Our Lake The land, the lake and the ecosystem

Geography and Ecology Around Charleston Lake

Charleston Lake is almost central to an hourglass shaped landform called the Frontenac Arch. This ancient landform is a wildlife corridor of Continental significance – a natural bridge from the Canadian Shield to the Adirondack Mountains and further south. Graced with rich forests and wetlands, Charleston Lake contributes significantly to this continental-scale corridor and is at the heart of the UNESCO Frontenac Arch Biosphere – one of only 18 Biosphere Reserves in Canada.

Charleston Lake’s climate is moderated by the Great lakes, and along with a broad range of soil and rock types and chemistries, a diverse topography of hills, cliffs and valleys, and a range of land uses creates a landscape that hosts an amazingly rich ecology. Here, five forest regions of North America converge with many pecies at risk finding vital refuge in these habitats.

The lake’s cradling basin has the distinction of being two distinct bedrock types: granite and sandstone. For the most part, it lies in glacier gouged 1.5 billion-year-old granites. The north east portion is on a sandstones and limestones that are 1 billion years younger. Shaped by its geology and myriad of habitats, Charleston Lake’s richness of ecological attributes contributes to the health and well-being of the entire region.

Learn more about The Lake, The Land and The Eco-System

There are many interesting places to visit on and around Charleston lake

Charleston Village

In the Township of Athens, is the largest settlement on the Lake. It features a main boat ramp and public dock (Ontario MNR), at the end of Country Road 40, and a second public boat ramp (Cataraqui Regional Conservation Authority), at the north end of Water Street. Charleston has two marinas, Kelsey’s and Lakeline Lodge. Kelsey’s offers gasoline, a wide range of marine services, equipment, and supplier. In addition to gasoline and marine services, Lakeline Lodge also offers cabin rentals, ice cream, a convenience store, and souvenir items.
The Outlet

In the township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands, is a small hamlet around the place where Charleston Lake flows into Wiltse Creek, the Gananoque River system and ultimately the St Lawrence River. In 1880, the Gananoque Light and Powerr Co. constructed a dam at the Outlet, which is still in operation today by Portage Power of Ottawa. There is a public boat ram (Cataraqui Regional Conservation Authority) at the south end of the channel to the Outlet. Across County Road 3 is Twist’s Outlet and RV Park, which in addition to campsites and canoe and boat rentals, features a Convenience Store offering ice cream, light snacks, along with gasoline, and a propane tank exchange service.
Sand Bay County Park

Operated by the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville. It is accessible by land at the end of Country Road 39, and by water via public dock. For swimmers of all ages, it boasts a lovely natural sand beach and demarcated swimming area. There are also several picnic stations with charcoal grilling stands, and a large gazebo structure (funded by Charleston Lake Association). The park boast several Nature Trails through its 21 ha (52 acres) area.
Charleston Lake Provincial Park
Portage to Wiltse Creek / Gananoque River

Located at the Outlet, this unmarked portage allows canoeists to access Wiltse Creek, which connects to the Gananoque river. Exit Charleston Lake at the Outlet Boat Ramp, and Portage across County Road 3 to Twist’s Outlet, where there is a grassy ramp down to the creek just east of Road 3.
Blue Mountain Hiking Trail

Part of the Charleston Lake Provincial Park, and is the highest point of land between Toronto and Montreal. The summit is 194m above sea level, and 86m above the level of Charleston Lake. From water, boater may access a public dock in Huckleberry Hollow and take a hiking trail up the north side of the mountain. Views at the summit are spectacular in all directions.
Old Baldy

By far the most iconic symbol of Charleston Lake. High in a 20m sheer granite cliff is a rock formation that resembles a human face – from either side. People have long believed that Old Baldy is the guardian spirit of the lake. Old Baldy is now part of the eponymous Old Baldy Natural Area, which is owned and managed by the Nature Conservancy of Canada for perpetual conservation. You may approach Old Baldy by water, and hear your words echoed back to you.
Englishman's Monument

A unique Shoal Marker was built in the summer of 1877 under the direction of Mr. William H. Haig, who rented a room and moored a houseboat at Charleston Lake for many years. He enlisted a crew of men and boys from Charleston Village to create a haystack-shaped cairn of flat rocks to mark a particularly troublesome shoal. It is said that he nailed his felt hat to the top. The structure still stands, having been maintained from time-to-time, and now features a solar-powered beacon to warn boaters.

