South March Highlands Conservation Forest
South March Highlands Conservation Forest is a protected natural area on the western edge of Ottawa, offering dense mixed forest, rocky Canadian Shield outcroppings, and two expansive marshes that reflect sky and surrounding trees. The marshes are your best subjects, especially in early morning when mist rises off the water and the light is soft and directional; a wide angle lens works well for capturing reflections, while a longer focal length lets you isolate birds and wildlife along the reedy edges. The exposed Shield rock formations add texture and foreground interest, pairing nicely with the forest canopy above. Fall brings exceptional colour, turning the tree lines surrounding the marshes into walls of orange and red. Trails are well-maintained but can be muddy after rain, so wear appropriate footwear. Parking is available off Carleton Cunningham Road, and the area is quiet enough in the early hours to have compositions to yourself. (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada)
