algoma-highlands-conservancy

Explore Lake Superior’s Greatest Gems: An Evening with Author Rudi Hargesheimer

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:14:24 GMT

Explore Lake Superior’s Greatest Gems: An Evening with Author Rudi Hargesheimer

The Algoma Highlands Conservancy is thrilled to host Minnesota-based author and award-winning photographer Rudi Hargesheimer for an exclusive look at his spectacular new book, Superior Trails: A Photo Tour of Lake Superior’s Best Hiking Trails .

Join us on Thursday, May 21, 2026 , at Sault College for a visually stunning 45-minute presentation that highlights the world-class hiking right in our backyard.

A Focus on the Canadian Shore

While Lake Superior offers incredible vistas from every angle, local hikers will be excited to know that more than half of Superior Trails is dedicated to the Canadian side of the lake.

Rudi will guide us through the pristine landscapes of Superior Provincial Park, Pukaskwa National Park, and the Group of Seven Trail. The book also prominently features the Algoma Highlands Conservancy's own Robertson Cliffs , alongside a beautiful capture of Agawa River Falls contributed by local photographer Jay Kerr.

About the Author

Rudi Hargesheimer’s passion for Lake Superior is unmatched. Having circled the lake fifteen times with his camera and boots ready, he has hiked all the trails featured in his book, including twenty rugged backpacking routes.

Rudi brings decades of outdoor expertise to his talks. He was a manager for 40 years at Midwest Mountaineering, where he created over 80 Outdoor Adventure Expos. He also served a 12-year tenure on the board of Minnesota's Superior Hiking Trail Association, including six years as President, helping grow the trail to over 300 miles.

Visit North Shore Photo Art to learn more about Rudi's photography and books.

Event Details

Whether you are looking to plan your next backpacking trip, learn about packrafting, or simply appreciate the majestic beauty of Algoma through a master photographer's lens, this evening is for you.

Date : Thursday, May 21, 2026
Time : 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Doors open at 6:00 PM)
Location : Sault College, 443 Northern Ave (Room M1030, M-wing)
Cost : Free to attend, open to the public, and mobility aid accessible. Free parking is available.

Following the presentation, Rudi will be available for a Q&A session and a book signing. Copies of Superior Trails will be available for purchase at the event.

February Events

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 19:00:36 GMT

February Events

As the snow continues to settle across the Highlands, we have three upcoming events planned that invite people to experience winter in ways that are welcoming, educational, and community focused.

Whether you are joining us on the trails, attending an event, or simply following along and supporting conservation in your own way, you are part of this story. Thank you for helping protect these special places and for continuing to make this community such a meaningful part of the Algoma Highlands.

AHC ISSUES PUBLIC STATEMENT ON THE FUTURE USE GLYPHOSATE SPRAYING IN ONTARIO FOREST MANAGEMENT

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 17:34:38 GMT

PUBLIC STATEMENT ON THE FUTURE USE OF GLYPHOSATE SPRAYING IN ONTARIO FOREST MANAGEMENT.

OCTOBER 01, 2025

The Algoma Highlands Conservancy (AHC) is committed to credible, science-based conservation. While we respect that forest management is complex and that there is a long held belief that aerial spraying produces the best economic outcome, we urge the Ministry of Natural Resources to pause all planned future glyphosate spraying and review the most up-to-date research on ecosystem impacts, waterways, soil health, and biodiversity—as well as potential risks to people, pets, and surrounding communities.

AHC understands that protecting Ontario’s forests requires decisions that balance management goals with the long-term resilience of our ecosystems and the health of society as a whole. Our neighbours in Quebec have demonstrated a successful shift in stand management to mechanical rather than chemical means and we support a similar transition away from aerial chemical spraying in Ontario forests.

- Algoma Highlands Conservancy

Algoma Regional Spring Training and Competition - May 2025

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 23:48:45 GMT

Algoma Regional Spring Training and Competition

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.

A Great Success - Robertson Lake Road Litter Pick

Sat, 10 May 2025 20:34:13 GMT

A Great Success: Robertson Lake Road Litter Pick - May 2025

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!

PSA: Snowmobile Trespassing - Enforcement & Consequences

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 19:47:26 GMT

PSA: Snowmobile Trespassing – Enforcement & Consequences

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.

The Algoma Highlands Conservancy receives federal funds for land purchase

info@algomahighlandsconservancy.org (Jay Kerr) — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 15:01:36 GMT

The Algoma Highlands Conservancy receives federal funds for land purchase

Purchase brings most of King Mountain under protection

SAULT STE. MARIE, ONTARIO — SEP. 25, 2023 — The Algoma Highlands Conservancy (AHC) is pleased to announce that it has received $130,000 in funding through the Government of Canada’s Natural Heritage Conservation Program, part of Canada’s Nature Fund, towards its recent acquisition of the Ebare Tract. The acquisition adds 134 ha (332 acres) to the conservancy's 1180-ha holdings located 30 km north of Sault Ste. Marie encompassing King Mountain and the iconic Robertson Cliffs.

