Your Guide to Ontario Conservation Areas

Rattlesnake Point

Binbrook

Your Guide toConservation Areas

In Ontario

www.ontarioconservationareas.ca

If you want to learn more about how youcan explore over 143,000 hectares ofgreen space, visit the OntarioConservation Areas Search website.Use this website to find a ConservationArea near you, search for events, find outwhich areas offer your favouriterecreation activities, and read storiesabout some of the best activities andnatural features the province has to offer.

Whether you want to enjoy a hikethrough the woods, take the familycamping, have a quiet picnic, or catchthe big one at a popular fishing spot,this search function will help you to findthe perfect Conservation Area for you.

Visit www.ontarioconservationareas.caand start your adventure today!

www.ontarioconservationareas.ca

Learn, Explore, Enjoy!Conservation Areas ONLINE Search tool

Follow us on Facebook & Twitterfor up-to-the-minute information on Conservation Area events and programming.

Sarnia London

Gu

dsor

Waterloo

B

Kitchener

B

Owen Sound

B

6

3

6

6

6

9

3

4

77

9

21

823

10

8

21

1

40

21

1

24

21

20

4

403

1

401402

401

Q

26

M

MAP 2MAP 2

MAP 1MAP 1

MAP 3MAP 3M

MAP 2

MAP 1

MAP 3

ichigan U.S.A.

Lake Erie

LakeHuron

Georgia Bay

Step Into Nature 3

Conservation Authorities 4

Healthy Environment Healthy People 5

MAP 1 7

Everyone lives Downstream 11

MAP 2 13

Caring for Your Land Its in Your Nature 17

Explore the Work Horses of our Watersheds 19

MAP 3 21

The Living Classroom 25

The Niagara Escarpment 27

MAP 4 & MAP 5 29

Oak Ridges Moraine 35

MAP 6 37

Geocaching 41

Species at Risk 42

MAP 7 43

MAP 8 47

Protecting Us From Flooding 51

Enjoy the Spectacular NORTH 52

MAP 9 & MAP 10 53

MAP 11 & MAP 12 57

Winter Fun 61

Childrens Water Festivals 63

75

17

17

565

550 550

Sault Ste. Marie

MAP 10MAP 10MAP 10

MAP 9MAP 9 Lake Superior

MAP 9ThunderBay

61

527

102

11 17

11 17

11 17

Table ofContents

MAP 1Ausable BayfieldCatfish CreekEssex RegionKettle CreekLower Thames ValleySt.Clair Region

MAP 2Grand RiverLong Point RegionUpper Thames River

MAP 3Grey SaubleMaitland ValleySaugeen

uelph

Oshawa

Barrie

Ottawa

Toronto

Orillia

Hamilton

Kingston

Cornwall

Pembroke

Brantford

Cambridge

Belleville

Brockville

Mississauga

Quinte West

Peterborough

Niagara Falls

Prince Edward

Lindsay

6 3

3

7

7

7

7 7

8

69

12

7

93

26

2

89

2

17

15

62

28

11

4

12

62

35

41

11

60 60 6060

41

60

41

15

28

41

33

3762

35

28

10

2

400

4

124

417417

115

401416

401

401

401

401

118

141

400

400

403

4QEW

17

MAP 8MAP 8

M

MAP 6MAP 6

MAP 5MAP 5

MAP 7MAP 7

MAP 4MAP 4

MAP 7MAP 7

MAP 8

MAP 6

MAP 5

MAP 7

MAP 4

MAP 7

New YorkU.S.A.

New YorkU.S.A.

Qubec

an

LakeOntario

Conservation Areas in Ontario

2

MAP 12Nickel DistrictMattagami Region

17

11

11

11

65

1769

101

144

1

101

144

Timmins

Sudbury

Elliot Lake

MAP 12MAP 12MAP 12

MAP 4Credit ValleyHaltonHamiltonNiagara Peninsula

MAP 5Lake Simcoe RegionNottawasaga ValleyToronto and Region

MAP 6Central Lake OntarioCrowe ValleyGanaraska RegionKawarthaLower TrentOtonabee

MAP 7Cataraqui RegionQuinte

MAP 8Mississippi ValleyRaisin RegionRideau ValleySouth Nation

MAP 9Lakehead Region

MAP 10Sault Ste. Marie Region

MAP 11North Bay-Mattawa

Most of our Conservation Areas boastperfect spaces for family friendly activitiessuch as hiking, picnicking, and fishing.Many also offer boating, sailing, canoeing,swimming, camping, and mountainbiking to their users.

There is never a dull moment at ourConservation Areas! They usually havepacked event calendars full of activitiesthat give you a great opportunity to learnsomething new about your naturalenvironment. Grab your friends andfamily and attend a water or maple syrupfestival, or visit a nature interpretivecentre to view great displays and hands-on activities.

Dont count yourself out for the coldwinter months! Many Conservation Areasare open year-round and offer full winter programming includingsnowshoeing, cross-country skiing,downhill skiing, and even ice-fishing.

Welcome to your guide to Ontarios morethan 250 Conservation Areas! OntariosConservation Areas are just steps awayfrom your front door and offer uniqueoutdoor experiences to millions of visitorseach year!

Conservation Areas are natural landsthat are owned and managed byOntarios 36 Conservation Authorities.Hidden within these natural gems arelakes, rivers, and streams as well aswetlands, sand dunes, beaches,waterfalls, caves, and forests - justwaiting to be explored.

3

www.ontarioconservationareas.caStep Into Nature and check us out!

Rock Glen

Bruces Caves

Step Into Nature

Massassauga

Massassauga

Conservation Authorities play a criticalrole in protecting the environment. In Ontario, the work of ConservationAuthorities began in the 1940s when the groups were established in order to manage the devastating flooding,erosion, and water supply problems thatplagued the province at that time.

Today, 36 Conservation Authoritiesacross the province protect theenvironment on a watershed basis.Because our land and water resources areconnected and impact each other,managing these resources on a watershedbasis is recognized worldwide as the bestway to protect our environment.

4

What is a Watershed?A watershed is an area of land that isdrained by a river and its tributaries. Thesein turn empty into a larger body of watersuch as the Great Lakes.

Think about a local creek or river close toyour house. Where does it start? What typesof landscape does it travel through, andwhere does the water end up? This area,from start to finish, is called a watershed.

It doesnt matter if youre from the city orthe country, everyone lives in a watershed.

Ontarios Conservation Authorities are oneof the most significant landowners in theprovince. Collectively they own and protectover 143,000 hectares of Conservation Arealand that contains natural features crucialfor a healthy environment.

Conservation Authorities

Each year, almost 5 million visitorsattend events, participate in programs,and enjoy Conservation Areas managedby Conservation Authorities.

Did You Know?Conservation Authorities managenatural resources on a watershed basis,recognizing that our environment isinterconnected.

Nearly 90 percent of Ontarios population lives in watersheds managed by Conservation Authorities.

Having a healthy environment isimportant to our well-being andquality of life. Healthy forests,lakes, and groundwater help toclean our air and ensure that wehave enough clean water to suitour needs.

Conservation Areas provide theperfect setting to enjoy theoutdoors while staying fit. Thereare recreation opportunitiesavailable for every fitness level, sowhether you want to take aleisurely stroll or you prefer higherintensity activities, Conservation

Areas have something for you! We offer activities such as hiking,biking, swimming, canoeing,sightseeing, and skiing.

The majority of our ConservationAreas are open from at least Mayuntil Thanksgiving, and many areopen year-round. The areas areoften conveniently located close tocities and towns and are very easyto access.

5

Healthy Environment

Hazelwood Lake

Glen Miller Crawford - Lookout

Hillman Marsh

Conservation Areas: aGrow healthy children aKeep older adults active

aBuild healthy communities

aProvide a living classroom

6

Healthy People

Valens Cataraqui Region

People of all ages can enjoy conservation areas!

Conestogo Lake

HR Frink

Ken Reid

Conservation Areas Map 1

Bear C

reek

Thames

River

St. C

lair

Rive

r

Black Cr

eek

Belle

Riv

er

De

troit Ri

ver

Little Bear Creek

McGreg

or Creek

Sydenham River

Lake Huron

Lake St Clair

3 77

40

21

20

402

401

2

3

79

21

20

22

Essex

Harrow

Forest

Sarnia

LaSalle

Wa

Tilbury

Dresden

Wyoming

Newbu

Chatham

Windsor Tecumseh

Bothwell

Blenheim

T

Petrolia

Bosanquet

Ridg

Al

Leamington

Kingsville

Colchester

Grand

Wallaceburg

Thamesville

Belle River

Amherstburg

Oil Springs

Point Edward

St. Clair Beach

W

MichiganU.S.A.

