Caldwell Lake
The Caldwell Lake Nature Reserve
On November 6, 2025, TBFN purchased 737 acres (298 hectares) of important conservation land, including 4 kilometers of Lake Superior shoreline on Crystal Bay, plus 3.7 kilometers of Caldwell Lake shoreline (part of a Provincially Significant Wetland). The successful project involved the generous support of a number of private donors from the club and community plus strong support from both the federal and provincial government and several foundations. Federal support was through the Government of Canada’s Natural Heritage Conservation Program (NHCP) that supports the creation and recognition of protected and conserved areas. Provincial support came through the province’s Greenlands Conservation Partnership program (GCP). this program is the single largest provincial fund to secure private land in Ontario and is administered by the Ontario Land Trust Alliance.
Species of Interest include 11 federally-listed Species at Risk, another 2 provincially-listed SARs, 29 species of mammals, 143 birds, and 17 different orchids. Trumpeter Swans and loons nest annually on Caldwell Lake. There is a Bald Eagle nest on the north shore of Caldwell. An active colonial Barn Swallow nest site in grottos on Crystal Bay is another interesting feature. Arctic disjunct plants thrive on the Superior shoreline.
In 2005 the Thunder Bay Field Naturalists were delighted to receive a 106 acre property donation that protects both Lake Superior shoreline and a provincially significant wetland. The property is located in Crooks Township in the Municipality of Neebing. The landowner donated this property to ensure the permanent protection of its diverse ecological values.
The Caldwell Lake property includes mature second growth black spruce, cedar and white pine forests. Other habitats are a floating bog mat, a beaver pond and meadow, Lake Superior shoreline, and cliffs. 16 species of orchids grow around Caldwell Lake, many of them in large numbers. Arctic alpine disjunct plants are found along the Lake Superior shore.
In 2006, TBFN received another donation of a small piece of land, this time on the north side of Caldwell Lake opposite our main holding. Again, the donor wanted to ensure the permanent protection of the land.
In 2017 another lot was purchaed that fronts on Caldwell Lk. This property abuts lots that were already owned by TBFN and conslidates a block of land stretching from Lk Superior to Caldwell Lk.
TBFN would like to thank the anonymous donors of these properties for their generosity. We also thank the EJLB Foundation for its support of these acquisitions, and the Ontario Land Trust Assistance Program for its help with the associated legal and appraisal costs.
Caldwell Lake Images