Photo Credit: Chris Kanters

Trees Around Charleston Lake

In addition to beautifully framing Charleston Lake at sunset, the trees around the lake enhance the health of the environment in a number of ways. Trees help stabilize banks, absorb excess nutrients that feed algae blooms, prevent erosion by slowing down rainfall, and reduce air pollution. They also filter out pesticides and provide shade, privacy for humans, and habitat for wildlife.

Charleston Lake is located in an area where the rich deciduous forests of the Eastern USA meets Canada’s Northern Boreal forests. Because of this, we are very fortunate to enjoy wide diversity of tree species around the lake. The varied topographical and soil of the lake, from rocky ridges to lower bottomlands, sedges and marshes, also creates varied habitat for shrubs, ferns, wildflowers, insects, reptiles, amphibians and mammals, which are all interdependent parts of a broader ecosystem.

The predominant native deciduous species include Sugar Maple, Beech, Paper Birch, Red Oak and White Pine. Basswood, Red Maple, White Ash, Shagbark Hickory, White Oak, Red Pine and Hophornbeam (Aka Ironwood) are quite abundant as well. Although not as common, Black Maple, Silver Maple, Manitoba Maple, Oak, Blue Beech, Poplar, Eastern Cottonwood, and Black Walnut can also be found scattered around the lake.

Among coniferous species can be found White Pine, Red Pine, Hemlock, Red Spruce, Balsam Fir, and Eastern White Cedar and Eastern Red Cedar. The three-needled Pitch Pine is only found in Canada around Charleston Lake and the 1000 Island area.

Wildlife Around Charleston Lake

Birds

The woodland area surrounding the lake is habitat for a large variety of woodland birds, and the lake itself is a healthy home for many waterfowl. Loons have been showing encouraging signs of breeding successfully and bolunteers tally the number of loons and chicks living on the lake each season, as well as provide help with nesting locations. There are Mergansers and many other types of ducks, as well as Canada Geese and occasionally, flocks of trumpeter swans. Herons are plentiful all over the lake and you will see many standing in the water or on docks and rocky outcrops. The lake also has a number of Peregrine Falcons, Osprey and Bald Eagles. Owls are often seen at dusk in some areas.

See Some of the Charleston Lake Birds

In 2024, CLA engaged wildlife photographer Joshua Burch to equip our loon nesting rafts with remote cameras. This has allowed us to observe a loon family through its seasonal cycle. Please enjoy this video.

View Video

Photo Credit: Chris Kanters

Mammals

Among the many types of mammals: deer, coyotes, foxes, and smaller creatures such as porcupines, raccoons, and skunks can be spotted around the lake. Beavers, otters, muskrats, and mink are found in and around the water. Black bears are rare in the area, but can be seen from time-to-time.

Turtles

In and around Charleston Lake there are five species of turtles. They are Common snapping, Blanding’s, Midland painted, Northern map and Eastern musk turtle. With the exception of the Midland painted turtle, all of our turtles in Ontario are considered by the Province to be at risk, ranging from endangered to special concern. The painted turtle is assessed at the federal level as special concern.

Turtles of Charleston Lake

The lands and waters of Charleston Lake and the surrounding area are blessed with healthy ecosystems, wonderful views and an amazingly diverse representation of waterbodies, wetlands, geology and wildlife. Amongst the many species of animals supported by this landscape are a number of turtles. They inhabit Charleston Lake and surrounding wetlands and other lakes and even venture onto the adjacent land sometimes. They have been living in this landscape for millennia and are, by definition, your neighbours. It is time to be properly introduced.