ST. CLAIRST. CLAIR REGION REGION

ESSEX ESSEX REGIONREGION

ST. CLAIR REGION

ESSEX REGION

1

4040 3939

3838

3737

3535

3232

3030

2727

2626

2222

2121

2020

19191818

1717

1616

1515

1414 1313

1212

1111

1010

40 39

38

37

35

32

30

27

26

22

21

20

1918

17

16

15

14 13

12

11

10

Warwick Kettle Creek

7

Tremblay Beach C.M. W

Big O

tter C

reek

North Thames River

Avon River

Ausable

River

Flat Creek

Parkhill Creek

Bayfield River

Eram

osa

Rive

r

Conestogo River

Reynolds Creek

Sydenh

am Ri

ver

Oxbo

w Cr

eek

Thames River

Big C

reek

Nith River

Gra

nd R

iver

Lake Erie

3

4

8

21

24

403

401

401

402

3

2

5981

53

86

59

59

73

119

Delhi

ParisLucan

ViennaDutton

Zurich

Simcoe

Exeter

Aylmer

London

atford

Belmont

ury

Hensall

Glencoe

Clinton

Mitchell

Highgate

Thedford

Bayfield Seaforth

Waterloo

getown

Milverton

lvinston

St. Marys

Strathroy

Ingersoll

Woodstock

Stratford

Kitchener

Cambridge

Brantfor

Dorchester

West Lorne

d Bend

St. Thomas

New Hamburg

Springfield

Ailsa Craig

Tillsonburg

Port Stanley Port Burwell

Wardsville

GRAND GRAND RIVERRIVER

UPPER UPPER THAMES THAMES

RIVERRIVER

LONG POINT LONG POINT REGIONREGION

AUSABLE AUSABLE BAYFIELDBAYFIELD

E

LOWER LOWER THAMES THAMES VALLEYVALLEY

KETTLEKETTLE CREEK CREEK

CATFISHCATFISH CREEK CREEK

GRAND RIVER

UPPER THAMES

RIVER

LONG POINT REGION

AUSABLE BAYFIELD

LOWER THAMES VALLEY

KETTLE CREEK

CATFISH CREEK99

8877

66

55

44

33

22

11

3636

3434

3333

3131

2929

2828

2525

2424

2323

9

87

6

5

4

3

2

1

36

34

33

31

29

28

25

24

23

8

This map is illustrative only. Do not rely on it as being a precise indicator of routes, locations of features, nor as a guide to navigation.

Published May 2011

2011, Conservation OntarioMap Produced in Co-Operation with the Province of Ontario and Conservation Ontario

1:935,000

Legend

11

Conservation Area

Regional Road

Provincial Highway

Conservation Authority Boundary

MAP 1: Ausable Bayfield, Catfish Creek, Essex Region, Kettle Creek, Lower Thames, St. Clair

10 0 105

Kilometres

Wilson

1

9

Conservation Areas Information 1For more information and directions to the conservation areas: www.ontarioconservationareas.ca

Conservation Authority

Conservation Area

Unique FeaturesArea #

1 Ausable River Cut CA

2 Bannockburn

3 Clinton

4 Morrison Dam

5 Parkhill

6 Rock Glen

7 Archie Coulter

8 Springwater

9 Yarmouth N.H.A.

10 Cedar Beach

11 Cedar Creek

12 Devonwood

13 Hilman Marsh

14 Holiday Beach

15 John R. Park Homestead

16 Kopegaron Woods

17 Maidstone

18 McAuliffe Woods

19 Ruscom Shores 20 Chrysler Canada Greenway 21 Tremblay Beach

22 White Sands

23 Dalewood

24 Lake Whittaker

25 Big Bend

26 Big O

27 C.M. Wilson

28 Dutton/Dunnwich

29 E.M. Warwick

30 Lighthouse

31 Longwoods Road

32 McGeachy Pond

33 Mosa Forest

34 Sharon Creek

35 Two Creeks

36 A.W. Campbell

37 Highland Glen

38 Lorne C. Henderson

39 Warwick

40 Wawanosh Wetlands

Hiking trails along Ausable River Cut. Fishing & Canoeing, Carolinian forestFall hiking, fishing, boardwalks, self-guided interpretive signage, marsh, river, forestWooded areas, river, hiking trails

Woodland, fishing, reservoir, hiking trails

Woodland, Tree species plantations, reservoir, 10km trails

Fossil beds, waterfalls, museum, accessible trails, Carolinian forest

4kms of trails, excellent location to view rare Carolinian flora and fauna

Rare large old growth Carolinian forest, sandy beach, 8.5km of trails

Herb Kebbel Wetland, 24 acres of wetland flora & fauna, 3 scenic trails

Sandy Lake Erie swimming beach

Carolinian forest, Provincially Significant Wetland, bald eagles, canoe access

Urban Carolinian Canada forest with 8 species of oak, over 4km of trails

Excellent spring birding & beach, visitor centre, 4.5km marsh trail

Fall migration of hawks, campground, three story viewing tower, trout pond

1840's classic revival home, farmstead & blacksmith's shop, wetland

Excellent spring birding and blooming wildflowers, Carolinian forest

Classic Carolinian forest

Carolinian forest

Provincially Significant Wetland and prairie habitat

Joins 25 natural areas, woodland, wetlands, prairie, 50km off-road trail

Excellent spring birding, new viewing tower, wetlands

1 km of sandy beach on a Detroit River Island

700 acres, part of Yarmouth Crown Game Preserve, supervised pool, reservoir

26-acre kettle lake, 400 acres of forest, wetlands, disc golf, supervised pool

Thames River, boat launch, floodplain lands, archaeology site, memorial forest

A southwestern Ontario birding "hotspot"Campground, memorial forest, woodlot, manmade pond, Childrens Safety VillageFloodplain land, fishing, day useRent main hall & 4 cabins, Lake Erie north shore, wooded ravine trail, day use, viewing tower Outlet of Thames River, 200yr old lighthouse, 1 of 3 oldest on Gr.Lakes, day useSka-Nah-Doht Village, group camp, pavilion, wetland,Carolinian Arboretum & Trails, outdoor ed Major migratory bird route,wetland, north shore Lake Erie,viewing tower

Major Carolinian forest,wetland

Reservoir, tallgrass prairie, walking trail, memorial forestMajor migratory bird route, memorial forest, wooded creek system, summer theatre, trailsSwimming pool, spring fed pond, playground equipment, woodlots

Lake Huron beach access, boat ramp

Swimming pool, playground equipment, wildlife ponds

Large well-treed campsites, swimming pool, playground equipment, wetland

Bird watching, memorial forest, wetland

AusableBayfield

CatfishCreek

EssexRegion

KettleCreek

LowerThamesValley

St.ClairRegion

10

C C F C B R C C C O C F O C F B C F O C O C O C O C B C C R B R B F B C F G B G C G G B E R C E R C E R C

Phone NumberAdmission Fee

Lake / River / Reservoir

Education / Interpretive

Heritage / Museum

Wheelchair A

ccessible

Facilities or Equipm

ent Rental

Picnic Facilities

Camping (regular or group)

Boating / Sailing / Paddling

Swimming / W

ater Sports

Hiking

Fishing

Sports Fields

Cycling Trails

Winter Facilities

Snowshoeing

Skiing

519-235-2610

519-235-2610

519-235-2610

519-235-2610

519-235-2610

519-235-2610

519-773-9037

519-773-9037

519-773-9037

519-776-5209

519-776-5209

519-776-5209

519-776-5209

519-736-3772

519-738-2029

519-776-5209

519-776-5209

519-776-5209

519-776-5209

519-776-5209

519-776-5209

519-776-5209

519-631-1009

519-269-3592

519-354-7310

519-354-7310

519-354-7310

519-354-7310

519-354-7310

519-354-7310

519-264-2420

519-354-7310

519-354-7310

519-264-2420

519-354-7310

519-847-5357

519-245-3710

519-882-2280

519-849-6770

519-245-3710

T=

Ter

rain

wh

eelc

hai

r ac

cess

F=

Faci

liti

es R

enta

ls /

E=E

quip

men

t R

enta

ls

C

=Cro

ss-C

oun

try

Skii

ng

/ D

= D

own

hil

l Ski

ing

G=

Gro

up

cam

pin

g, R

= R

egu

lar

C=

Cyc

lin

g / O

= O

ff R

oad

Cyc

lin

g T

rail

s

B

= B

oth

(all

cat

egor

ies)

Water is a very important part of oureveryday lives. No matter where you live,your water is affected not only by yourown actions, but by the actions of yourneighbours whether they are next door,across the province or around the world.

Our water can be threatened in two majorways-we can have water shortages or itcan become contaminated. And, its ouractivities that can make a difference. Wecan play a big role in protecting our waterby making sure that what we do in ourhomes and backyards is not harming thequality or supply of water.

Within the Conservation Areas, there area number of natural features that alsohelp keep our lands and water healthy.

Moraines and escarpments store our water underground and release it slowly back to the surface during the drier periods in the summer.

Woodlands intercept and store water during rainfalland snowfall. Water slowly seeps through the forest or meadow soils and down into the ground to replenish groundwater supplies.

Wetlands help to clean our water by filtering out contamination.

Although it seems like Canadahas a unlimited supply of water,this is simply not the case. Mostof the water we use is recycledthrough the natural water cycle.

11

Everyone Lives Downstream

The Water Cycle

Foley

12

Our water evaporates from earth, turnsinto precipitation, and falls back toland where it is absorbed by plants,settles in wetlands, lakes or rivers, or seeps through the soil underground.Some of it makes its way back to the surface where it evaporates andstarts all over.

If we take too much water out of thiscycle before it can replenish itself, we can have low water levels and water shortages.

Conservation Authorities help tomonitor our water resources, keepingan eye on current supplies and helpingcommunities to plan for future needs.

Do You Know Where Our Water Comes From?

