OVER 430 acres of private nature reserve
Flora and fauna
All the photos in this brochure were taken by Susan Crutcher, owner and manager of Greystone Retreat, Annex, Bunkie and Trails.
It is a pleasure to spend time with our binoculars and cameras capturing some of the infinite examples of flora and fauna that surround us.
In 2021 we built and installed 66 bird nesting boxes along the trails. 50 were used that first season!
5 ponds and rest areas
Each pond is unique. Long Pond, for example, was originally a cattle watering area. In 2011, we dredged it to its original depth as we conveniently had equipment available. Simultaneously, we cleaned around the edge of Beaver Pond and then dug the two Escarpment Ponds.
These ponds create beautiful rest areas, but they also serve a more important purpose: to provide a source of water for wildlife in the area.
Gazebo picnic area
The Escarpment Ponds gazebo is available for public use as an ideal destination for a picnic outing. While enjoying your snack or lunch, you may well spot a heron, frogs, dragonflies, hawk, bald eagle or turtle.
Each Escarpment Pond has its own private bench making it a lovely area to rest, read and relax.
The private cabins located near the gazebo were built by Tony and Susan to spend time with their family "camping". They are not available for rent.
Over 17 km of hiking trails
After the initial climb to the first escarpment level, about 17 kms of recreational hiking trails meander through forests, meadow, over bridges by stream and ponds.
Perhaps, you'll spot the original homestead area a little west of our current greenhouse.
Trail names give 'hints' as to the geography or other defining features. Map supplied in welcome pkg.