Picturesque Island Lake Conservation Area is located in the rolling hills of Dufferin County in the Towns of Orangeville and Mono and provides four seasons of recreation. The 332 hectares of lake, wetland, forest and meadow play an important ecological role in protecting the headwaters of the Credit and Nottawasaga Rivers. Part of a six kilometer long series of vibrant wetlands and a source of upwellings of water from underground, this area feeds cool, clean, naturally-filtered water to these regionally important river systems.

Island Lake ‘s varied landscapes lend themselves to interesting and educational hikes and outings. The lake is rich in life with healthy fish and wildlife populations, as well as an abundance underwater plants. On shore, deer, red fox, raccoon, porcupines and even flying squirrels make their homes. Osprey, great blue herons, mallards and many other bird species are seen at Island Lake throughout the summer, as are painted turtles and leopard frogs. In spring and fall, migratory birds pause briefly, taking advantage of the diverse habitats and providing an opportunity for birdwatchers to enjoy.

Water dominates ILCA in the form of bogs, marshes, rivers, creeks and the lake itself. These wetlands make up part of the provincially significant Orangeville Wetland Complex and act like a filter, purifying water and soaking up nutrients.

Cleared for farming in the 1800s, the forested hedgerows, old fields, plantations and a remnant maple-beech forest are reminders of this past. In 1967, the local landscape changed dramatically with the construction of two dams. The dams flooded a large cedar swamp, deciduous thicket and the small lake creating a 182 hectare reservoir, first known as the Orangeville Reservoir, but now named Island Lake (not for the Islands the flooding created but for an original settler to the area).

Dams located at the west end of the lake control water flow into the Credit River. Controlling the amount of water flowing into the river improves the water quality, thereby enhancing the health and beauty of the Upper Credit watershed.

The Conservation Area opened to the public in 1970 after completion of these dams. In 2001, the first two kilometres of the Vicki Baron Lakeside Trail opened with long-term plans to circle Island Lake and link to local trails in Orangeville, Caledon and Mono. It was named to recognize the outstanding contributions made by Credit Valley Conservation’s retired General Manager. The trail is designed to offer opportunities for hiking, walking, cross-country skiing, bicycling and nature study.

On October 3rd, 2007 the first community trail linkage to the Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail was officially opened. The new 920 metre, fully accessible hiking and cycling trail was built by Mono in partnership with Credit Valley Conservation, the County of Dufferin, the Nottawasaga Conservation Authority and with funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The trail ends at the north shore dam in the Island Lake Conservation Area. Other Trails provide a pleasant trip through upland forested areas. In winter, these trails are excellent for cross-country skiing.

In recent years, a management plan has been developed for Island Lake. This plan creates a vision to guide the Conservation Area’s development and combines the need for protecting this valuable natural resource while at the same time providing pleasant recreational opportunities for local residents and tourists.

 

Island Lake Conservation Area provides a balance between protection and recreation.