The Ebare Tract provides additional habitat for the 17 federally or provincially designated species at risk that are found on AHC lands, including Canada Warbler, Eastern Wood Peewee, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Peregrine Falcon, Bald Eagle, and West Virginia White Butterfly and Monarch Butterfly. Addition of the Ebare Tract brings most of the King Mountain formation under AHC protection and creates an uninterrupted swath of yellow birch-hard maple slope forests with associated wetlands and cliffs that provides important habitat for a broad diversity of lifeforms.

The property was purchased in May this year. The AHC continues its appeal to conservation-minded citizens and corporations to help reach its fundraising goal of $320,000.

This project was made possible by private donations and the Government of Canada through the Natural Heritage Conservation Program.

Quote

“Climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution are a triple threat that we, as Canadians, must address together. By working with partners such as the Algoma Highlands Conservancy, we are helping to protect the natural environment in Ontario and across the country. Every hectare that we can help our partners protect plays a vital role in helping to halt and reverse biodiversity loss and contributes to the recovery of species at risk. Through programs like the Natural Heritage Conservation Program, the Government of Canada is making progress toward its goal of conserving a quarter of land and water in Canada by 2025, working toward 30 percent of each by 2030.”

– The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

Facts

The combined 1314 ha of conservancy lands provide important habitat for 17 federally or provincially designated species at risk, including species that are threatened (Black Ash), endangered (Little Brown Bat, Monarch Butterfly), or of special concern (Canada Warbler, Eastern Wood Peewee, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Peregrine Falcon, Bald Eagle, Yellow-banded Bumble bee, West Virginia White Butterfly, Painted Turtle).
Peregrine Falcons have been returning to nest on Robertson Cliffs for over 25 years.
The AHC forests are protected from logging for 100 years under current carbon credit certification; AHC holdings sequester over 335,000 tons of CO₂ contributing to Canada’s net-zero emission goal by 2050.
The Ebare Tract secures the Hakon Lien trail as a popular wilderness ski and hiking route.

About

The Government of Canada’s Natural Heritage Conservation Program (NHCP) is a unique partnership that supports the creation and recognition of protected and conserved areas through the acquisition of private land and private interest in land. To date, the Government of Canada has invested more than $440 million in the Program, which has been matched with more than $870 million in contributions raised by Nature Conservancy of Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada and the country’s land trust community leading to the protection and conservation of more than 700,000 hectares of ecologically sensitive lands.

Learn more

Visit: www.algomahighlandsconservancy.org

Become a fan on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlgomaHighlandsConservancy

Contact

info@algomahighlandsconservancy.org

Guided Hike 2023

info@algomahighlandsconservancy.org (Jay Kerr) — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 19:16:16 GMT

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!

Mandatory Pre-registration required by:

27 September 2023

15 Participants

$20/person

AHC Members FREE

(Payment via e-transfer to

info@algomahighlandsconservancy.org)

Join us on

30 September 2023

10 am to 4 pm

Meet us at Robertson Cliffs Trail Head.

Hiking boots recommended. Pack a lunch and bring water.

Dress appropriately for the weather.

It’s a great time to renew your 2023 membership

or purchase a new one!

Ebare Tract

info@algomahighlandsconservancy.org (Jay Kerr) — Tue, 02 May 2023 13:56:46 GMT

Ebare Tract

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 Walk

info@algomahighlandsconservancy.org (Jay Kerr) — Fri, 14 Apr 2023 11:20:10 GMT

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

Registration is mandatory.

20 Participants

$20/person

AHC Members FREE

(Payment via e-transfer to

info@algomahighlandsconservancy.org)

Join us on

4 June 2023

10 am to 4 pm

Meet us at Stokely Creek Lodge Parking Lot.

Pack a lunch,

Bring bug dope as a precaution

Snowshoe Rendezvous

info@algomahighlandsconservancy.org (Jay Kerr) — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 16:13:10 GMT

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.

Registration is mandatory

15 Participants

$20/person

Members FREE

It's a great time to renew your 2023 Membership

or puchase a new one!

All proceeds directly support AHC trail maintenance.

Meet at 10:00 am at Robertson Creek Trailhead

Remember to pack a lunch, tea/water, snowshoes, poles

and bring layered clothing. Don't forget your camera!

Our trip leader will contact you via email with

more details closer to the date.

Snowshoes available if required

New Year's Snowshoe to Robertson Cliffs

info@algomahighlandsconservancy.org (Jay Kerr) — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 13:35:49 GMT

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

Registration is mandatory

15 Participants

$20/person

Members FREE

It's a great time to renew your 2023 Membership

or puchase a new one!

All proceeds directly support AHC trail maintenance.

Legacy Giving

info@algomahighlandsconservancy.org (Jay Kerr) — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 00:29:20 GMT

We are grateful for having been in the hearts of many.

Please consider Algoma Highlands Conservancy in your estate plans and will.

Cycle to Norm's Cabin

info@algomahighlandsconservancy.org (Jay Kerr) — Sun, 02 Oct 2022 16:02:17 GMT

16 October 2022

10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Stokely Creek Parking Lot

20 km round trip

Join AHC for our guided cycling event to Norm's Cabin.

