Showing posts with label Algonquin Provincial Park. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Algonquin Provincial Park. Show all posts

Thursday, August 4, 2016

Ontario Trail News - MNRF wants you to spend more time in Nature. And more about Ontario's Trails from Trailwise.

News Release

Ontario Launches Challenge to Spend More Time in Nature

Time Spent in Natural Settings Has Positive Impact on Mental and Physical Health

July 25, 2016 11:00 A.M.
The Ontario government and Ontario Parks are challenging people across the province to spend more time in nature and develop new healthy habits.
Inspired by the David Suzuki Foundation's 30x30 Challenge, the Ontario Parks 30x30 Nature Challenge encourages people to spend at least 30 minutes per day in nature for 30 days. This year's challenge begins in August. 
Spending time outside each day will help to form a beneficial new habit that supports a healthy lifestyle. Research shows that interacting with nature is good for both physical and mental health, from reducing stress and strengthening the immune system to reducing the risk of certain types of cancer and lowering blood pressure.
The 30x30 Nature Challenge doesn't have to take a lot of time and planning. Nature isn't that far away - there are provincial parks all across Ontario. But it's also right in your backyard. Green space can be as close as your neighbourhood park or garden. You can check out local trails and beaches, too - they may even lie along your daily route.
If you're looking for a change of scenery, the Ontario Parks locator tool makes it easy to find a provincial park nearby. Enjoy hiking, biking, paddling and lots of outdoor programmes.
Here are just some of the ways you can get outside for the 30x30 Challenge this August:
  • Bring your family to the Learn to Fish event at Balsam Lake.
  • Perfect your howl at Algonquin's wolf howls.
  • Take a guided ghost walk at Bronte Creek.
  • Learn some kayak basics at Frontenac.
  • Become a citizen scientist by participating in the Summer Loon Count at Killarney.
  • Go stargazing at Halfway Lake's Star Party, hosted by the Sudbury Astronomy Club.
Finding more time for nature is easy and it can really pay off when it comes to your health!

Quick Facts

  • There are more than 330 provincial parks in Ontario, perfect for fun and healthy activities.
  • Ontario Parks supports the link between a healthy environment and healthy society through Healthy Parks, Healthy People and the 30x30 Challenge.
  • The Healthy Parks Healthy People movement evolved from the international Health Parks, Healthy People Congress in 2010. Its goal is to maintain global momentum towards better understanding the links between nature and human health.
  • In 2015, Ontario’s provincial parks received more than 9.8 million visits from people around the world and brought in over $80 million in revenue, which supports jobs and businesses across the province.

Additional Resources

Quotes

Kathryn McGarry
“Spending time in one of Ontario’s beautiful provincial parks is a wonderful way to connect with nature and stay healthy. But there are also many natural settings in your own neighbourhood. I encourage all Ontarians to get out to any natural setting and to take up the 30x30 Nature challenge.”
Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry


How is Your Trails Committee Doing?

In the fall of 2015 the Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee endorsed the Ontario Trails Implementation Strategy. On of the action plan items was to assess and better understand how the province and the OTC could support Regional Trail Committees. 

Over the past 20 years communities have used RTC's to reduce conflict, find resources and advance trailsregional trail committees survey

TAKE THE SURVEY!

With over 50 committees operating throughout Ontario, many started or supported by the efforts of the OTC, we want to know how you are doing. We believe that trail committees bring the best people together to manage trails!
We also want to support your community work, recognize it and get supports for it. From members, local government and the province.

SHARE THE SURVEY!Please send the link to a committee, or a group that works on trails. If they don't have a process to manage trails we'll help get them started.

If you are a group that doesn't have a committee, or has one that could function better give the OTC a call. 613-484-1140
 

Partnerships always welcome at Ontario Trails!
ontario trails logoOur Partnership is just the beginning! We thank you for becoming a partner, here are some of the benefits that are now yours -
Great Benefits!
Access to insurance, trail insurance and other services from CAPRI.
Advocacy Information
Your voice in Toronto, in your town and city, and in Ottawa, representing you on issues that matter to you. Trail Legislation, Landowner Rights, Best Practices, Funding and Grant Programs.
Latest Information for Having Your Best Trail
Partners can access the latest information to learn more about healthy living, trail planning, trail protection and managing your trail. OTC members get access to E-newsletter and programs like the Trillium Trail Network.

