News & Events

On Friday, May 2nd and days following, students from across the Algoma region gathered for Envirothon’s regional spring training and competition, an experiential education program that promotes environmental literacy and leadership among youth. With support from 21 community volunteers and 8 dedicated teacher mentors, 45 students are engaging in field-based learning focused on forest stewardship, biodiversity, and key ecological topics: soils, aquatics, and wildlife. These sessions align with Ontario’s curriculum expectations in science, geography, and environmental studies, and foster cross-disciplinary skills in critical thinking, teamwork, and applied problem-solving. The Envirothon model provides students with opportunities to explore environmental issues through an interdisciplinary lens, connecting classroom learning with real-world ecosystems. Training sessions take place in natural settings and are supported by a network of local experts, scientists, and conservation professionals. ✨Thank you attendees!✨ Elliot Lake Secondary School, @Central Algoma Secondary School, Korah CVS, Superior Heights, White Pines CVS! 🫂AREA PARTNERS – 2025🫂 The success of Envirothon is made possible through a collaborative network of local and regional partners: • Algoma District School Board (algomadsb) • Algoma Highlands Conservancy (Coordinator) • Canadian Institute of Forestry – North Eastern Ontario Section (Canadian Institute of Forestry / Institut forestier du Canada) • Clean North (Clean North) • Forests Canada (Forests Canada) • The Kensington Conservancy (The Kensington Conservancy) • Lake Huron North • Natural Resources Canada • Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources) • Sault Climate Hub (Sault Climate Hub) • Sault College (Sault College) • Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority • Stokely Creek Lodge (stokelycreeklodge) The program will culminate in a one-day regional Envirothon competition, where students apply their knowledge and skills in a dynamic, team-based format. The winning team will advance to the Ontario Provincial Envirothon, hosted at the University of Waterloo from May 25–28, 2025. This initiative represents an exceptional example of community-based education, where partnerships between schools and environmental organizations empower the next generation of environmental stewards.

Saturday, May 10th, 2025: Approximately 30 dedicated volunteers came out to help clean up Robertson Lake Road—all the way to Old Highway! No piece of trash was too small—if we saw it, we bagged it. 💪 Two intrepid groups even branched off the main road to hike nearby trails in search of trash and gently dry brush graffiti from the rock at the lookout, helping restore its natural beauty. During the cleanup, we encountered a range of litter: plastic bottles, sandwich baggies, tires, and beer cans—items that don’t just disappear over time. This kind of waste doesn't just look bad—it threatens ecosystems, pollutes our water, and endangers wildlife. We’d like to extend a special thank you to our generous partners at Stokely Creek Lodge, who supported our efforts by providing dumpster access. Your help made a big difference in getting everything off the road and disposed of responsibly. It truly takes a village, and we’re lucky to have such a strong, compassionate one. 💞 Thank you all for your time, energy, and kind hearts. We can’t wait to see you again for our fall cleanup! 🍂🍁 Together, we’re keeping the Highlands wild, clean, and thriving.

Attention all riders and residents: Snowmobiles are NOT permitted on the trails at Algoma Highlands Conservancy (AHC) or Stokely Creek Lodge. These areas are private property , with clearly marked No Trespassing signs . Unauthorized snowmobile use is damaging trails, disrupting skiers, and causing environmental harm. This is negatively impacting a Goulais business employing many Goulais residents. Recently, five individuals were caught trespassing near Pickard Rd. and charged by the OPP. They were all from out of town (Sudbury, Elliot Lake area) and received fines. Additional charges may be incurred for damage to private property/trails. Increased Surveillance & Enforcement The OPP has increased patrols in the area and is actively responding to reports of trespassing. More surveillance is in place, including trail cameras and resident monitoring. Anyone caught trespassing can face charges, fines, and potential legal action. How You Can Help 📞 Report any trespassing incidents immediately to the OPP. Call as soon as you see unauthorized snowmobiles on the trails. 📸 Take note of details – identifying sleds can be difficult, but vehicle descriptions (trucks/trailers) and license plates can help. 🚫 Respect private property – these trails are for skiing, hiking, and conservation, not motorized vehicles. Know the Rules AHC’s rules prohibit snowmobiles to protect the landscape and ensure safety. For more details on our trail use policy, visit our policy page . Let’s work together to protect our trails. If you ride, respect the rules. If you see trespassing, report it. 🚔🏔️

AHC has received $130,000 in funding through the Government of Canada’s Natural Heritage Conservation Program towards its recent acquisition of the Ebare Tract.

Autumn Glory Guided Hike 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 Immerse yourself in the beauty of the great outdoors this autumn. Algoma Highlands Conservancy invites you to explore the majestic forests of its protected, pristine wilderness with an 8 km round trip guided hike of moderate difficulty that takes about 4 hours to complete. Come experience one of the best northern hiking trails for an autumn view at Robertson Cliffs lookout! Don’t forget your camera, to capture your Autumn Glory!

Located 40 km north of Sault Ste Marie, this 332 acre parcel of land completes the Algoma Highland Conservancy’s acquisition of the entire eastern portion of the King Mountain massif. This land, formerly owned by Lorny and Julie Ebare, was recently purchased by the AHC to bring our landholdings to over 3,300 acres. Robertson Cliffs, King Mountain, and now the Ebare Tract, provide key habitat for migratory birds, including the threatened Canada warbler, who cross the Great Lakes and nest in the mixed forests of maple-yellow birch forests. This combined protected area provides habitat to both globally, federally and provincially designated species at risk including the little brown bat, West Virginia white butterfly, black ash, alpine dot lichen, and yellow banded bumble bee. Our forests are secured from logging for 100 years with our carbon credit certification; current holdings including the newly acquired Ebare Tract sequester over 335,000 tons of CO₂ yearly, contributing to Canada’s net-zero emission goal by 2050. Please consider a donation to help us protect and care for the Algoma Highlands.

Spring Wildflower Hike 4 JUNE 2023 Join AHC and Sault Naturalists on a leisurely walk along the beautiful Stokely Creek, starting at the falls. Wildflowers along the wet creek should be in full glory. The return trip via Home Run Hill will provide a glimpse of wildflowers on the forested slopes. This event is geared towards families with children. Pre-registration required by: 2 June 2023

NEW DATE: April 2 2023 Hakon Lien Loop 6 km round trip We invite you to a Rendezvous for a snowshoe adventure! Hakon Lien Loop offers a visit to Hakon Lien cabin, perhaps catching a glimpse of industrous beavers maintaining their pond and a breathtaking view of the waterfalls. The trail has some rugged terrain with one steep descent and stream crossings.

1 January 2023 Robertson Cliffs 8 km round trip Start the New Year off right with a snowshoe adventure to the iconic Robertson Cliffs Meet at 10:45 am at Robertson Creek Trailhead Remember to pack a lunch, tea/water, snowshoes, poles and bring layered clothing