Starting in 2022, The Orillia Fish and Game Conservation Club has undertaken a project to rehabilitate the Langman Sanctuary. The sanctuary had fallen behind in its infrastructure maintenance over the past years and the Club made a commitment to reinvest and enhance this wetland property:
- To improve the water quality in the marsh
- To remove a variety of invasive species
- To improve the trail system
- To provide an educational program to visitors through a signage program identifying various vegetation and features specific to this wetland
- To create pollination / butterfly gardens within the wetlands diversity
The OFGCC set out to repair damages, promote conservation and enhance the features of this protected wetlands for the enjoyment and education of its many visitors. All work is being carried out by OFGCC members and volunteers
Benefits of the Project
The Langman Wildlife Sanctuary is a 60 acre site, owned and operated by the OFGCC since 1961, consisting primarily of wetlands and trails managed under the Conservation Land Tax Incentive Program. The sanctuary receives over 2,000 visitors every year and provides educational facilities for local scouting and guide groups. The sanctuary is located less than 5KM from Lakehead University’, and; because of a strong relationship between the OFGCC and Lakehead U, the university uses the sanctuary on a regular basis for research projects by undergraduate students. Due to location and landscape diversity this makes the Langman Sanctuary ideal for educating the public on the values of wetlands, and; as such, we want to ensure the wetland is maintained in a healthy and natural state.
Update on the Projects Progress
- Water Quality
- Water chemistry was monitored throughout 2023 by Lakehead University
- The marsh was drained to help improve the PH levels in generate plant growth which in turn will increase the oxygen levels in the water. A late start and difficulties in getting the water levels low enough until late August will hamper the results and a second draining will be required in 2024 or 2025.
- Invasive Species
- Removal of the invasive species ‘Buckthorn’ commenced in June under the guidance of a Lakehead University student as part of her research project on the best way to remove this invasive species.
- Major removal of Buckthorn continued into late fall
- Dead falls along some of the trails were removed and chipped along with the Buckthorn.
- Pollination / Butterfly Gardens
- A major garden ( ~150 sq. meters) was built along the Yellow Trail.
- It was too late to plant seeds, but some plants were transplanted and the garden was landscaped to welcome visitors.
- Trails
- Work on the Yellow Trail consisted of the replacement of 2 bridges and filling of low spots.
- Work on the Red Trail consisted of the building of a new bridge and a 40-meter raised boardwalk through a wet section of the trail.
In summary: In 2023 and Members volunteered over 600 hours of their time. The cost to date is over $14,000.
The OFGCC thanks you for your continued financial support:
Township of Severn, Davey Gravel & Topsoil, Glen-Oro Farms, Artisan Construction & Renovation Inc. Orillia & Lake Country Tourism, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH)