ISLAND LAKE is a recreational and ecological mecca that few locals seem to be taking advantage of. The Friends of Island Lake want to promote the conservation area by expanding its trail system and with the upcoming fishing tournament. (Left to right): Gerry Lindsay, Brenda Teeter, Bob Shirley, Terri Heroux and Larry Dee. Anyone who has been in the Orangeville area for more than 15 minutes knows where Island Lake is and what it is. Yet, there are many in the area who may not truly know what Island Lake has to offer.

And that's a situation the Friends of Island Lake would like to change.

The Friends of Island Lake was established in 2005 as a fundraising committee under the Credit Valley Conservation Foundation.

"We'd like to get the Island Lake Conservation Area to be better known locally," says committee chair Bob Shirley, who recently took on another job, as a Mono town councillor. "We seem to have more exposure outside the area."

A visit to the conservation area one warm summer day lends credence to what Mr. Shirley is saying. The beach and picnic area would, one may think, be occupied by a throng of folks wishing to beat the heat and take advantage of one of the few sunny days we've had this summer.

Photos/DAN PELTON Instead, the area was totally deserted.

The landscape of Island Lake is a rich biosphere with healthy fish and wildlife populations, and abundant underwater plants.

Deer, red fox, raccoon, porcupines and other wildlife dwell in the area. Osprey, great blue herons, mallards and many other bird species are seen at Island Lake throughout the summer, as are painted turtles and leopard frogs.

In spring and fall, migratory birds pause briefly, taking advantage of the diverse habitats. The authority places restrictions on boat use of the lake during certain times in the autumn, in order to accommodate the migratory birds.

During the season, however, residents and visitors to Island Lake can engage in a variety of water and land based activities including; fishing, boating, windsurfing, educational and interpretive programs, hiking, picnicking, volleyball, crosscountry skiing and snowshoeing.

The Friends of Island Lake feel there is one way to open the area to the public conscience. This is through an ambitious trail system.

The ultimate aim is to have a fully accessible walking and cycling trail around the perimeter of Island Lake that will link with trail networks that are planned or existing in Orangeville, Caledon and Mono.

In 2001, the first two kilometres of the Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail opened. The trail was officially named to recognize the contributions made by Credit Valley Conservation's now-retired general manager.

In addition to the construction of the raised screen pathway, trail amenities include information kiosks, viewing platforms, interpretive signage, donor recognition signs and permanent boardwalks over environmentally sensitive wetland.

On October 3, 2007 the first community trail linkage to the Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail was officially opened.

The new 920-metre, fully accessible hiking and cycling trail was built by the Town of Mono in partnership with Credit Valley Conservation, the County of Dufferin, the Nottawasaga Conservation Authority and with funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

The trail ends at the north shore dam in the Island Lake Conservation Area.

The next step is to have bridges to two of the islands in the lake and, thus, make them more accessible.

To raise funds, the Friends of Island Lake committee is staging a Fishing Tournament and Family Camping Weekend at the conservation area July 10-12.

The $80 entry fee includes two nights of camping (to maximum family of six), two day entry in the fishing tournament, Saturday evening campfire with live entertainment, children's activity, fish pond and guided hikes.

It coincides with Ontario Family Fishing Weekend, so no fishing license is required.

If the entrants are not camping, the fee is $30 per day or $50 for two days.

There will be $4,500 in cash prizes. The longest bass gets $2,500, $1,000 for second place and $500 for third place. There will also be cash prizes for longest pike, crappie and perch.

"We're trying to make it an annual event," says Mr. Shirley, "to raise money for the trails."

For more information, call 1-800-367-0890.