Aylmer Wildlife Management Area - Aylmer
Aylmer Wildlife Area consists of 178.6 acres of crops, 66.2 of which is part of the OPC property. The fenced compound covers 84 acres of which 14 acres is Tall Grass Prairie and approximately 30-35 acres are water/ponds. There are four viewing stands and five water control structures.
Wildlife viewing is rewarding throughout the entire year and the arrival of the Tundra Swans in March is the highlight of the year. This is perhaps the best place in North America to see wild swans close up. Successive waves of ducks and shorebirds arrive from March until early June. In summer, you can hear the songs of grassland, meadow and shrub thicket birds. Fall migration begins in late June with the first wave of shorebirds. Every week until late November another flight of ducks, geese and shorebirds arrives.
Over the years, facilities have been added and upgraded on a regular basis to enhance wildlife viewing and access for all types of visitors. Currently there are trails, four wildlife-viewing stands with parking and interpretative signs. There are also brochures, pit washrooms and three hunting blinds with parking. Group tours are available by appointment by calling (519) 773-9723 from March 1st-December 1st.
Originally 515 acres of this site was entirely farm land. In 1940, the Federal Government purchased this area for the #14 Flying Training School R.C.A.F. The last formal inspection was in May 1961 at which time the site was turned over to the Provincial Government with parts designated to the Ontario Police College and Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). The MNR requested the assistance of the Elgin Stewardship Council in managing the property in 1997.
The quilt block, “Birds in the Air”, is most appropriate with the 4 different colours of blue for the sky at seasonal migrations.