Enjoy a brisk autumn day, be captivated by the change of colors, create breathtaking memories.

Pack a lunch but, don't forget to bring your camera.

Registration is mandatory.

15 Participants

$10/person

$15/ family

Members FREE

(Payment via e-transfer to info@algomahighlandsconservancy.org)

All proceeds directly support AHC trail maintenance.

King Mountain Guided Hike & Yoga

info@algomahighlandsconservancy.org (Jay Kerr) — Sat, 01 Oct 2022 07:17:58 GMT

Enjoy stunning views of Lake Superior

and Algoma Highlands

and a gentle yoga class on the King Mtn platform

$20 per person

Free to Algoma Highlands Conservancy Members

To register complete

the registration below.

11:00 am to 4:00 pm

Meet at Stokely Creek Parking Lot

Registration is mandatory.

15 Participants

$20/person

Members FREE

(Payment via e-transfer to info@algomahighlandsconservancy.org)

All proceeds directly support AHC trail maintenance

Join us on

Rescheduled to:

12 November 2022

Autumn Glory Guided Hike

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 17:42:20 GMT

1 October 2022

10 am to 5 pm

Robertson Lake Rd Trail head

15 km round trip .

Considered a challenging day trip.

Bring your hiking boots and lunch.

15 Participants

$10/person

$15/ family

Members FREE

(Payment via e-transfer to info@algomahighlandsconservancy.org)

All proceeds directly support AHC trail maintenance.

After submitting Participant Information, please e-transfer your payment to info@algomahighlandsconservancy.org to complete your registration.

Prices are Individual ($10) or Family ($15). Please include "Autumn Glory Guided Hike" in the message.

If you are a member , then you are all set to go! If you would like to become a member, please visit our membership page to attend events like this one for free as well as other great perks!

Thanks again for registering and we will meet you at the Robertson Lake Rd Trail Head at 10am, on Saturday October 1st, 2022.

Summer Contest!

info@algomahighlandsconservancy.org (Jay Kerr) — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 04:53:58 GMT

We're celebrating Summer by giving you a chance to WIN!

We feel there is so much to celebrate about Summer , the days are warmer, the sun is up longer, the trees are green and flowers are blooming! Its time to go for hike, get camping, jump in a lake, you name it! But wouldn't it be so much better if you had this awesome local camping prize pack? We think so. Enter the form below for your chance to win!

The Summer Contest is now closed!

And the winner is ….

Congratulations Rachel, we know you will enjoy the local adventure prize pack!

Thank you to everyone who participated in the contest and for supporting the Algoma Highlands Conservancy!

Big thanks to the local organizations that donated items for the contest prize! Please head over to their website or visit them in person to give them some love!

New Membership Program

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 21:50:57 GMT

Algoma Highlands Conservancy Relaunches Membership Program

Love skiing at Stokely Creek and hiking Robertson Cliffs? Consider supporting the Algoma Highlands Conservancy!

For immediate release.

March 08, 2022

With your support the Algoma Highlands Conservancy has been able to protect and maintain the beautiful highland areas north of Sault Ste Marie that surround Stokely Creek including the beloved Robertson Cliffs, King Mountain, and Norm’s Cabin. The AHC board plans to protect these treasures for generations to come – but we need your help.

We have re-launched our membership program which offers great deals at local businesses (see list below), advanced booking opportunities for Norm’s Cabin rentals (until March 13 ^th 2022), and an opportunity to participate in the Conservancy Board’s decision-making process.

Partnering businesses offering discounts to AHC members include:

- Great Lakes Outfitters

- Tackle the North

- Hogan’s Homestead

- YMCA

- Velorution

- Algoma Bicycle Company

- Hearterra

- Tru North Naturals

- Stella Wood Designs

- RAM Fitness and Cycling

With the purchase of a membership, you play a direct role in providing the AHC with a dependable source of funding that allows us to continue operations, take on new projects and develop innovative approaches to conservation, environmental education, environment research, and silent sport recreation in the Algoma Highlands. For a detailed list of member benefits, and to purchase a membership, visit our website at www.algomahighlandsconservancy.org/ Support-Us.

Unsure about a membership? There are many other ways to help support the Algoma Highlands Conservancy:

- Make a donation

- Foster a Forest

- Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

- Share our posts on social media

- Sign up to be notified about AHC events and news

- Purchase AHC merchandise

Conservancy lands have supported past local events like Crank the Shield, Ultra Trail Stokely Creek, and outdoor components of the Envirothon program. With your help, we hope to continue supporting these great local events that draw in participants from around the world.

Snowshoe Bingo

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 21:50:56 GMT

Snowshoe Bingo for the Family!

Follow the 2 km round trip trail at the base of the cliffs for a day of fun with the family!

Download a copy of the bingo card and see what you find on your adventure!

The trail follows the base of Robertson cliffs for 1.2 km until you meet the road to take it back to your car making it a 2km hike through easy terrain with a humbling new perspective of Robertson Cliffs.

Please note: This is a self guided hike, by taking part in this activity, you understand that you do so at your own risk.