ontario trails partnership benefits
Community Events & Services
Get involved with one of our 200+ partners across Ontario and join the many volunteers making a difference in your community. We'll promote and list your contribution at no charge.
Planning and Development
We'll get your community to support you! We'll get your community leaders to fund you. If we don't we'll assist in writing grants (for a fee) to get you the money you need to develop the trails you want.

ontario trails partnership benefits flyer
Trail Management Services
We'll help you develop a Regional Trails Council, Incorporate, we provide governance guidance and education to staff and volunteer. We'll help you define projects, secure funds, and we'll bring other knowledge experts in to assist you!
"Trailhead" Brand Conferences and Meetings
We'll help you plan, invite, secure and present, on your trails! Use the power of our network to bring experts to your community, where your leaders can learn about latest practices, trail successes and opportunities. - From 40-140 people, we bring media and marketing of your work home to you! Investment Required, OTC Earnings and Return on Revenue Offered.
PLUS! Award-winning WEBSITE Marketing
The Ontario Trails Council lists you, your trails, and your latest events, news about your work. Our award winning website gets people to Ontario Trails better - than just stand alone sites!

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Ontario Trails News - Trailwise, published each week, circulated to trails leaders all over Ontario

Trailwise July 28 2016


News Release


Ontario Launches Challenge to Spend More Time in Nature

Time Spent in Natural Settings Has Positive Impact on Mental and Physical Health

July 25, 2016 11:00 A.M.

The Ontario government and Ontario Parks are challenging people across the province to spend more time in nature and develop new healthy habits.
Inspired by the David Suzuki Foundation's 30x30 Challenge, the Ontario Parks 30x30 Nature Challenge encourages people to spend at least 30 minutes per day in nature for 30 days. This year's challenge begins in August. 
Spending time outside each day will help to form a beneficial new habit that supports a healthy lifestyle. Research shows that interacting with nature is good for both physical and mental health, from reducing stress and strengthening the immune system to reducing the risk of certain types of cancer and lowering blood pressure.
The 30x30 Nature Challenge doesn't have to take a lot of time and planning. Nature isn't that far away - there are provincial parks all across Ontario. But it's also right in your backyard. Green space can be as close as your neighbourhood park or garden. You can check out local trails and beaches, too - they may even lie along your daily route.
If you're looking for a change of scenery, the Ontario Parks locator tool makes it easy to find a provincial park nearby. Enjoy hiking, biking, paddling and lots of outdoor programmes.
Here are just some of the ways you can get outside for the 30x30 Challenge this August:
  • Bring your family to the Learn to Fish event at Balsam Lake.
  • Perfect your howl at Algonquin's wolf howls.
  • Take a guided ghost walk at Bronte Creek.
  • Learn some kayak basics at Frontenac.
  • Become a citizen scientist by participating in the Summer Loon Count at Killarney.
  • Go stargazing at Halfway Lake's Star Party, hosted by the Sudbury Astronomy Club.
Finding more time for nature is easy and it can really pay off when it comes to your health!

Quick Facts

  • There are more than 330 provincial parks in Ontario, perfect for fun and healthy activities.
  • Ontario Parks supports the link between a healthy environment and healthy society through Healthy Parks, Healthy People and the 30x30 Challenge.
  • The Healthy Parks Healthy People movement evolved from the international Health Parks, Healthy People Congress in 2010. Its goal is to maintain global momentum towards better understanding the links between nature and human health.
  • In 2015, Ontario’s provincial parks received more than 9.8 million visits from people around the world and brought in over $80 million in revenue, which supports jobs and businesses across the province.

Additional Resources

Quotes

Kathryn McGarry

“Spending time in one of Ontario’s beautiful provincial parks is a wonderful way to connect with nature and stay healthy. But there are also many natural settings in your own neighbourhood. I encourage all Ontarians to get out to any natural setting and to take up the 30x30 Nature challenge.”

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Ontario Trails News - News on fatbikes, from Trailhead North

Join Us at Trailhead North

From Trailhead North

The organizers of Trailhead North are pleased to announce a significant outcome expected from the two day symposium on trails taking place in Thunder Bay, April 17, 18 2015.

A fat bike etiquette. Fat bikes are those larger tire all season all terrain human powered bicycles that are emerging as a winter riding option for road cyclists and mountain bikers in the winter.

The Ontario Trails Council, the provincial trails association and co-organizer of the symposium was approached by the cycling community to come up with guidelines on use of fat bikes on trails.

"Fatbikes are becoming more and more popular, there are many cross country and other types of trails that fatbikers can use, but that aren;t necessarily designed for their use - we want to work with the FB community to develop and etiquette for users so they can expect and respect other users on trails," states Patrick Connor Executive Director of Ontario Trails Council.

