Church Woods is a 25 acre parcel of mature hardwood trees located within the village of Shanty Bay, to the west of the historic St.Thomas's Anglican Church and close to Kempenfelt Bay. Church Woods has been owned by the same family group since 1832. The church was built in 1832 partly from trees cut from these woods, making for a unique connection between the natural and cultural heritage of this area.

Local residents have used the woods for decades to enjoy quiet walks and to admire the old-growth forest there, which features a diverse mix of over 30 species of trees. This stand includes fine examples of Butternut, now classed as a threatened species, and uncommon birds such as the Red-headed Woodpecker. It is part of a belt of forest between Ridge Road and the Lake Simcoe shoreline that stretches from Barrie to Orillia.

When the owners of Church Woods decided they should sell, they approached their neighbours to offer the property at a reduced rate on the condition that it never be developed. After looking at several options, the neighbours asked the Couchiching Conservancy to hold and manage the land, with the understanding that they would raise funds necessary for the purchase. We agreed, and have also begun the process of certifying the property as an Ecogift so the owners will receive the best possible tax options for the donated share of the land value.

Because Church Woods is surrounded by residential development and within the settlement area of Shanty Bay, its future as green space would be highly uncertain without this kind of creative solution. To date, the Township of Oro-Medonte has agreed to contribute 10 per cent of the purchase price, and pledges from neighbours totalling several hundred thousand dollars have been received. An intensive neighbourhood campaign this summer will determine the fate of this exceptional natural area.

 If you would like to contribute to the preservation of this beautiful area, please fill out and mail the attached:  PLEDGE FORM