There are five species of turtle in your neighbourhood. Some are very tied to the water, while others are a bit more mobile within the landscape. Some are inhabitants of larger waterbodies. Others are less fussy and will take up residence anywhere there is a healthy, water-based ecosystem such as a pond, wetland or even abandoned gravel pit or quarry. All but one of the five are considered by the Province to be a species at risk. The fifth is considered to be at risk by a national body. They all could use our understanding, compassion and help. Let’s start with the introductions.

1. Possibly the one most often seen by residents on the lake is the Northern Map Turtle, so called because the markings on the carapace (upper shell or ‘back’) resemble the contour lines on a topographic map. This is a turtle of larger lakes and rivers. They are often seen in the spring and summer basking in groups around the shore and islands of the lake on rocks, logs and deadheads. They are sensitive to water quality and the fact that they are in healthy numbers on Charleston Lake and associated aquatic ecosystems is a testament to the quality of these waters. The Map Turtle is probably the best swimmer of the five turtles in our area. It has large, webbed hind feet which propel it strongly through the water. As adults, females are much larger than males at nearly twice the size. Their diet consists of molluscs (clams, snails), crayfish and sometimes fish and invertebrates. The Northern Map Turtle is designated as a Special Concern Species.

2. Another species readily observed is the Midland Painted Turtle– often called a ‘painter’. A medium sized turtle, it is recognizable by the bright red markings along the margin of its shell and on its legs and lower neck. It will inhabit the shallower, quiet margins of larger lakes such as Charleston as well as smaller wetlands, streams, beaver ponds and even ditches. It is a bit of an omnivore – eating both plant and animal matter such as algae, insects, aquatic plants, fish and tadpoles. They prefer water with abundant, submerged vegetation. They too can be seen basking singly or in large numbers especially in the spring while waters are still cool. They can be seen basking with other species of turtles as good basking structures can be at a premium in some water bodies and wetlands. They tend to be less shy than our other turtles and are therefore spotted regularly while out boating, canoeing or hiking. While not considered to be a species at risk by the Province, the federal committee, COSEWIC, has determined this species to be of Special Concern.

3. Seen more often along a roadside than in the water is our largest turtle, the Snapping Turtle. Full grown it can reach 30-45 cm. and can weigh 16 kg. This is the one people often refer to as having a ‘mossy’ back. Because most of their time is spent in water the carapace supports a growth of algae giving it a greenish, ‘mossy’ look. A very aquatic turtle it is rarely seen basking except for early spring. The sight of one of these large turtles splayed out along a log or stump in what appears to be a purely blissful experience is an eyeful one does not forget readily. The Snapping Turtle has a very long tail with a number of triangular shaped scales that look like spikes on a dinosaur. They can be found in virtually all aquatic and wetland environments and prefer quiet, shallow waters with soft bottoms. You are most likely to see or encounter one when females are out along roadsides either trying to cross the road to reach suitable nesting habitat or attempting to lay her eggs in the gravelly substrate of the road shoulder. They are at high risk of being struck by a vehicle at these times and road mortality is one of the main threats to this and some of our other turtles. When out of the water the Snapping Turtle can be quite defensive. This is often interpreted as being aggressive but is simply a means of defense since the species has a very small plastron (lower shell) which does little to protect her from predation. When in the water the usual means of defense is to swim away to deeper water or get down into the muddy bottom. The Snapping Turtle eats both plant and animal matter and will even eat fresh carrion. This turtle is considered to be a species of Special Concern in Ontario.