Hillman Marsh

Durham

13

Maitland River

Grand River

Big Ott

er Cr

eek

North Thames River

Avon River

Ausable

River

M

Teeswater River

Pine River

Flat Creek

Parkhill Creek

Bayfield River

Eram

osa R

iver

Conestogo River

Nantic

Nine M

ile Ri

ver

South Maitland River

Reynolds Creek

South Saugeen River

Sydenh

am Ri

ver

Oxbo

w Cr

eek

Thames River

Middle Maitland River

Big C

reek

Nith River

Gra

nd R

iver

N.Pentagore River

Teesw

ater R

iver

L

Luther Lake

Lake Belwood

Puslinch Lake

4

2

59

86

81

53

24

86

59

59

73

124

109

119

6

6

3

8

9

9

3

4

21

8

23

21

24

403

401

401

402

Blyth

Zurich

Exeter

Durham

Drayton

Mildmay

Lucknow

Hensall

Wingham

Clinton

Clifford

Neustadt

ListowelBrussels

Bayfield Seaforth

Goderich

Harriston

Walkerton

Teeswater

Palmerston

Kincardine

Point Clark

Mount Forest

A

Dundalk

Sh

Elora

Paris

Arthur

Guelp

Waterloo

Kitchener

Cambridge

Brantford

New Hamburg

Grand Valle

Delhi

Lucan

ViennaDutton

Simcoe

Aylmer

London

Belmont

Glencoe

St. Marys

Strathroy

Ingersoll

Woodstock

Stratford

Dorchester

P

West Lorne

St. Thomas

Ailsa Craig

Tillsonburg

Port Stanley Port Burwell

Mitchell

Milverton


SAUGEENSAUGEEN

MAITLAND VALLEYMAITLAND VALLEY

UPPER UPPER THAMES THAMES

RIVERRIVER

LONG POINT LONG POINT REGIONREGION

AUSABLE AUSABLE BAYFIELDBAYFIELD

N

LOWER LOWER THAMES THAMES VALLEYVALLEY

KETTLEKETTLE CREEK CREEK

CATFISHCATFISH CREEK CREEK

GRAND RIVER

SAUGEEN

MAITLAND VALLEY

UPPER THAMES

RIVER

LONG POINT REGION

AUSABLE BAYFIELD

LOWER THAMES VALLEY

KETTLE CREEK

CATFISH CREEK

6565

6464

6363

6262

6161

6060

5858

5757

5656

555

5353

5252

5151

550

4949

4848

4747

4646

4545

4444

4242

4141

65

64

63

62

61

60

58

57

56

5

53

52

51

5

49

48

47

46

45

44

42

41


14

Welland River

Sixteen Mile Creek

Humber River

Boyne Rive

r

Welland Canal

McKenz

ie Creek

Holla

nd R

iver

Beav

erto

n Ri

ver

coke Creek

Niagara River

Baile

y Creek

Blac

k Riv

er

Niagara River

Credit River

Twenty Mile Creek

Nottawasa

ga R

iver

W. Duffins Creek

Tw

elve Mile Creek

Lake Erie

Lake Ontario

Lake Scugog

Lake Simcoe

L

4

56

5

20

20

50

6

12

89

10

401

403

QEW

AjaxBolton

Beeton

Whitby

MarkhamCaledon

Vaughan

Toronto

Uxbridge

Oakville

Brampton

Tottenham

King City

Cookstown

Claremont

Pickering

helburne

Port Perry

Georgetown

Bowmanville

Mississauga

New Tecumseth

Whitchurch-Stouffville

Acton

Brant

Pelham

ph

Lincoln

Grimsby

Welland

Thorold

Ancaster

Hamilton

Fort Erie

BurlingtonFlamborough

ey

Port Colborne

Niagara Falls

St. Catharines

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Cayuga

Dunnville

Port Dover

NIAGARA NIAGARA PENINSULAPENINSULA

TORONTO TORONTO and REGION and REGION

HAMILTONHAMILTON

HALTONHALTON

K

CREDITCREDITVALLEY VALLEY

G

NIAGARA PENINSULA

TORONTO and REGION

HAMILTON

HALTON

CREDITVALLEY

5959

5555

5454

050

4343

59

55

54

0

43

Backus Heritage Elora Quarry Fanshawe


Published May 2011


1:925,000

Legend

11

Conservation Area

Regional Road

Provincial Highway


MAP 2: Grand River, Long Point Region, Upper Thames River

8 0 84

Kilometres

2

15

Waterford North



Conservation Area


41 Belwood Lake

42 Brant

43 Byng Island

44 Cambridge - Paris Rail Trail

45 Conestogo Lake

46 Elora Cataract Trailway

47 Elora Gorge

48 Elora Quarry

49 Guelph Lake 50 Hamilton-Brantford Rail Trail 51 Laurel Creek

52 Luther Marsh

53 Pinehurst Lake

54 Rockwood

55 S.C. Johnson Trail

56 Shade's Mills

57 Backus Heritage

58 Deer Creek

59 Haldimand

60 Hay Creek

61 Norfolk

62 Waterford North

63 Fanshawe

64 Pittock

65 Wildwood

12km long lake with great boating and fishing

Surrounded on 3 sides by the historic Grand River, 1.5 acre swimming pool

Boat access to extensive Dunnville marshes, &Lake Erie, 2acre swimming pool

18km trail, Follows scenic Grand River through Carolinian forest,Trans Canada TrailExcellent for water sports and recreational boating

32km trail, connects Belwood to the historic villages of Fergus and Elora

Spectacular 70ft gorge, rapids and excellent fly fishing, river tubing

Pristine swimming hole surrounded by 40ft cliffs

Sailing and windsurfing heaven, great swimming, can hold major events.32km trail, Canada's first entirely off-road inter-urban trail, excellent hiking & cyclingPeace and quiet on the edge of Waterloo

The largest wetland complex in southern Ontario

A mature Carolinian forest covers most of the area

Towering limestone cliffs, caves, and large glacial potholes

11km trail, winds through Carolinian forest, linking Paris and Brantford

Large hardwood forest with trails

1798 Backhouse Mill, Heritage Village, Nature Centre, seasonal special events

80-acre reservoir with great fishing, canoe rentals, boat launch

Natural beach, Lake Erie shoreline

Carolinian forest, rural countryside location, nature trail

Family recreation park, beach volleyball court, Lake Erie shoreline

3 freshwater lakes on site with great fishing, canoe rentals, food concession650 campsites, reservoir, camper programs, trails, day use area, splash pad, canoe rentals250 campsites, boating, camper programs, trails, day use area, canoe rentals450 campsites, boating, camper programs, 30 km hiking/biking trails, day use area, canoe rentals

GrandRiver

LongPoint

Region

UpperThames

River

B C B B C B B B C C B B C C B B B B O C C B B C B B B C B B C B B F B B B F B F B B B B B B B B B T B B B

16

Elora Gorge Pittock




Heritage / Museum

Wheelchair A

ccessible


ent Rental

Picnic Facilities



Swimming / W

ater Sports

Hiking

Fishing

Sports Fields

Cycling Trails

Winter Facilities

Snowshoeing

Skiing

519-843-2979

519-752-2040

905-774-5755

519-442-4721

519-638-2873

519-843-2979

519-846-9742

519-843-2979

519-824-5061

519-752-2040

519-884-6620

519-928-2832

519-442-4721

519-856-9543

519-752-2040

519-621-3697

877-990-9932

877-990-9934

877-990-9938

519-842-4242

877-990-9937

877-990-9930

519-451-2800

519-539-5088

519-284-2931

T=

Ter

rain

wh

eelc

hai

r ac

cess

F=

Faci

liti

es R

enta

ls /

E=E

quip

men

t R

enta

ls

C

=Cro

ss-C

oun

try

Skii

ng

/ D

= D

own

hil

l Ski

ing

G=

Gro

up

cam

pin

g, R

= R

egu

lar

C=

Cyc

lin

g / O

= O

ff R

oad

Cyc

lin

g T

rail

s

B

= B

oth

(all

cat

egor

ies)

Everyones property has a unique mix ofbiodiversity: soil types, water features,plants, trees, and wildlife. You can protectand nurture your own backyardbiodiversity by creating bird andbutterflyfriendly gardens, protectingwetlands for frogs and toads, andplanting native trees and plants.Stewardship is all about being a goodneighbour to nature!

All across Ontario, ConservationAuthorities are involved in projects thatmonitor, protect, and restore ourwatersheds, ensuring a healthier homefor wildlife and people.

The kinds of programs that we can helpyou plug into include private landstewardship, clean water programs,source protection, agricultural bestmanagement practices, and tree planting.To find your Conservation Authority andtheir stewardship programs, visitConservation Ontarios website:

www.conservationontario.ca.

What is biodiversity?

Biodiversity is all living things. It is therich mix of ecosystems and species thatmake up our natural world. Biodiversityis important because it provides us withclean air and water; helps to battlepollution; prevents flooding and erosion;provides important economic andrecreational services; and providesincomes which we benefit from every day.

17

Caring for Your Land Its in Your Nature

Community Planting

Conservation Authorities can help you be a good neighbour.

Durham

Why Are Trees Important?

As our communities grow, we often lose trees.Healthy forests are important because they:

provide a home for other plants and wildlife help to combat climate change by

absorbing carbon dioxide

help to clean our water control flooding and erosion provide great recreational opportunities

such as hiking and bird watching

Interesting Tree Spotting

The Mount Nemo Conservation Area just north of Burlington has one of the best cliff ecosystems on Ontarios Niagara Escarpment. Crevice caves and thousand year old ancient cedars can be seen all along the meandering cliff-edge trails.

