Crane Conservation Area

This 3 hectare property was donated to the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority in 1976. Dr. James Wellington Crane planted between 85 and 90 different tree species on this plot of land adjacent to his home in Iona Station. In 1955, this property was presented to the University of Western Ontario Board of Governors for $1.00. In 1961, just over a year after Dr. Crane's death, the University transferred the property to the County of Elgin for $1.00, with the intention that the property be maintained as a demonstration woodlot, as a park and as a memorial to Dr. Crane. In 1976, the County of Elgin sold the property to the LTVCA for $1.00. A proposal in 1978, suggested that the site be used as a mini-arboretum/picnic area.

 

Directions

Crane Conservation Area is located at 10588 Iona Road (Elgin County Rd. 14) in the Township of Southwold. Crane Conservation Area is located on the east side of Iona Road, almost directly across from Shackleton Line, just north of Iona Station. Watershed Map

Coordinates

Lat/Long 42.716, -81.420 UTM 465645, 4729400

 

Features

See Conservation Areas Information and Conservation Areas Fees 2012.

A concrete and stone monument giving the history of the property (until 1961) is located near the road.

There are no marked trails, picnic table or other facilities at this conservation area. There is a three car parking lot. Open for dayuse from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., all year, free of charge.

Natural Features

The area is forested with an open field. The existing growth consists of at least six Carolinian species, with two of these species considered rare in Ontario.

 

To find out more about other tourism opportunities in Elgin County, please visit:

Tourism Elgin County & St. Thomas

or

Elgin County