4. Looking like a miniature Snapping Turtle is one of our smallest turtles, the Eastern Musk Turtle or ‘Stinkpot’. Both names refer to the strong odour it sometimes releases under stress. Although anyone who has handled a Snapping Turtle would consider a similar moniker to be applicable to it. The “Stinkpot” is full grown at about 9-12 cm or about 4”. This species also has a very small plastron, narrow carapace, two yellow lines along the side of its head and little fleshy protuberances or tubercles on the underside of its chin. It is a poor swimmer, getting about by walking along the bottom and foraging often at night for insects and molluscs. During the day it can be found basking in shallow, heavily vegetated waters just below the surface often resting on top of submerged vegetation and under cover of a lily pad. The Musk Turtle lays a small number (2-5) of eggs in a variety of substrates including decaying vegetation, muskrat lodges or “push-ups”, or bare soil or even in shallow crevices on granite bedrock. They are never far from water since the species is extremely prone to desiccation and can’t venture for any length of time away from its aquatic environment. Look for it in the weedy, shallow bays of Charleston Lake. A good way to meet one is to go snorkeling with a mask on a warm day in such an area – perhaps around your dock. Peering into the weeds while kayaking quietly, with a good pair of polarized sunglasses, might prove successful. The Eastern Musk Turtle was at one time considered a Threatened Species but was recently reassessed as a species of Special Concern.

5. With some exceptions, all of the above turtles spend the majority of their time in one water body and other than for the purposes of laying eggs rarely or infrequently venture onto land. The last of the five species found in and around Charleston Lake, the Blanding’s Turtle, is a bit different in that regard. Blanding’s Turtles are found in a number of wetland types. They can be found in marshes, fens and swamps. The preference is for shallow, heavily vegetated wetlands with soft, organic bottoms. They have been reported for some of the shallow bays of Charleston Lake and some of the surrounding wetlands. An interesting fact regarding this species is that it is capable of and often makes overland trips from one wetland to another in a given year or from year to year. Some individuals utilize several wetlands within a year on a regular basis travelling across the terrain to get from one to another or using connecting watercourses as travel corridors. They have been known to travel in excess of 5 km. This is a large turtle reaching carapace lengths of up to 25 cm or more. It has a highly domed carapace which has been likened to a baseball cap in outline or an old World War II German helmet. They have a bright yellow throat and chin and the mouth shape gives it a ‘permanent grin’ look. An extremely wary and shy species, the best way to get a peek at one is to haunt wetlands in April when the weather first starts to warm up and search stealthily with a pair of binoculars. Blanding’s Turtles are omnivorous eating frogs, crayfish, insects as well as plant material. The Blanding’s Turtle is considered a Threatened Species in Ontario.

There is a wealth of information regarding our turtles if you want to learn more about them, what things affect them and how you can help or be a good neighbour. A couple of good sources of information are: Ontario Nature at ontarionature.org, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry at ontario.ca, or Leeds Grenville Stewardship Council at lgstewardship.ca Written by: Shaun Thompson Leeds Grenville Stewardship Council
Turtle Rescue at Charleston Lake

In late July 2020, a large snapping turtle appeared on the beach at Peter and Judy Warren’s cottage on Webster Bay. The turtle was injured, with a large gash in his shell which looked as though he might have been hit by a propeller. He was not in good condition and, over the course of a couple of days, he stopped going in the water at all. He was clearly deteriorating, much to the concern of all the people who lived close by and could see this beautiful creature suffering.
To the rescue came Dwayne Struthers, a CLA Board member and Webster Bay resident. Dwayne decided to drive the turtle that evening to Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre, an animal rescue centre in Napanee. They assessed his condition which by then seemed very serious and made a decision to start a course of antibiotics. The experts at Sandy Pines were not sure that this would be successful, but were hopeful.
Two weeks later, on August 12, Sandy Pines called Dwayne with the good news that the turtle could be returned to Charleston Lake – he had responded very well to the antibiotics. Dwayne and his wife Nancy spent their wedding anniversary driving to Napanee to pick up the turtle. A small group of neighbours gathered, socially distanced to see his return to the lake on the Warren’s beach. It was very moving to see this big turtle enter the water and, after a couple of minutes, swim away and disappear. While he had been away in Napanee, another large turtle was seen swimming around the Warren’s dock on a number of occasions – perhaps this was his mate and they were reunited on his return.
Thanks to Dwayne and Sandy Pines, a valued long-time resident of the lake has lived to enjoy many more years. Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre.
How to Move a Snapping Turtle
Neighbourly Actions to Help Turtles

There are a number of neighbourly actions we can implement to help these species we share the lake with. There are a number of factors that have put these and other turtles in Ontario at risk. Some of these factors we can help with.