The Ganaraska Forest is the largest forest in Southern Ontario and is located an hours drive northeast of Toronto. It offers numerous hiking, skiing and mountain biking trails.

Conservation Authorities plant over 2 million trees a year together with landowners and other partners.

18

Terra Cotta

French Wetland - Testing

Field Work

OHara Mill Pioneer Village

Springwater

Wetlands are very important for a healthyenvironment. Wetland plants such ascattails naturally filter contaminantsfrom our water. They help to absorb extrawater during floods or extreme rainfalland they store our water, graduallyreleasing it back into the water cycle.Wetlands also provide an importanthome for many birds, fish, and wildlife.

In Ontario, we have lost up to 70 percentof our wetlands, mostly from southernOntario, and we cant afford to lose more.Fortunately, through the ConservationAuthorities Act (1946), ConservationAuthorities regulate activities that couldinterfere with Ontarios wetlands.

A rich mix of plants, fish, and wildlife live in wetlandsvisit one and see for yourself!

Visit a Wetland Want to see nature at work? Wetlandsprovide the best opportunity. Whenvisiting a wetland expect to see birds,wildlife, reptiles, amphibians, and afascinating and seemingly endless varietyof bug-life.

Many of the wetlands found in ourConservation Areas are featured in aspecial guide called Down at the Pond.To view this guide online or to order abrochure, please visit www.downatthepond.ca.

19

Explore the Work Horses of our Watersheds

20

Hillman Marsh (Essex Region Conservation Authority) Sifton Bog (Upper Thames River Conservation Authority) Valens (Hamilton Conservation Authority) Minesing Wetlands (Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority) Ken Reid (Kawartha Conservation) Lynde Shores (Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority) Mac Johnson W.A. (Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority) Marks Bay (Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority) Laurier Woods (North Bay - Mattawa Conservation Authority)

Some of Our Wetlands You Can Visit

Christie LakeHillman Marsh

Depot Lakes

HR Frink

McGeachie

21


Maitland River

Saugeen River

Teeswater River

Pine River

Bayfield River

Sauble River

Nine M

ile R

iver

South Maitland River

Middle Maitland River

North Saugeen

R

N.Pentagore River

Teesw

ater R

iver

Lake Huron

Boat Lake

ArranLake

IsaacLake

SkyLake Berford Lake

Mountai

Spry Lake

Chesley Lake

4

86

6

9

9

21

8

21

Blyth

Lucknow

Wingham

Clinton

LBrussels

Bayfield Seaforth

Goderich

Point Clark

G

Tara

Paisley

Mildma

Chesle

Hanove

Tiverton

Neusta

Hepwort

Walkerton

Teeswater

Port Elgin

Kincardine

Southampton

Shallow L

Saugeen Shores

Sauble Beach

Wiarton

SAUGEENSAUGEEN

MAITLAMAITLAND VALLE VALLEY

N

SAUGEEN

G

MAITLA VALLE

8484

8383

8080

7979

7777

7676

75757474

7373

84

83

80

79

77

76

7574

73Naftels Creek Durham Brucedale

22

Grand River

Sixtee

Humber River

Boyne Riv

er

r

Beav

er R

iver

River

Bighea

d River

Conestogo River

Rocky Sa

uge

en R

iver

South Saugeen River

Baile

y Creek

Credit River

Nottawasa

ga R

iver

Gra

nd R

iver

Rive

r

Sydenham

Nottawasaga River

Mad River

Georgian Bay

Nottawasaga Bay

Six Mile Lake

Luther Lake

Lake S

Eugenia Lake

Lake Belwood

Orr Lake

in Lake

Francis Lake

4

92

50

24

86

124

1096

6

93

26

23

26

10

89

10

400

400

403

Elora

Acton

Guelph

Drayton

Caledon

Listowel

Harriston

Milverton

Georgetown

Palmerston

Grand Valley

Durham

ay

Dundalk

ey

Meaford

er

Clifford

adt

th

Thornbury

Flesherton

Chatsworth

Collingwood

Mount Forest

Lake

Blue Mountains

Owen Sound

Markdale

Bolton

Beeton

BarrieStayner

Elmvale

Midland

Creemore

Brampton

Coldwater

Tottenham

Cookstown

Shelburne

Waubaushene

Wasaga Beach

New Tecumseth

Penetanguishene


NSAUGEEN

GREY SAUBLEGREY SAUBLE

M ANDMAITLAND EY VALLEY

NOTTAWASAGANOTTAWASAGA VALLEY VALLEY

CONSERVATION CONSERVATION HALTONHALTON

GRAND RIVER

N

GREY SAUBLE

AND EY

NOTTAWASAGA VALLEY

CONSERVATION HALTON

8282

8181

7878

7272 7171

7070

6969

68686767

6666

82

81

78

72 71

70

69

6867

66


Published May 2011


1:800,000

Legend

11

Conservation Area

Regional Road

Provincial Highway


MAP 3: Grey Sauble, Maitland Valley, Saugeen

7 0 73.5

Kilometres

3


23

Saugeen BluffsEugenia Falls

Caves carved by post glacial lake wave action, Bruce Trail, Niagara Escarpment

Ontario Hydro power site established 1915, historic plaques, 30m high falls

Beaver River flows through 25m rock gorge, unique ferns & mosses

Sand beach, change rooms, trails, Georgian Bay shoreline

15m horseshoe-shaped waterfall, ball diamond, tennis courts, rugged hiking trails

18m waterfall, Niagara Escarpment, historic mill site

Jones Falls a 12m waterfall, Niagara Escarpment, Bruce Trail

Ruins of historical estate, spiral stairs to Georgian Bay, Niagara Escarpment, BruceTrail

Lower Maitland River valley, low waterfalls, special events, excellent fishing, trails

Mixed forest, mature cedar lowlands, extensive trail system, scenic Naftels Creek

Scenic river frontage, hiking trails, fishing pond, seasonal camping only

Diverse natural habitats, Belgrave Creek, nature centre facility, seasonal programs, trails

Upland forest on Horseshoe Moraine, over 160 ha hardwood forest, 12km oftrails

Lake Huron, sand beach

Mouth of Saugeen River, dam and fishway

Exposed bedrock and waterfall

87 ha of hardwood forest, springfed streams & fen, 8 kms of trails

Scenic bluff look-out over Saugeen River, 100 ha mature sugar bush along the river

Mixed forest adjacent Lake Huron shoreline, 39 ha forest along the lake, 6 km of trails

66 Bruces Caves

67 Eugenia Falls

68 Feversham Gorge

69 Hibou

70 Indian Falls

71 Inglis Falls 72 Pottawatomi /Jones Falls 73 Spirit Rock

74 Falls Reserve

75 Naftel's Creek

76 Wawanosh Park

77 Wawanosh Valley

78 Allan Park

79 Brucedale

80 Denny's Dam

81 Durham

82 Sulphur Spring

83 Saugeen Bluffs

84 Stoney Island

GreySauble

MaitlandValley

Saugeen


Conservation Area


C C C F C F C F C C C F B C C F B C B C O C R R B B B C F C B B B C O C

24

Inglis FallsBruces Caves

519-376-3076

519-376-3076

519-376-3076

519-376-3076

519-376-3076

519-376-3076

519-376-3076

519-376-3076

519-524-6429

519-335-3557

519-524-6429

519-523-4788

519-364-1255

519-389-4516

519-364-1255

519-369-2074

519-364-1255

519-353-7206

519-364-1255




Heritage / Museum

Wheelchair A

ccessible


ent Rental

Picnic Facilities



Swimming / W

ater Sports

Hiking

Fishing

Sports Fields

Cycling Trails

Winter Facilities

Snowshoeing

Skiing

T=

Ter

rain

wh

eelc

hai

r ac

cess

F=

Faci

liti

es R

enta

ls /

E=E

quip

men

t R

enta

ls

C

=Cro

ss-C

oun

try

Skii

ng

/ D

= D

own

hil

l Ski

ing

G=

Gro

up

cam

pin

g, R

= R

egu

lar

C=

Cyc

lin

g / O

= O

ff R

oad

Cyc

lin

g T

rail

s

B

= B

oth

(all

cat

egor

ies)

25

The Living Classroom

Our Children are the Future

Grand River

Holiday Beach Lynde Shores

HR Frink

Conservation Areas are great placesfor outdoor recreation, where familiescan enjoy the wonders of nature. But didyou know that many of these areas arealso places of discovery, as the sitesof important environmental educationprograms?

Many children today are living in cities,and are disconnected from our naturalworld. For many, a visit to a local naturecentre for a formal, instructor-ledprogram is often their first encounterwith the wonders of our naturalenvironment.

Since today's students are tomorrow'sdecision makers, it is essential theyunderstand our relationship to theenvironment on which their healthyfuture depends.

It is for these reasons that ConservationAuthorities have been instrumental indelivering important outdoor educationopportunities to Ontarios students forthe past 30 years.

Conservation Authorities offer 64purpose-built outdoor education facilities- visited annually by more than 400,000students from 59 of Ontario's 72 DistrictSchool Boards.

For further information on programs at an outdoor education centre in your area, contact your localConservation Authority, or check out the Environmental Education section of the Conservation Ontario website at

www.conservationontario.ca

26

In learning, it is saidthat students retain

10% of what they read, 15% of what they hear, but85% of what they DO.

