Oak Hammock Marsh

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swans
Selkirk

Manitoba
Canada


Park Size: 3600 hectares
Park Amenities:
Birding
Canoeing
Concessions
Hiking
Interpretive Centre
Interpretive Signs
Picnicking
Sightseeing
Washrooms


Oak Hammock Marsh is a protected wetland marsh referred to as a Wildlife Management Area located west of Selkirk, Manitoba, Canada. The marsh is managed as a non profit and it is also the national headquarters of Ducks Unlimited.

The Oak Hammock Marsh was recognized as a RAMSAR Site in 1987. It is a prestigious award identifying the marsh as a wetland of international importance for wildlife and people.

The protected wetland marsh is part of the St. Andrews Bog and measures about 3600 hectares. The activities most enjoyed in the marsh are hiking, canoeing and wildlife watching. There are over 30 kilometres of nature trails exploring the marsh.

During the summer months the activities enjoyed in the park include hiking, canoeing, birdwatching, sightseeing and picnicking. During the winter snowfall months the trails transform into snowshoe routes.

Located along the trails are information signs, mound viewpoints, sightseeing benches, viewing telescopes and bird blinds. There are muddy trails, floating boardwalk trails, dyke trails and wooden bridges. Many trails are loop trails. Most are easy going, level and suitable for all ages.

The main entrance to the trails and wetland is near the interpretive centre. The centre is the reception area. There is an admission to access the wetlands. The facility provides a theatre, washrooms, cafe, exhibits, gift store, educational programs, kids programs and interpretive guided canoe tours.

The wetland eco system is vital to the well being of many species including man. The Oak Hammock Marsh is a sanctuary for many species of animal and plant. Reptiles, wildflowers, birds, lily pads, mammals, cat-tails, aspen-oak groves, artesian springs, fish, amphibians, creeks and tall grass prairie call the Oak Hammock Marsh home.

Birdwatching is the popular activity in the Oak Hammock Marsh. There are said to be over 300+ bird species sighted in the marsh. Birdwatching is best during the fall migration season.

Some of the bird sightings in the marsh include the Snowy Owl, Short Eared Owl, Great Gray Owl, Bald Eagle, Cooper's Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk, Gyrfalcon, Tundra Swan, Trumpeter Swan, Northern Harrier, American White Pelican, Canada Goose, Common Goldeneye, Ruddy Duck, Great Blue Heron, Common Loon, Piping Plover, Least Sandpiper, Pileated Woodpecker, Red-eyed Vireo, Bohemian Waxwing, Dark-eyed Junco, Red-winged Blackbird and American Goldfinch.
Oak Hammock Marsh, Selkirk, Manitoba, Canada

Address:

Oak Hammock Marsh
Blackdale Road
Selkirk
Canada

How To Get ToOak Hammock Marsh

:
From the community of Selkirk, Manitoba travel south on Main Street and then take a right and travel west on Route #9 for 2.5 kms. Take a left onto McPhillips Rd and follow the #230 Route signs south and then take a right onto Fort Garry Road. Continue west following the signs to Stonewall, Manitoba for 13 kms. Take a right onto Blackdale Road and continue to the marsh. Total distance from Selkirk, Manitoba is about 24 kilometres (15 miles).
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