1. Road mortality. Possibly one of the most serious threats to many of Ontario’s turtles. What can you do? Be vigilant when driving particularly during the nesting season from late May to mid to late June. Watch for the turtles on the edge of, or crossing, the road. Slow down a bit along road stretches near wetlands, rivers and lakes. If you see a turtle attempting to cross a road you can assist it off the road to safety. Large snapping turtles can be challenging if not intimidating for most people but can be ushered gently (with considerable effort) in a safe direction with the help of a large stick. Smaller species can be handled with relative ease and safety by picking up by the rear margin of the carapace. Always consider the safety of yourself and other drivers before making this decision.

2. Water quality. The health of many of our turtles as well as other species in the ecosystem including us, are dependent upon clean and healthy water in their environment. Keep doing what you are doing in the Charleston Lake watershed. Engage in good practices and actions that keep our waters clean. Maintain natural shorelines. Avoid using chemicals and fertilizers that will affect water quality. Think about these sorts of things beyond just the scope of the lake but include this philosophy when conducting activities around wetlands and even surrounding lands. Everything winds up downstream eventually.

3. Habitat Loss. Draining of wetlands and removal of aquatic plants results in a direct loss of habitat not only for turtles but many species including fish and birds. It can also have major impacts on water quality of adjacent or downstream systems.

4. Maintain a natural shoreline. This provides habitat for foraging, basking, nesting and shelter for turtles and other fauna.

5. Keep an eye out for nesting turtles. If you have a turtle nest on your property, take note of where she nested and if possible avoid disturbing the site or permitting activities that would destroy the eggs through compaction other means. There are nest protectors that can be easily constructed and put into place to protect the eggs from predation by raccoons or other predators.

Photo Credit: Brenda Evers

Snapping turtle crossing road

Painted turtle laying eggs

Fish

Charleston Lake holds a mixed warm-and cold-water fishery, with both native lake trout and largemouth bass and smallmouth bass being the most sought-after species. Other species that can be found are: Northern Pike, Rock Bass, Yellow Perch, Pumpkinseed, Bluegill, Bowfin, Black Crappie, Brown Bullhead, Common Carp, Burbot, Lake Whitefish and Brook Trout.

Charleston Lake is in the MNR Fisheries Management Zone 18.

Please fish responsibility

For more info on fishing

Invasive / Undesirable Species Found at Charleston Lake

Zebra Muscles

Zebra mussels are an invasive species that has spread throughout the great lakes and most inland lakes in Ontario. These mussels cause damage to the lake ecosystem plus their sharp shells can easily cut bare feet. To further reduce the risk of introducing additional mussels to the lakes, boats, fishing gear, and other recreational equipment entering from a different water body should always be cleaned and inspected before entering the lake.

Water Soldier

Water Soldier is an invasive aquatic perennial plant. Red Horse Lake, an adjacent lake to Charleston Lake, does have water soldier and an intensive project by MNR to erradicate water solider was conducted in 2024. As part of this project, the team also assessed Charleston Lake and determined we do not have water solider.

Filamentous Green Algae

Filamentous Green algae are unicellular or multicellular and may form filaments that range fromseveral millimetres to a metre in length. They can be found free-floating in shallow water on the bottom near shore or attached to submerged objects like rocks. They are typically green in colour, but can vary in shade depending on age and nutrient content. Some species form colonies that appear as cottony clumps, while others form theady, sikly, slippery masses that are slimy to the touch.

Blooms usually occur in the spring after heavy runoff or in the summer following hot spells and may appear as clumps or dense mats that float on or just beneath the surface of the water. Blooms can be a nuisance as they may produce a grassy or unpleasant ordor and/or impede recreational activities.