Toronto and Region

Do You Remember Your First Visit to an Outdoor Centre?

Kortright Centre for Conservation(Sustainable Living) Toronto & Region Conservation Authority

Mountsberg Conservation Area(Birds of Prey) Halton Conservation Authority

Foley Mountain Conservation Area(Childrens Nature Discovery Centre) Rideau Valley Conservation Authority

In Ontario, the Niagara Escarpment is a 725km rocky ridge a bit like a backbone - thatwinds its way from Niagara Falls, around thewestern tip of Lake Ontario, northwest toTobermory. It offers breathtaking views andwide vistas with a multitude of waterfalls.

Lots of outdoor activities are offered atConservation Areas that dot the Escarpmentincluding hiking, picnicking, bird-watching,nature photography, cross-country skiing,snowshoeing, and fishing.

27

The Niagara Escarpment

Tobermory

Niagara Falls

Kelso Glen Eden

Balls Falls

Grey Sauble: Photo by Don Miller

28

A World Biosphere Reserve

Hiking the BruceThe Bruce Trail, Canadas oldest and longestfootpath, is found all along the NiagaraEscarpment and provides the onlycontinuous public access to the Escarpment.This trail system is a mixture ofprivate and public lands managed by theBruce Trail Conservancy, a charitableorganization committed to protectingnatural ecosystems while providingenvironmentally responsible public access.

For information on the Conservancy andtrails, visit: brucetrail.org

Pottawatomi

Welland River

Sixteen Mile Creek

Humber River

Welland Canal

McKenzie

Creek

Eram

osa R

iver

Nanticoke Creek

Niagara River

Niagara River

Credit River

Twenty Mile Creek

W. Duffins Creek

Twelv

e Mile Creek

Lake Ontario

Lake Erie

Belwood

Puslinch Lake

63

3

8

10

2

401

403

4

QEW

2

50

5

24

56

5

5

20

20

FlamboroughFlamborough

MississaugaMississauga

Ajax

Acton

Brant

Pelham

Bolton

Milton

Simcoe

Guelph

MarkhamCaledon

Lincoln

Grimsby

Vaughan

Toronto

Welland

Thorold

Ancaster

Oakville

Hamilton

Brampton

Haldimand

King City

Claremont

Pickering

Fort ErieDunnville

mbridge

antford

Georgetown

BurlingtonFlamborough

Mississauga

M

Grand Valley Richmond Hill

Port Colborne

Niagara Falls

St. Catharines

Niagara-on-the-Lake

NIAGARA NIAGARA PENINSULAPENINSULA

TORONTO TORONTO AND REGION AND REGION

HAMILTONHAMILTON

HALTONHALTON

CREDIT VALLEY CREDIT VALLEY

CENTRAL LAKE CENTRAL LAKE ONTARIOONTARIO

G

NIAGARA PENINSULA

TORONTO AND REGION

HAMILTON

HALTON

CREDIT VALLEY

CENTRAL LAKE ONTARIO

New YorU.S.A.

9898

97979696

9595

9494

9393

9292

9191

90908989

8888

8787

86868585

124124

123123

122122

121121

120120

119119

118118

117117

116116

115115

114114

113113

112112

111111

110110

109109

108108

107107

106106105105104104

103103102102

101101

1001009999

98

9796

95

94

93

92

91

9089

88

87

8685

124

123

122

121

120

119

118

117

116

115

114

113

112

111

110

109

108

107

106105104

103102

101

10099

29

Elora Cataract Trailway Mount Nemo Belfountain



Published May 2011


1:630,000

Legend

11

Conservation Area

Regional Road

Provincial Highway


MAP 4: Credit Valley, Halton, Hamilton, Niagara Peninsula

5 0 52.5

Kilometres

4

30

Grand River

Humber River

Boyne Ri

ver

Holla

nd R

iver

Beav

erto

n Ri

ver

Baile

y Creek

Blac

k Riv

er

Credit River

Nottawasa

ga R

iver

W. Duffins Creek

Nottawasaga River

Mad River

LakeOntario

Georgian Bay

Nottawasaga Bay

LakeSimcoe

LakeCouchiching

ke

Canal Lake

Dalrymple Lake

Bass Lake

Lake Belwood

Orr Lake

4

92

50

4

46

24

8

124

1

12

93

26

2

89

12

10

400

401

400

Ajax

ra

Sutton

Bolton

Beeton

BarrieStayner

Elmvale

alk

MarkhamCaledon

Vaughan

Toronto

Orillia

Uxbridge

CreemoreInnisfil

Georgina

Brampton

Coldwater

Tottenham

King City

Cookstown

Claremont

Beaverton

bury

Woodville

Pickering

Shelburne

Por

Cannington

Collingwood

Grand Valley

Wasaga Beach

New Tecumseth

ns


Acton Georgetown

Mississauga

Bradford Newmarket


NOTTAWASAGA NOTTAWASAGA VALLEYVALLEY

LAKE SIMCOE LAKE SIMCOE REGION REGION

CREDITCREDIT VALLEY VALLEY

TORONTO TORONTO AND REGION AND REGION

GRAND RIVER

NOTTAWASAGA VALLEY

LAKE SIMCOE REGION

CREDIT VALLEY

TORONTO AND REGION

153153

152152

151151150150

148148

146146

145145

144144

143143

142142 140140

139139

138138

137137 136136 135135

134134

133133

132132

131131

130130129129128128

127127

126126

125125

141141

147147

153

152

151150

148

146

145

144

143

142 140

139

138

137 136 135

134

133

132

131

130129128

127

126

125

141

147

149149149

Black Creek Pioneer VillageGlen Haffy Fort Willow



Published May 2011


1:620,000

Legend

11

Conservation Area

Regional Road

Provincial Highway


MAP 5: Lake Simcoe Region, Nottawasaga Valley,Toronto and Region

6 0 63

Kilometres

5

31


Niagara Escarpment River Valley, suspension bridge, waterfall, cold water fishery,photography and filming47km year-round multi-use trail, non-motorized in summer. Links watersheds ofCredit and Grand Headwaters, reservoir, year-round fishing, Pike, Bass, panfish, accessible lakesidetrail, fishing derbyNiagara Escarpment, river/pond fishing for Trout and Bass, access to CaledonTrailway Black Creek, Niagara Escarpment outcrops, mature forests, Bruce Trail, heritagelime kilnsDiverse plant life, bird watching, hiking, heritage sites, access to Culham TrailLake Ontario shoreline, shingle bar beach, significant wetland, bird watching, boardwalk, lookoutsNiagara Escarpment, mature forest, wildlife, Bruce TrailNiagara Escarpment, hardwood forest, wetland, Bruce Trail, x-country ski rentals, pond skatingCredit River, cold water fishery, hiking trailNiagara Escarpment, meromictic lake, 15th century Iroquoian Village, interpretive programsNiagara Escarpment, waterfall and mill ruins, 16 Mile Creek, forest and wetlands

Niagara Escarpment, cliffs & slopes, beach, scenic views, camping, downhill skiing

Niagara Escarpment, cliff edge with scenic views, caves and crevices, ancient cedars

Raptor Centre, sugar bush, bison, playbarn, reservoir with lookout

Niagara Escarpment, cliff edge with scenic views, rock climbing, camping

Travels through natural areas from Hamilton to Caledonia, links Mount Albion

Niagara Escarpment, numerous wetlands and forests, trout ponds, dam, trails

Wetlands, paved rec. trail, Wild Waterworks, mini-golf, go-karts, restaurantsDevil's Punchbowl, Vinemount South Swamp, boardwalk, several lookouts & historic areasMeadows, forest, vistas, Carolinian Forest zone, waterfalls

Lakefront with beach, woodlots & fields, marina, boat launch, restaurant

Carolinian Forests, Dundas Valley, Grand River, links to Paris and Cambridge

Niagara Escarpment, drumlin field, Beverly Swamp, Fletcher Creek Swamp Forest

Niagara Escarpment, 2 gorges / waterfalls, spectacular views

Lake reservoir near headwaters of Spencer Creek, forested campground

35 historic buildings, pine/spruce plantation, unspoiled woodlands/meadows

Wave pool, tube slides, body slides, Eazy River and children's area, wetlandsNiagara Escarpment and Centre for Conservation- Gold LEED building, two cataracts, historical buildings, waterfallsNiagara Escarpment, beautiful views of valley, lookout for hawk migrationHeadwaters of Welland River, 391 hectare man-made lake, spray pad, swimming beach, pavilions and boat launch148 hectares, man-made lake, access to Welland River, pier fishing for disabled,serviced and unserviced campsitesOldest sugar maple tree in Canada (over 500 years), heritage site

3,000 feet of sandy shoreline along Lake Erie, serviced & unserviced campsites

Marshland, trails, migratory birds, located along old Welland CanalOnly cold water stream in the Niagara Peninsula, Bruce Trail, accessible boardwalk/piersBlack Creek, nature trails

