in our own right.  We all have that take on something and that you shouldn't compare yourself to anyone else.

Taking pictures of the shot or what I love is precious whether 1 person or 1 million people read or see what it is you do, it is a part of you.  It is your legacy.  Sometimes it's the only thing you leave behind and you have a duty to share it.

So now after all that melodrama is over with -  I come back again.  The weather is perfect and the day ahead is long, not nearing an end at all.  I encountered some great blue herons overhead, but scrambled with a camera feeble-handed and excited and never got one clear shot of them.

The Rogers Reservoir is 70 hectares of trails which follows the route of the abandoned 'Ghost Canal system' of the early 1900s and is part of the Nokiidaa Trail system which links the Towns of East Gwillimbury, Newmarket and Aurora.  You can access it from the parking lot that I am speaking of earlier which is on the north side of Green Lane, between 2nd Concession and Leslie St.  

Start your hike by walking west towards the bridge. Before the bridge, you will notice a trail going north; this is the route of the historic Metropolitan Radial Line. As you cross the foot bridge, you will see the remains of a swing bridge that was once part of the canal system.

Next you will be at a T-intersection. The trail to the south heads to Newmarket and the East Gwillimbury GO station; the trail to the north is the Rogers Reservoir Trail.

The trail is flat and is perfect for walking, jogging and biking. Take note of the wildlife you may see: heron, geese, American coot, rails, kingfishers and several varieties of ducks floating along the waters.

Note the many spots along the trail that give visitors the opportunity to take a rest and enjoy watching the river from either the benches or sitting rocks. To your right, you will see the Holland River, on the left-hand side there are wetlands. Work is ongoing to enhance this habitat.

The Region of York is undertaking a dramatic transformation of 2nd Concession where it crosses the Holland River. Changes to the trail system and access points should be anticipated.

With its natural wetlands, meadow habitats and mixed forest, areas like Rogers Reservoir are becoming more important to have access to. As our homes get larger and our yards smaller, we’re becoming more detached from nature. And study after study highlights the importance of exposure to nature for our mental and physical well-being.

For those living in East Gwillimbury, a quick stroll from the corner of Yonge Street and Mount Albert Sideroad will lead you into the Rogers Reservoir Conservation Area where you’ll see all sorts of birds like great blue herons, American coots and sora rails. You’ll also see turtles, frogs and dragonflies in the newly enhanced wetland.

You can also relax and cast a fishing line in the river. There are many options for your outdoor adventure.

For those a little further south of East Gwillimbury, you’ll be pleased to know that Rogers Reservoir can now be accessed from the Nokiidaa trail, connecting Aurora, Newmarket and East Gwillimbury along the East Holland River. So grab your bike or plan a hike for the day and hit the trail. For those who are too far to walk, or don’t own a bike, you can also park your car and enter the Conservation Area on the north side of Greenlane, between Yonge Street and Leslie Street.

If you’re new to the area or not so confident in your outdoor exploration skills, a perfect opportunity to explore the area is coming on June 16, when they host  a Community BioBlitz event. BioBlitz events are increasing in popularity across the world for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts and novices alike. The daylong event will see many experienced nature lovers sharing their knowledge and expertise with others as they explore the area to catalogue the hundreds of species that can be found.