Conservation AreasMany of the communities along the Mississippi River boast of good, year-round recreational activities including white water (spring) and flat water canoeing, boating on the larger lakes, and lake trout, pickerel, bass and pike fishing on over 200 lakes and streams, as well as snowmobiling and skiing opportunities in the winter.

Mazinaw Lake, one of the deepest lakes (145 m or 476 ft) in Ontario, is the location of the Bon Echo Provincial Park and Mazinaw Rock. The rock is a 1.5-kilometre sheer rock face, rising 100 metres above the lake and features over 260 native pictographs – the largest visible collection in Canada. The park annually attracts more than 175,000 visitors (Bon Echo Provincial Park website, 2005).

Mississippi WatershedMississippi Watershed Conservation Areas

Purdon Conservation Area is a unique wetland famous for its exceptionally large native colony of Showy Lady's Slipper Orchids.  Each year, between mid-June and early July, 16,000 magnificent orchids burst into delicate pink and white bloom. It is extremely rare to find a colony of this size and Purdon's is the largest in Canada. The colony exists today thanks to the care and cultivation of Mr. Joe Purdon. Mr. Purdon was a pioneer of land stewardship and a great asset to our community. The wetland was originally part of Mr. Purdon's farm. Through careful management of the few dozen orchid plants he discovered on this property in the 1930s, Mr. Purdon grew the colony to over 16,000 blooms. Mississippi Valley Conservation acquired the site in 1984 and pledged to preserve if for the enjoyment and enrichment of future generations

The Morris Island Conservation Area is located along the Ottawa River near the community of Fitzroy Harbour. This 47 hectare site consists of forested woodlands and wetlands that will appeal to nature enthusiasts of all ages. Mississippi Valley Conservation manages this site for day-use recreational activities such as hiking, picnicking, canoeing, fishing and natural interpretation. Accessible facilities for the physically challenged include nature trails, fishing platforms, washrooms and picnic areas. Canoeing is only permitted within the bay areas of the island due to water level fluctuations from the hydro dam located downriver.  The Morris Island Conservation Area is open to the public year round. However some of the facilities are not operational during the winter months. When visiting the site please follow the conservation area rules and regulations and assist us in conserving this area for future generations.