Osprey Wetlands
The Osprey Wetlands are an ideal spot to see by snowshoe or cross-country ski during the winter months. There are picnic tables but no outhouses on site.
Supplying base flow waters to the Saugeen, Beaver, Mad and Grand River systems, the Osprey Wetlands span an area of over 6,500 acres. NVCA owns and manages over 700 acres for conservation purposes, divided between two locations.
Defying the traditional fate of wetlands in Southern Ontario, the Osprey Wetlands has endured more than a century of settlement and remains relatively undisturbed. These wetlands are one of the highest elevations in Southern Ontario-they are essentially a ‘raised bog’ that rest in a depression of bedrock. One of many unique features found in this vast wetland is an esker (see above) surrounded by pockets of White Pine, Black Spruce and mixed hardwoods, all making for a diverse array of wildlife habitat.
NVCA’s portion of Osprey Wetlands was purchased through a joint effort of Nature Conservancy Canada, Imperial Oil Ltd., the Laidlaw Foundation, and the Ministry of Natural Resources. The Osprey Wetlands are managed for conservation and recreational purposes and are considered a non-intensively used area.
Hunting
The area is also well known for hunting and fishing. Hunters must purchase a permit from NVCA to hunt in the Osprey Conservation Area, in addition to regular hunting requirements. Hunting Permits may be purchased at the Administration Office. Hunting permits also cover parking fees for the hunting season.
Activities
Getting there
- Address: 309000 Centre Line, Municipality of Grey Highlands
Map of Area 1 | Map of Area 2 - GPS:
Area 1: X-559340, Y-4903434
Area 2: X-553071, Y-4901518 - Directions: There are two portions of the Osprey Wetlands owned by the NVCA. From the Town of Shelburne (which can be accessed from Highway 400 by exiting at Highway 89 and driving west), travel north on Simcoe Road 124 for approximately 23 km. Turn left onto Centre Line and travel 2 km to Area 1, or 8 km to Area 2.
Parking Fees
| Parking Pass | Rate |
|---|---|
|
Daily Parking Pass |
$10.00 + HST per vehicle |
|
Annual Parking Pass |
$70.00 + HST per vehicle |
Photography Permits
Photography for personal enjoyment is permitted and encouraged in all NVCA public conservation areas.
If you are a professional photographer or are planning to come to one of our conservation areas for a professional photo shoot, you may be required to purchase a photography permit before you enter the area.
The proceeds from the sale of NVCA’s Photography Permits goes directly to the Conservation Lands programs and maintenance of NVCA’s conservation areas.
Please stay on the trails and respect all postings with regards to trail or area closures.
For photography permit fees, please call 705-424-1479 x 236 on Monday to Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm or email lands@nvca.on.ca.
Recreation 
Conservation Areas