cliffLAND is 1,250 acres in the Lanark Highlands of Ontario, where the ancient granite of the Canadian Shield meets limestone country. Marble-rich soils make for an unusual mixture of plants and habitats, and the property lies within the Frontenac Axis, the narrow biological corridor running between Algonquin and the Adirondacks. A conservation easement with the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust protects the property and keeps it open to the public. Logging, hunting, trapping, and recreational motorized vehicles are prohibited. The forest is left to its own timetable, which is considerably slower than ours.

The trail begins in meadow beside a creek and waterfall, then climbs into deeper forest and higher country. Old pine and hemlock stand where the logger’s axe did not reach, with cedar groves, beaver wetlands, and rocky ridges along the way. At the summit of Blueberry Mountain, one of the higher scenic lookouts in Lanark County, the hills roll northward into miles of forest. Turkey vultures ride the thermals, loons call from distant lakes, and now and then wolves, bears, or moose pass through the same woods.

The property has been recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of Lanark County and identified by Environment Canada as an ecologically significant property. Visitors are welcome to hike independently to Blueberry Mountain, with additional trails available through guided visits arranged in advance. All visitors are required to agree to the posted waiver of liability at the trailhead.

History

The Clifford family purchased the property in 1981, with the intention from the beginning that it remain protected. In 1998, Barrie, Tania, and Chad Clifford opened Alba Wilderness School. Jean cooked, and wow did she. Howard was invited to develop his now-famous reenactments of historical environmental figures. Outdoor skills, environmental history, and a rather large piece of country began sharing the same classroom.

In 2009, the property, by then called cliffLAND, and Blueberry Mountain were named among the Seven Wonders of Lanark County, with Blueberry Mountain ultimately selected as one of the seven. That same year, a conservation easement with the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust was registered on title for the entire property, and Environment Canada identified the property as an ecologically significant area. In 2010, Chad Clifford continued teaching outdoor skills through Wilderness Rhythms and later under his own name.

cliffLAND has been recognized with the Canada 150 commemorative plaque, which are being installed on 150 properties across this great country to celebrate the exceptional habitat and biodiversity benefits of the properties.

Environment and Climate Change Canada Ecological Gifts Program

2026–27: At the time of writing, plans are beginning for the larger Blueberry Mountain lands to become part of a local land trust, with most of the transition made possible through donation and the remainder through fundraising. The Clifford family will retain ownership and full stewardship of the 200 acres around the trailhead, while continuing as volunteer stewards of the larger property.

The forest, meanwhile, has continued doing what it was doing.

-Chad