Sand Lake

Sand Lake is one of the many sole land selections that will be transferred to the Algonquins of Greater Golden Lake First Nation upon the completion of the Treaty.

Sand Lake is located at Km 9 just off Baron Canyon Road

Before the Sand Lake Gate Entrance

GPS Coordinates: 45°48’59.9″N. 77°27’47.0″W.

It is approximately 40 acres of land with easy access to Sand Lake.

Sand Lake is surrounded by a vast variety of forestry, marsh lands and wetlands.

And this lake is known to be home to many different Species at Risk.

SPECIES AT RISK 2025 SAND LAKE PROJECT

Beginning in the spring through to the fall of 2025, the Algonquins of Greater Golden Lake First Nation carried out a Species at Risk Project here at Sand Lake. Some of you may have noticed our black silt fencing, turtle nest protection cages, and informational signs around the area.

Our main focus was on four Species at Risk: the Eastern Whip-poor-will, the Eastern Wolf, the Monarch Butterfly, and the Blanding’s Turtle. We discovered that three of these four species call Sand Lake home. The only species we did not encounter was the Eastern Wolf; even though we did not observe it at this site, however, it may still pass through the area late at night.

As for the three Species at Risk that we did find, we were not able to physically locate the Eastern Whip-poor-will, but we were successful in capturing audio recordings of its distinct call. We were also able to photograph Blanding’s Turtles, Monarch Butterflies, and Monarch Caterpillars during the project.

As we came across fresh turtle nesting sites, we placed protective cages over them to help keep predators away and reduce the risk of human disturbance.

Even though we experienced some significant damages to our recovery strategies, we would say that our 2025 Species at Risk Project was somewhat successful. We believe that our efforts did help to protect and preserve some of these Species at Risk. And we plan to continue this important work again this year and in the years to come.

4 SPECIES AT RISK PHOTOS

If you are not familiar with these four Species at Risk, we encourage you to take a few minutes to look through the photos and information provided below.

This is a photo of the Eastern Whip-poor-will. Please be careful when walking through forested areas, as these birds nest directly on the ground where its colorings means it will easily remain undetected by visual predators. Whip-poor-wills forage only at dawn or dusk but can forage all night during moonlit nights. These nocturnal birds are known for their continuous singing throughout the night, especially during the breeding season.

This is a photo of the Eastern Wolf. Although it has not been seen here during daylight hours, but it is possible that it may be in the area during the nighttime hours. So please use caution when outdoors at night.

This is a photo of the Blanding’s Turtle. It can take up to 25 years to mature and can survive more than 75 years. It is easily identified by it’s bright yellow throat, and it’s domed, smooth upper shell that resembles an army helmet. The bottom of it’s shells is hinged so it can completely close it’s shell after pulling in it’s head and feet.

Nesting Locations: Blanding’s turtles prefer to nest close to water sources in sunny areas with good drainage, but they may travel considerable distances to reach a suitable site, sometimes up to 6 kilometers and it could even nest on the side of a road. Nesting, where the female lays her eggs, usually occurs between late May and early July. Females lay 3-25 elliptical eggs in a single clutch. Turtle Hatchlings emerge from the nests between August and September and can emerge as early as mid-August in warm years, or later in the fall in cooler years. Once hatchlings appear, they will travel as far as necessary to find their way to the nearest water source.

Habitat: Blanding’s turtles are primarily aquatic and spend a significant portion of their time in wetlands like marshes, swamps, and ponds.

Movement Corridor: The area within 250 meters of wetlands is considered a critical movement corridor for hatchlings to access the water.

Hibernation: Blanding’s Turtles hibernate in the mud at the bottom of permanent bodies of water from late October until the end of April.

These photos are of the Monarch Butterfly and the Monarch Caterpillar. The Monarch butterfly is easily recognizable due to its vibrant orange, yellow and black wings with small white spots on the borders. They are relatively large, with a wingspan of about 9-10 cm.

The Monarch caterpillar is also distinct, displaying black, white, and yellow stripes, and can be found feeding on milkweed plants. The chrysalis stage is a striking jade-green color with golden spots.

