Alfred Bog

The Alfred Bog is described as the largest and highest-quality bog ecosystem in all of southern Ontario. The path to protecting a large section of the bog, which currently encompasses an area of 10,200 acres; was a long and difficult struggle. The extensive peat harvesting operations were threatening the existence of the Bog; historic records showing that the mosaic of bogs, fens, wooded swamps and water marshes originally covered more than 30,000 acres.

The purchase of a 3,116 acre parcel by Nature Conservancy of Canada was first announced in April 2002. The deal included matching federal and provincial funding of $800,000 to the same amount raised by the NCC. In September 2004, the United Counties of Prescott-Russell concluded a complexed deal, through purchases and land transfers, with nine peat extractors, ending a five-year dispute to the Ontario Municipal Board over the unique wetland. 90% of the bog is now being preserved and 1,000 acres still remain in private hands. The key to success was the unprecedented cooperation and persistence among several private and public agencies; environmental groups and individuals. A concerted effort to save the Alfred Bog was launched over a few decades ago.

The Alfred Bog plays an important role in our environment and contributes greatly to the quality of our lives. It acts like a giant sponge, soaking up water and gradually releasing it into local streams, rivers and the aquifer. Wetlands are among the most distinct and productive ecosystems on Earth. The Alfred Bog is home to diverse communities of plant, animal and fish species, some of which are rare or endangered. It is also the home of a unique moose herd in Eastern Ontario. The Alfred Bog served as a reservoir for repopulating nearby areas suitable for moose. Moose are now seen in Larose Forest, located 30 km west of the bog.

You can visit the Alfred Bog! The Bogwalk is located about an hour east of Ottawa.

To reach the Alfred Bog from Ottawa, take Highway 417 east 67 km to County Road 9 (exit 51). Head north 11 km on 9 through St. Isidore de Prescott to Franklins Corners and County Road 16. Turn right and follow it east 3 km to Fournier and County Road 15. Turn left onto 15 and go north 5 km to Concession 11 Road. Turn right on it and go northeast 3.5 km to the turnoff, on the right, for the boardwalk.

From County Road 17, head south on County road 15 and follow the Bogwalk signs.