Class 1 wetland, rare peatland community, endangered/ rare plants & wildlife

Class 1 wetland, unique fossil remains

Niagara Escarpment site, Bruce Trail access, unique flora/fauna

CreditValley

Halton

Hamilton

NiagaraPeninsula

85 Belfountain

86 Elora Cataract Trailway

87 Island Lake

88 Ken Whillans R.M.A.

89 Limehouse

90 Meadowvale

91 Rattray Marsh

92 Silver Creek

93 Terra Cotta

94 Upper Credit

95 Crawford Lake

96 Hilton Falls

97 Kelso/ Glen Eden

98 Mount Nemo

99 Mountsberg

100 Rattlesnake Point

101 Chippawa Trail

102 Christie Lake

103 Confederation Park

104 Dofasco 2000 Trail

105 Dundas Valley

106 Fifty Point 107 Hamilton to Brantford Rail Trail 108 Lafarge 2000 Trai 109 Spencer Gorge/ Webster's Falls 110 Valens 111 Westfield Heritage Village 112 Wild Waterworks

113 Ball's Falls

114 Beamer Memorial

115 Binbrook

116 Chippawa Creek

117 Comfort Maple

118 Long Beach

119 Mud Lake

120 St. Johns

121 Stevensville

122 Wainfleet Bog

123 Wainfleet Wetlands

124 Woodend


Conservation Area


32

F C C B C C E C B C C C T B C E O C B B O D T F O C B C O C B C C B B B O C F B C F R C B C O C F C B B C C F B F G C T C B B R C F R C C C C

1-800-367-0890

1-800-367-0890

1-800-367-0890

1-800-367-0890

1-800-367-0890

1-800-367-0890

1-800-367-0890

1-800-367-0890

1-800-367-0890

1-800-367-0890

905-854-0234

905-854-0262

905-878-5011

905-854-0262

905-854-2276

905-854-0262

905-627-1233

905-628-3060

905-547-6141

905-627-1233

905-627-1233

905-525-2187

905-627-1233

905-525-2183

905-628-3060

905-525-2183

519-621-8851

905-561-2292

905-562-5235

905-788-3135

905-692-3228

905-386-6387

905-788-3135

905-899-3462

905-788-3135

905-788-3135

905-788-3135

905-788-3135

905-788-3135

905-788-3135




Heritage / Museum

Wheelchair A

ccessible


ent Rental

Picnic Facilities



Swimming / W

ater Sports

Hiking

Fishing

Sports Fields

Cycling Trails

Winter Facilities

Snowshoeing

Skiing

T=

Ter

rain

wh

eelc

hai

r ac

cess

F=

Faci

liti

es R

enta

ls /

E=E

quip

men

t R

enta

ls

C

=Cro

ss-C

oun

try

Skii

ng

/ D

= D

own

hil

l Ski

ing

G=

Gro

up

cam

pin

g, R

= R

egu

lar

C=

Cyc

lin

g / O

= O

ff R

oad

Cyc

lin

g T

rail

s

B

= B

oth

(all

cat

egor

ies)


Tiffin CentreMinesing Wetlands Thornton Bales

33

Holland River, Nokiidaa/Tom Taylor Trail

Holland River, wetlands, Nokiidaa Trail, historical site: locks, canal, swing bridge

Trails and boardwalk through forests and wetlands, off-leash dog park, Discovery Play GardenHolland River Valley, sugarbush, trails linking to Oak Ridges Trail

Rugged natural area along the Oak Ridge Moraine, Koffler-Bales Side Trail (ORT)

Wooded area, pond, birding, picnic pavilion, connected to York Region Forest

Lake Simcoe shoreline, sandy beach

Edenvale Moraine, site of historic Glengarry Landing, boat ramp, pavilion

Borders world renowned Minesing Wetlands, strategic military outpost during the War of 1812 Natural area, old growth cedars, Mad river

World-class wetland, many forest types, major waterfowl staging area

40 acre reservoir with dam, old growth cedarsScenic area,conifer plantation and hardwood forest, wild flowers, caves in limestone bluffsSupplies base flow to Mad, Saugeen, Grand, Beaver rivers, natural area

Niagara Escarpment, Bruce Trail, fish hatchery, environmental classroom

Educational learning centre, accessible trails, Syrup Festival, low ropes course, special events

Forested hiking trails on Oak Ridges Moraine, large resevoir, rich waterfowl

Large pond, old mill, water control structures, fish ladder, 20-acre pond

Caledon Hills, Humber River/ Centreville Creek, Bruce Trail, Pool & Splash Pad.

Restored buildings, water-powered grist mill, meeting rooms

Scenic Humber River Valley, 19 picnic areas, shelters, woodland trails

Claireville Dam & Reservoir, Hiking and Nature Viewing

Historic mill, maple syrup festival, driving range, swimming, picnic areasStocked trout ponds, tackle, no fishing license required, Niagara escarpment, Bruce TrailOnly campground within the city of Toronto, nestled on the banks of the Rouge River, adjacent to Rouge Park Fishing and boat rentals, no license required, swimming, picnic areas

Humber River, Claireville Reservoir, camping close to Toronto, good highway access

Humber River, sugarbush, large education centre, exhibits, many special events

Petticoat Creek, Lake Ontario, waterfront bluffs & trail, swimming pool & splash pad opening summer 2012

125 Mabel Davis

126 Rogers Reservoir

127 Scanlon Creek

128 Sheppard's Bush

129 Thornton Bales

130 Whitchurch

131 Willow Beach

132 Edenvale

133 Fort Willow

134 Glencairn

135 Minesing Wetlands

136 New Lowell

137 Nottawasaga Bluffs

138 Osprey Wetlands

139 Petun

140 Tiffin Centre

141 Tottenham

142 Utopia

143 Albion Hills 144 Black Creek Pioneer Village 145 Boyd

147 Clairville

146 Bruce's Mill

148 Glen Haffy

149 Glen Rouge Campground 150 Heart Lake 151 Indian Line Campground 152 Kortright Centre

153 Petticoat Creek

Lake SimcoeRegion

NottawasagaValley

Torontoand

Region


Conservation Area


B B F G B C F B F F G C F R C C O C F R O C F G O C F R C C C B B B C F F F B B B B F C F

Albion HillsKortright Centre

34

905-895-1281

905-895-1281

905-895-1281

905-895-1281

905-895-1281

905-895-1281

905-895-1281

705-728-4784

705-424-1479

705-424-1479

705-424-1479

705-424-2942

705-424-1479

705-424-1479

705-424-1479

705-424-1479

905-729-1260

705-424-1479

1-800-838-9921

416-736-1733

905-851-0575

1-800-304-9728

905-877-5531

905-584-2922

416-287-2267

905-846-2494

1-800-304-9728

905-832-2289

905-509-1534




Heritage / Museum

Wheelchair A

ccessible


ent Rental

Picnic Facilities



Swimming / W

ater Sports

Hiking

Fishing

Sports Fields

Cycling Trails

Winter Facilities

Snowshoeing

Skiing

T=

Ter

rain

wh

eelc

hai

r ac

cess

F=

Faci

liti

es R

enta

ls /

E=E

quip

men

t R

enta

ls

C

=Cro

ss-C

oun

try

Skii

ng

/ D

= D

own

hil

l Ski

ing

G=

Gro

up

cam

pin

g, R

= R

egu

lar

C=

Cyc

lin

g / O

= O

ff R

oad

Cyc

lin

g T

rail

s

B

= B

oth

(all

cat

egor

ies)

Tosoronti

MonoMono

CaCaledon

Mono

Ca

Located in central Ontario, the Morainestretches 160 km west to east, from theNiagara Escarpment to the Trent River.Beneath its rolling hills, clear lakes, andgreen river valleys, are hundreds of meters of glacially deposited sand andgravel. These sediments act as an idealfilter and storage container for a goodportion of Ontarios drinking water.

More Information: www.moraineforlife.org

Providing a hidden supply ofgroundwater, the Oak Ridges Moraine isa source for 65 streams and providesdrinking water to about 250,000 people.This unique natural feature runs acrossnine Conservation Authorities. A numberof Conservation Areas are located hereoffering many opportunities for you to explore the hills, lakes, rivers, wetlands, wildlife, forests, and plants ofthe Moraine.

35

Oak Ridges MORAINE

Ganaraska Forest

You can explore one of Ontarios most unique natural features The Oak Ridges Moraine (ORM)

Enniskillen

Conservation Authorities Moraine CoalitionTogether, nine Conservation Authoritiesown five per cent of the Moraine. Thismakes them responsible for the largestand most strategically located tracts ofland protecting the headwaters of the 65river systems originating on the Moraine.

These Conservation Areas include bothenvironmentally significant and publiclyaccessible recreation lands.