Filamentous Green Algae

Blue Green Algae (Cyanobacteria)

Blue-green algae, also known as Cyanobacteria, are microscopic, plant-like organisms that occur naturally in lakes. Blue green algae thrives in areas where the water is shallow, slow moving and warm but may also be present in deeper, cooler water.

Populations of blue green algae can rapidly increase to form a large mass or scum, called a bloom. Blooms are most common in late summer or early fall but can also ocur in other seasons. Bloom development can be promoted by conditions such as: calm water, high temperatures and increase in nutrients such as phosphorus.

Blooms typically look like pea soup or spilt paint with a bluish or greenish colour. Fresh blooms often smell like freshly mowed grass, while older blooms may smell like rotting garbage.

Blue Green Algae

Blue Green Algae and Other Algae (article from Charleston Lake Newsletter)

Charleston Lake has had some short blooms of Blue-Green algae in the last couple of years. Webster Bay had one small bloom in September that lasted a few days. It was tested and confirmed to be Blue-Green. These blooms are toxic. People should not swim near them, animals should not drink water near them, and people should not source their drinking water supply from the immediate area. It is important to learn to identify it and be cautious. The Blue-Green algae is most notable in the matted form, but can also present itself as a scum or paint. It most often occurs in the fall in our lake type, in warm, calm water near the shores.

Charleston Lake is an oligotrophic lake and not considered a high nutrient lake, so in the past the blue-green blooms have been very infrequent. The recent increase in frequency is not just happening in our lake but is occurring more frequently in many similar lakes in Ontario. High phosphorous levels in the past have been thought to be the major cause. Phosphorous is still a big driver, but levels in our lake have been down from what they were 25 years ago. Scientist wrestling with this issue have started to look at some of the climate change affects. Higher water temperatures, generally calmer waters, shorter ice cover, and more intense storms with higher runoff are all things they think are contributing to the increase. This year the ice went out in early March, earlier than anyone can remember. It was only covering the lake for about 7 weeks, not the normal 3 or 4 months. Water temperatures were higher than usual from May to Oct.

What can we do knowing that climate change is unlikely to slow down anytime soon. The biggest thing we can do is focus on the nutrient loading and try to keep the phosphorous levels down. That means not fertilizing near the water or where runoff is likely to occur. It means improving our waterfront with natural plants so that runoff is better filtered. It means making sure our septic systems are in good working order. It means using no or low phosphate products where we can. Unfortunately, it also means learning to identify blue-green algae and take precautions when it is present. Fortunately, at this time in our lake the blooms are generally in the fall and of short duration. They break up with water agitation mostly from wind and weather changes.

There are some other algae that look a little bit similar to Blue-Green algae. In the last 15 years there has been more green filamentous algae that has bright green and sometimes bluish colour. This is a floating, fibrous, sometimes cloud-like algae that can be quite annoying but is not toxic on its own. In the matted, surface form it can accumulate some of the bacteria from other algae that in rare cases make it toxic. With the increased water clarity and temperatures in the last few years filamentous has become more frequent. The presence of Zebra mussels is an additional factor promoting its growth. These mussels tend to concentrate nutrients from open waters to the shore areas where the filamentous algae blooms occur. Best to avoid the matted surface versions. Also not to be confused with Blue-Green is the yellow-green pollen that occurs most heavily in the spring.

This summer the lake also experienced longer and more frequent periods of suspended particles in the water column. In September some open-water surface samples were tested and found to contain a number of different types of algae, none of which were deemed toxic or harmful to humans. It is suspected that the long periods of lake stratification and warmer waters and the intense storm runoff contributed to the increase in algae and particles.

There are some articles on our web site with pictures to help understand Blue-Green algae. Ontario has a site that addresses Blue-Green algae https://www.ontario.ca/page/blue-green-algae . including an on-line and hot-line number to report Blue-Green Algae. MOECP then confirms the presence and notifies the local health unit. The health unit decides whether or not the situation requires public notification and/or response. Please be aware and be cautious.

John Willson – with help from many sources