Monarch butterflies eggs are laid on the underside of milkweed, which is the sole food source for Monarch aterpillars. And adult Monarch butterflies depend on native wildflowers for nectar. To help save the Monarch Butterfly, we must protect and avoid damaging milkweed and native wildflowers.

Monarch butterflies lay approximately 400 pin size eggs on the underside of the milkweed plants in Ontario. These eggs hatch into caterpillars within 3-12 days, which then develop into pupae (chrysalises) before emerging as adult butterflies.

After laying hundreds of eggs, the initial generation transitions into the next, dying off as the new spring generation emerges. Each generation continues this cycle, mating and laying eggs until September, when the next butterflies are prepared for migration. While females typically die after laying eggs, adult male butterflies also die post-mating, to prevent competition with their offspring.

After arriving in Mexico, the females lay eggs, and it is their offspring that continue the journey north to reproduce in Ontario, usually arriving in early June.

Below, you will see the 11-step lifecycle of the Monarch Butterfly.

Can you follow the 11 steps beginning with Step #1?

SPECIES AT RISK 2025 SAND LAKE PROJECT

We discovered six Blanding’s Turtles at Sand Lake, and one was observed making a nest on the side of Baron Canyon Road, just a few kilometers before Sand Lake. We should be cautious while driving to, from, and in the general area around this lake.

SPECIES AT RISK 2025 SAND LAKE PROJECT

We came across a few Monarch Butterflies and Monarch Caterpillars on the milkweed plants at Sand Lake. We should try not to destroy these plants, because they are essential to the butterflies’ survival.

SPECIES AT RISK 2026 SAND LAKE PROJECT

Once again, the Algonquins of Greater Golden Lake First Nation are at Sand Lake from spring through to the fall of 2026. This year our main focus is on all Turtles and Monarch Butterflies. During this time, you will see black silt fencing installed and turtle nest protective cages placed in specific locations, along with signage to help protect not only just the Blanding’s Turtles, but the Painted Turtles, the Snapping Turtles, and their eggs from predators and human disturbance.

To protect the Monarch Butterfly and its caterpillars, we must first protect their natural habitat and food sources. Native wildflowers provide an important nectar source for adult Monarch butterflies, while milkweed plants are essential for Monarch caterpillars, serving as their primary food source and the only plant on which Monarchs lay their eggs.

To help safeguard these critical habitats, we are installing orange snow fencing with informational signage, or orange marker pickets with signage placed periodically around or near milkweed patches. These protective measures help prevent damage caused by all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and other disturbances, allowing milkweed and native wildflowers to thrive and continue supporting Monarch butterfly populations.

For those who visit this area for recreation, we would like to emphasize that our goal is not to interfere with or disrupt your family’s enjoyment of the outdoors. We encourage everyone to continue enjoying Sand Lake while respecting and supporting this conservation project.

We kindly ask for your cooperation in helping to protect these Species at Risk and their habitat. One of the most important ways you can assist is by not damaging, removing, or disturbing the protective measures and recovery strategies that have been put in place.

A significant amount of time, effort, volunteer work, and funding is invested in establishing and maintaining these conservation measures. Their purpose is to protect critical habitat, support species recovery, and help ensure the long-term survival of these Species at Risk for future generations to enjoy and appreciate.

Your understanding, respect, and support are greatly appreciated.

MAY 28, 2026 FIELD TRIP

We recently conducted a field trip with office staff and a few dedicated volunteers to help advance our Blanding’s Turtle and Monarch Butterfly habitat protection projects. During this outing, we installed educational signage and approximately 1,500 feet of silt fencing for the Turtles and sections of snow fencing around an area containing a large patch of milkweed plants, which are essential for Monarch caterpillars.

While measuring the site, we underestimated the diameter of the milkweed plant area and found ourselves slightly short of snow fencing before completing the enclosure. Fortunately, we will be purchasing additional snow fencing for future project work, and we plan to return soon to finish the installation.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the volunteers who joined us on this field trip. Your hard work, dedication, and support played a vital role in the success of this project. Conservation efforts such as these would not be possible without the generosity of community members who are willing to donate their time and energy to help protect Species at Risk and their habitat.

Thank you for making a positive difference.