Kawartha Conservation is hosting a series of community nature walks on mornings throughout the summer at local conservation areas in Kawartha Lakes and Durham Region.
The series begins with three nature walks at Ken Reid Conservation Area north of Lindsay.
“Tree Talk” on Tuesday, July 19th will be led by tree expert and nature enthusiast Dan Vandeloo, who will share easy tips and tricks to identify trees found throughout the conservation area — including hemlock, juniper, and white cedar — as well as fun tree facts participants can share with their family and friends.
On Wednesday, July 27th, “Wicked Wetlands” will sees nature guide Rebecca Pomeroy leading participants across the marsh boardwalk and along the edges of the McLaren Creek Wetland. The McLaren Creek Wetland is one of Ontario’s provincially significant wetlands, and is home to hundreds of bird, plant, bug, and fish species. Participants will learn about native plants and the function of wetlands, all while taking in the sights and sounds of nature.
During “The Forest Understory” on Thursday, August 4th, nature guide Jennifer Fedak will teach participants about the numerous plants that make up the forest understory and what their role is in the forest ecosystem.
On Tuesday, August 9th, tree expert and nature enthusiast Dan Vandeloo will present another “Tree Talk,” this time at Pigeon River Headwaters Conservation Area south of Janetville, again sharing easy tips and tricks to identify trees found throughout the conservation area — including eastern hemlock, red pine, and white cedar — as well as fun tree facts participants can share with their family and friends.
On Wednesday, August 17th, “Wander Windy Ridge Conservation Area” will feature nature guide Rebecca Pomeroy guiding participants along the trails of the conservation area southwest of Omemee, where they will explore grasslands, forests, and wetlands and learn about the various features and changing landscape of Windy Ridge. The hike will end with a stunning view of Pigeon River, the Oak Ridges Moraine, and rolling hills covered in trees.
On Thursday, August 25th, nature guide Jennifer Fedak will lead an “Invasive Species Hike” at Durham East Cross Forest south of Nestleton Station, explaining the difference between native, non-native, and invasive species and sharing the impacts of invasive species and what can be done to combat them.
All the nature walks begin at 9:30 a.m. and will move at a comfortable pace, taking 1-1/2 to 2 hours to complete. The walks will take place rain or shine, unless there are high winds or thunderstorms.
While the walks are suitable for all ages and physical activity levels, only Ken Reid Conservation Area has accessible trails and accessibility accommodations are available upon request. Visitors are reminded to wear closed-toed shoes and bring sunscreen, bug spray, water, and snacks if necessary.
“The community nature walks are a fantastic way to join friends, families, and others in a fun, educational hike in our local communities while learning more about the natural world around us,” say Kristie Virgoe, Kawartha Conservation’s director of stewardship and conservation lands, in a media release. “The community nature walks are led by our knowledgeable and passionate staff and each of these events is about providing a fun learning experience for participants at all ages and knowledge levels.”
Advance registration is required for each nature walk, with a cost of $10 per registrant. Visit calendar.kawarthaconservation.com to register.