More Information: www.trca.on.ca/protect/conservation-authorities-moraine-coalition.dot

Long Sault

Rice Lake

Port Hope

Y O R KY O R K

T O R O N T OT O R O N T O

S I M C O ES I M C O E

P E E LP E E L

D U R H A MD U R H A M

N O R T H U M B E R L A N DN O R T H U M B E R L A N D

P E T E R B O R O U G HP E T E R B O R O U G H

K A W A R T H A K A W A R T H A L A K E SL A K E S

Trent HillsTrent HillsCavan-Cavan-

Millbrook-Millbrook- North North

Monaghan Monaghan

Adjala-Adjala-TosorontiTosoronti

Alnwick-Alnwick-HaldimandHaldimand

UxbridgeUxbridge

ScugogScugog

EastEastGwillimburyGwillimbury

CCramahe

HamiltonHamilton

NewNewTecumsethTecumseth

KingKing

Port HopePort Hope

ClaringtonClarington

Whitchurch-Whitchurch-StouffvilleStouffville

NewmarketNewmarket

OshawaOshawa

WhitbyWhitby

AuroraAurora

PickeringPickering

aledonCaledon

RichmondRichmondHillHill

MarkhamMarkham

VaughanVaughan

BramptonBrampton

CobourgCobourg

BrockBrockGeorginaGeorgina

BradfordBradfordWest West

GwillimburyGwillimbury

InnisfilInnisfil

EssaEssa

BarrieBarrie

HaltonHaltonHillsHills

MississaugaMississauga

AjaxAjax

Otonabee-Otonabee-South MonaghanSouth Monaghan

Rice L

ake

Rice L

ake

L a k e O n t a r i o

LakeSimcoe

Lake

Lake

Scug

ogSc

ugog

Lake

Scug

og

Rice L

ake

Trent HillsCavan-

Millbrook- North

Monaghan

Adjala-Tosoronti

Alnwick-Haldimand

Uxbridge

Scugog

EastGwillimbury

C

Hamilton

NewTecumseth

King

Port Hope

Clarington


Newmarket

Oshawa

Whitby

Aurora

Pickering

aledon

RichmondHill

Markham

Vaughan

Brampton

Cobourg

BrockGeorgina

BradfordWest

Gwillimbury

Innisfil

Essa

Barrie

HaltonHills

Mississauga

Ajax

Otonabee-South Monaghan

Y O R K

T O R O N T O

S I M C O E

P E E L

D U R H A M

N O R T H U M B E R L A N D

P E T E R B O R O U G H

K A W A R T H A L A K E S

Hiking the Trails on the ORMThe Oak Ridges Moraine Trail provides200 km of hiking trails. In the west, it links up with the Caledon Trailwaylocated near Palgrave and runs all the way to Gores Landing on Rice Lake in theeast. It is growing every year and manyparts of the trail are found withinConservation Areas.

Did You Know?Formation of the Moraine

The Oak Ridges Moraine wasformed about 12,000 years agoas the glaciers melted duringthe last ice age. It is made up of glacial deposits that act as a giant sponge absorbingrainwater and snowmelt, storingit deep underground and thenslowly releasing it throughsprings or other areas that feeda number of rivers and streams.

Photo by Telfer Wegg

Information CentresLocated in the middle of the largestforested area on the Oak Ridges Moraine,the Ganaraska Forest Centre is home tothe Eastern Oak Ridges MoraineInformation Centre.

The Centre provides a local informationhub and includes interactive displaysabout the geology of the moraine,educational videos, interpretive panelswith quick facts, take-away materialsincluding brochures for funding andtechnical assistance programs, as well as a resource library.

In the west, lies the second of two centresfunded by the Oak Ridges MoraineFoundation, the Oak Ridges Eco-Centerin Richmond Hill. Here visitors can findinformation about the Moraine, changingexhibits and displays, and a trailhead tothe Oak Ridges Moraine trail system andnear-by protected natural areas.

Check Out the Trails on the Moraine

Oak Ridges Trail Bruce Trail Ganaraska Trailwww.oakridgestrail.orgwww.ontariotrails.on.ca

36

37


Burn

t Riv

er

Bl

ack River

Head River

Pige

on R

iver

Beav

erto

n Ri

ver

Wilm

ot C

r.

Mis

siss

agua

Riv

er

ack R

iver

Indi

an R

iver

Gul

l Riv

er

W. D

uffins Creek

Ganaraska R.

Otonabe

e River

Nonq

uon

Ri

ver

LOnt

Lake Simcoe

Rice Lak

e

Pigeon Lake

Lake Scugog

Balsam Lake

S Lake

Lake Couchiching

LakeSturgeon

B

Chemong Lake

Lake

W

Gull Lake

Lake

Canal Lake

Eels Lake

E

Dalrymple Lake

Lake

Kahshe Lake

Cameron Lake

Head Lake

Lake

M

CrystalLake

Bob Lake

Shadow Lake

KatchewanookaLake

Miskwabi Lake

Ajax

Orono

ton

Omemee

Whitby Oshawa

Markham

Lindsay

Uxbridge

NewcastleClaremont

Beaverton

Millbrook

Big Cedar

Woodville

Pickering

Port Perry

Cannington

Bobcaygeon

Bowmanville

Gravenhurst

Peterborough

Fenelon Falls


Port Hope

KAWARTHAKAWARTHA

Q

OTONABEEOTONABEE

C

LAKE SIMCOE LAKE SIMCOE REGION REGION

GANARASKAGANARASKA

CENTRAL LAKE CENTRAL LAKE ONTARIOONTARIO

KAWARTHA

OTONABEE

LAKE SIMCOE REGION

GANARASKA

CENTRAL LAKE ONTARIO

7 7

12

11

12

35

7A

35

115

2

48

46

28

36

121

193193

192192

191191

190190

189189

177177

176176

175175

174174

172172

171171 170170166166

167167

168168

161161

160160

159159

158158

157157

156156

154154

169169

155155

173173

193

192

191

190

189

177

176

175

174

172

171 170166

167

168

161

160

159

158

157

156

154

169

155

173

Lynde Shores Gut Trenton Greenbelt Warsaw

38

Crowe River

Salm

on Ri

ver

Moira Rive

r

Trent R

iver

Eels

Cree

k

Cold C

reek

Skootamatta River

Black River

aketario

Stony Lake

Big Gull Lake

Jack Lake

West Lake

ChandosLake

East Lake

Kasshabog Lake

Crowe Lake

Skootamatta Lake

MoiraLake

Lingham Lake

Belmont Lake

Kashwakamak Lake

Limerick Lake

Round Lake

Paudash Lake

Upper Mazinaw

Lake

Stoco Lake

BeaverLake

Consecon Lake

Mississagagon Lake

Buckshot Lake

Tangamong Lake

LowerMazinaw

Lake

Tweed

Picton

Deloro

Trenton

Norwood

Cobourg

Stirling

Havelock

Bancroft

Hastings

Colborne

Deseronto

WellingtonBloomfield

Belleville

Campbellford

Frankford

QUINTE QUINTE

O

CROWE VALLEYCROWE VALLEY

L

AGANARASKA

LOWER TRENT LOWER TRENT

QUINTE QUINTE

QUINTE

CROWE VALLEY

A

LOWER TRENT

QUINTE

7

62

37

62

28

401

41

45

41

14

30

30

194194

188188

187187

186186

185185

184184

183183

182182

181181

180180

179179178178

165165

164164

163163

162162

194

188

187

186

185

184

183

182

181

180

179178

165

164

163

162


Published May 2011


MAP 6: Central Lake Ontario, Crowe Valley, Ganaraska,Kawartha, Lower Trent, Otonabee

4 0 42

Kilometres

1:700,000

Legend

11

Conservation Area

Regional Road

Provincial Highway


6



Conservation Area


CentralLake

Ontario

CroweValley

GanaraskaRegion

Kawartha

LowerTrent

Otonabee

Provincially Significant coastal wetlands on Lake Ontario, connects to waterfront trailEnjoy a 3km trail on the crest of the Oak Ridges Moraine. Roadside Parking OnlyHeadwaters of Bowmanville Creek, mixed forest, Oak Ridges Moraine, boardwalk, ponds, trailsProvincially Significant Wetland, mixed forest, fishing pond, 7.5 kms of trailsHeadwaters of Bowmanville Creek, mixed forest, 18 km trails, connects Oak Ridges TrailProvincially Significant coastal wetlands, Lake Ontario shoreline, connects toWaterfront TrailSpring maple syrup festival, 1.8 kms of hiking trails, connects to Oak Ridges Trail

Forested Soper Creek valley and 3kms of hiking trails

Limestone bedrock, caves, sink holes, rapids

Limestone bedrock river, caves, sink holes, rapids

Gorge, trails, scenic lookout

Breath taking scenic gorge, trails, lookoutOak Ridges Moraine, newly developed outdoor education centre, 100s of km ofmulti-use trails, first Canadian watershed to be studied, hardwood forestGanaraska River and wetland, interpretive and hiking trail, demonstration sites

Headwaters of Ganaraska River, Oak Ridges Moraine, spring fed pond

Ganaraska River, fish ladder

Oak Ridges Moraine, Rice Lake, class 2 wetlands, natural area ESA

Great view of Oak Ridges Moraine and Lake Ontario

Ganaraska River, natural area

Headwaters of East Cross Creek, Oak Ridges Moraine Natural Core AreaFleetwood Creek headwaters, lowland forests, meadows, steep valley slopes, scenic lookoutSturgeon Lake, beach, McLaren Creek Wetland, osprey nest, mix of forest and meadowMix of mature hardwood forests, open meadows, wetlands, riverPigeon River and Fleetwood Creek, wetland, veiw of Omemee Esker and Oak Ridges MoraineSite of one of the largest glacial erratics in North America

Access to Trent River shoreline, boat launch

Cold water stream, prairie remnants, oak savannah, bluebird population

View & access to Lake Ontario

Site of former grist mill, mill still standing, Squire Creek and wetlandProctor House Museum, mature maple/beech forest & cedar swamp, cold water streamDrumlin is one of the highest points in the area, scenic lookout tower

Woodland, stream, swamps on limestone plain, limestone quarry

Waterfront trail, access to Trent River shoreline, boat launch

Warkworth Flood Control Dam, Mill CreekCirca 1835 operational water-powered sawmill, woodworking tool collection, workshop, lumberProvincially significant wetland along Lakefield Trail; boardwalk, viewing tower

4km walking/cycling trail, part of Trans Canada Trail, through wetland/woodland

Provincially Significant Wetland, viewing tower, discovery trail

Sandy beach, picnic areas, boat launch, group camping, access to Chemong LakeAccess to Otonabee River (Trent-Severn Waterway), boat launch, sports fields, picnic areasHiking trails feature limestone caves, kettles, scenic lookout; family camping, comfort station

154 Bowmanville/ Westside Marshes155 Crow's Pass

156 Enniskillen

157 Heber Down

158 Long Sault

159 Lynde Shores

160 Purple Woods

161 Stephen's Gulch

162 Callaghan's Rapids

163 Crowe Bridge

164 Gut

165 McGeachie

166 Ganaraska Forest Centre167 Ganaraska Millennium

168 Garden Hill

169 Port Hope

170 Rice Lake

171 Richardson's Lookout

172 Sylvan Glen

173 Durham East Cross Forest174 Fleetwood Creek N.A.

175 Ken Reid

176 Pigeon River Headwaters177 Windy Ridge

178 Bleasdell Boulder

179 Glen Miller

180 Goodrich-Loomis

181 Haldimand

182 King's Mill

183 Proctor Park

184 Sager

185 Seymour

186 Trenton Greenbelt

187 Warkworth

188 Hope Mill

189 Imagine the Marsh

190 Jackson Creek Kiwanis Trail191 Miller Creek W.A.

192 Selwyn

193 Squirrel Creek

194 Warsaw Caves

C C F C F G C O C O F O C F O C O C F G B C O C O C O C F O C F C O C O T C C C B G C F B B C 40




Heritage / Museum

Wheelchair A

ccessible


ent Rental

Picnic Facilities



Swimming / W

ater Sports

Hiking

Fishing

Sports Fields

Cycling Trails

Winter Facilities

Snowshoeing

Skiing

T=

Ter

rain

wh

eelc

hai

r ac

cess

F=

Faci

liti

es R

enta

ls /

E=E

quip

men

t R

enta

ls

C

=Cro

ss-C

oun

try

Skii

ng

/ D

= D

own

hil

l Ski

ing

G=

Gro

up

cam

pin

g, R

= R

egu

lar

C=

Cyc

lin

g / O

= O

ff R

oad

Cyc

lin

g T

rail

s

B

= B

oth

(all

cat

egor

ies)

905-579-0411

905-579-0411

905-579-0411

905-579-0411

905-579-0411

905-579-0411

905-579-0411

905-579-0411

613-472-3137

705-653-1900

613-472-3137

613-472-3137

905-797-2721

905-885-8173

905-885-8173

905-885-8173

905-885-8173

905-885-8173

905-885-8173

705-328-2271

705-328-2771

705-328-2271

705-328-2271

705-328-2271

613-394-4829

613-394-4829

613-394-4829

613-394-4829

613-394-4829

613-394-4829

613-394-4829

613-394-4829

613-394-4829

613-394-4829

705-745-5791

705-745-5791

705-745-5791

705-745-5791

705-745-5791

705-295-6852

705-745-5791

GeocachingAre you looking for a new recreationactivity thats exciting and interesting for your whole family? Why not tryGeocaching?

Geocaching is a worldwide game of hideand seek that incorporates GPS (GlobalPositioning System) technology to helpparticipants hunt down hidden itemscalled caches. Sound complicated, or toohigh-tech? Its not! Handheld GPS devicesare easy to use, and geocaching can be doneanywhere even in Conservation Areas!

GETTING STARTEDGeocachers place a waterproof container(cache) in a hidden spot and mark theposition with their GPS device. Cachesalways contain a log book, and often havesimple and fun treasures such as charms,coins, CDs, or other objects. Then, theGeocacher posts the coordinates of thecache on the internet (geocaching.com)for others to find. If another Geocacheris interested in finding the cache, theyenter the coordinates into their own GPSdevice and head out in search of thecontainer. When they find the cache, theydate and sign the logbook with theiraccount name from Geocaching.com andmay exchange the treasure they find for anitem of their own. They then place thecontainer back into its hidden spot andlog their visit online.

GEOCACHING INCONSERVATION AREASSome Conservation Areas already offerprograms that support geocaching, andwe anticipate that as the activity becomesmore popular additional ConservationAreas will follow suit. Conservation Areastaff frequently find hidden caches oftreasures on our lands, and encouragevisitors to abide by a few simple rules inorder to protect the rare and delicateecology within these natural areas:

1. It is very important that geocachers get permission from the Conservation Authority before hiding a cache in order to make sure you are placing the cache in a safe place. The location must not be a risk to park visitors or cause ecological damage.

2. Caches should be hidden in natural crevices created by rocks, stumps & trees. They can be camouflaged to look like branches, stumps, squirrel & bird nests or birdhouses.

3. Directions to the cache must follow established trails. Do not hike off the trails.

4. Respect our environment. Practice Cache-In, Trash-Out methods by taking your trash out and collecting any litter you may see along the way.

For more information, visitwww.geocaching.com/or visit the Ontario Geocaching Associationwww.ontgeocaching.com/

South Nation

A healthy environment depends greatlyon having a rich mix of wild plants,animals, and habitats such as forests,wetlands, and meadows.

Unfortunately, many species become at risk which means that they are listed as extinct, extirpated, endangered,threatened, or special concern.

The greatest risk to our plants andwildlife are population growth, pollution,and climate change.

The battle for biodiversity will be won or lost in the backyards, farm fields, andgreen spaces of Ontario by caring peopleteaming up to give habitat a hand.

Conservation Authorities are alreadyworking with landowners and communitygroups to improve, restore, and securenatural habitat for species at risk.

42

Easy stewardship activities that you cando to improve natural habitats:

Plant more vegetation along streams, rivers, and lakes

Protect your wetland areas Restore streambanks to create healthy fish habitat

Plant living fencesFor more information on whatConservation Authorities are doing aboutSpecies at Risk, please visit our website

Species at RiskPhoto by Telfer Wegg

Blandings Turtle at Frink

Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake

Barn Owl

Monarch Butterfly

www.conservationontariospeciesatrisk.ca

43

Mississippi River

Sa

lmon

Rive

r

Crow

e Rive

r

Moira River

Trent R

iver

Cold C

reek

Napa

ne

e River

Skootamatta

River

Black River

Big Gull Lake

CrotchLake

West Lake

Sharb

East Lake

Crowe Lake

Skootamatta Lake

Moira Lake

Varty Lake

Lingham Lake

mont ake

Eag La

Kashwakamak Lake

CamdenLake

Limerick Lake

Upper Mazinaw

Lake

Stoco Lake

BeaverLake

Consecon Lake

Long Lake

Mississagagon Lake

Big Clear Lake

ong e

Fifth Depot Lake

7

62

41

33

37

62

4

401

1

14

30

4

41

Bath

Tweed

Picton

Deloro

Trenton

FrankfordDeseronto

WellingtonBloomfield

BellevilleQuinte West

Napanee

QUINTE QUINTE C

CROWECROWE VALLEY VALLEY

LOWER TRENT LOWER TRENT

QUINTE QUINTE

R

QUINTE

CROWE VALLEY

LOWER TRENT

QUINTE

216216

215215

214214

213213

212212 211211

210210

207207

208208

206206

205205

204204

203203202202

201201

216

215

214

213

212 211

210

207

208

206

205

204

203202

201


44

Rideau RiverTa

y Rive

r

Bolton

Creek

Mill

have

n Cre

ekCo

llins

C

reek

Bobs Lake

Big Rideau

Lake

Newboro Lake

Charleston Lake

ot Lake

Devil Lake

LoughboroughLake

Sand Lake

C

Buck Lake

Wolfe Lake

Upper Rideau Lake

Lower RideauLake

Otty Lake

Opinicon Lake

gle ake

K

Christie Lake

Bennett Lake

OtterLake

Lower Beverley Lake

C

Dalhousie Lake

Upper BeverleyLake

Black Lake

Desert Lake

Collins Lake

Sydenham Lake

Graham Lake

CanoeLake

Bass Lake

Lake

Lake Eloida

Irish Lake

Cranberry Lake

BellamysLake

LakeOntario

7

15

4

416

401

4

15

38

29

42

1

43

4

Perth

AthensNewboroWestport

Kingston

Gananoque

Merrickville

Brockville

RIDEAU VALLEYRIDEAU VALLEY

Q CATARAQUI CATARAQUI REGIONREGION

RIDEAU VALLEY

CATARAQUI REGION

New YorkU.S.A.

209209

200200

199199

198198

197197

196196

195195

209

200

199

198

197

196

195

Lyn ValleyLemoin Point OHara Mill


Published May 2011


1:650,000

Legend

11

Conservation Area

Regional Road

Provincial Highway


MAP 7: Cataraqui Region, Quinte

5 0 52.5

Kilometres

7

Sheffield Parrotts Bay


45


Conservation Area


195 Gould Lake

196 Lemoine Point

197 Little Cataraqui Creek

198 Lyn Valley

199 Mac Johnson W.A.

200 Parrott's Bay

201 H.R. Frink O.E.C.

202 O'Hara Mill Pioneer Village 203 Price

204 Quinte

205 Sheffield

Documents

Your Guide to Ontario Conservation Areas