Co-organizer, Kirsten Spence of Quercwood Consulting, adds, "Multi-use trails often have complicated numbers of people using a variety of equipment to do their recreation. This means bicycles now with fatbikes, snowmobiles, cross-country, snowshoers, winter hikers etc. So having an etiquette will educate all users what to expect and how to interact safely on recreational trails."

Through the Trailhead North development process the event has secured support from various groups and organizations. These included the City of Thunder Bay, The Active transportation Committee in the City, The Kinghorn Rail Trail, Trans Canada Trail through Path of the Paddle, City of Marathon Economic development - all of these groups want groups like OTC and Trailhead North to produce outcomes from meetings.

The creation of a fatbike committee will be such an outcome and should produce a guideline before the summer is out in time for the next riding season.

With a membership of over 200 organizations that stretches all over Ontario, including Trans Canada Trail, Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, and over 80,000 km of trails the OTC will carry this northern fatbike etiquette to all other Ontario trail communities.

Trailhead North is taking place April 17, 18 at the Nor'wester Best Western. More information can be found at trailheadnorth.com

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Ontario Trails News - Algonquin wildlife research station offers new programs for visitors

Headed to Algonquin? Find trails in the region through Ontario Trails

Happy New Year everyone, as promised please find attached our 2015 launch of our new Algonquin Wilderness Adventure program offered in partnership with the Algonquin Wildlife Research Station. This new and exciting program has been designed to allow visitors an exclusive opportunity to learn and participate in a variety of unique hands-on wilderness/wildlife adventures in the heart of Algonquin Park. Our one and two night adventures will have you staying at the Wildlife Research Station and exploring some of Algonquin's remote wilderness areas. Our 2015 Wilderness Schedule will be posted on the www.algonquinwrs.ca website on January 12 when we will be excepting reservations for the year. We are looking forward to a fantastic new year and hope that everyone joins or follows us on our 2015 Wildlife Adventures. 



Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Ontario Trails News - lots of seasonal events happening on trails!


Algonquin park hosts Haunted Halloween Weekend

Huntsville Forester
ALGONQUIN – There will be spooks and frights hidden in the woods of Algonquin Provincial Park this month.
Lee Pauzé, general manager of the Friends of Algonquin Park, said the annual Haunted Halloween Weekend descends on the park’s Mew Lake Campground from Friday, Oct. 24, to Saturday, Oct. 25.
The all-ages festivities include decorated campsites and trick or treating.
Friday night features an owl prowl “that is sure to be a hoot,” while Saturday features a guided tour of the park’s animal skeleton collection, pumpkin carving, creepy crawly spider wiener and ghostly marshmallow roasting, and a nighttime wolf howl.
There are competitions for spookiest campsite and best costume.
Participating campsites will have signs posted to indicate that they are Halloween-friendly trick-or-treating stops.
Pauzé said the frightful fun often distracts from whatever Mother Nature throws at the campers.
“The last few years the weather has been miserable, but people come out anyway,” said Pauzé. “All the staff dress up and the kids in the campground dress up, too.”
Visit the park’s website at algonquinpark.on.ca for more information.

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Ontario Trails created an event.
Ontario Trails's photo.
Saturday, October 25 at 11:00am
Be the first person to join

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Ontario Trails News - Photos from groups involved with Ontario Trails

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May still need some help in the future!
Just wait to see what we've been working on.... 
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Congratulations VTA and friends on your trail opening!
https://www.facebook.com/Saulteaux.Voyageur.Trail.Club
...then we officially re-opened the Voyageur Trail that takes one from Marathon to the mouth of the Pic River... before enjoying a world class dinner from Lakeview Bed and Breakfast's magnificent dining room overlooking the setting sun over the harbour at Marathon. What a fine, fine meeting weekend. Thanks to everyone in Marathon and Pic River First Nations who hosted us for this productive weekend!
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Ontario Trails shared Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit's photo.

Fit parks always include trails. Congratulations Chatham-Kent.
Kingston Park Fitpark had the official grand opening yesterday.
Photo: Kingston Park Fitpark had the official grand opening yesterday.
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Belfountain - great spot. Great coffee, great hikes.
https://www.facebook.com/BelfountainHigherGround
We count ourselves lucky on days like today. Adventurers use us as the start & end point of their escarpment hike & some of our favourite local musicians stop by & jam for a congregation of locals & tourists alike. You never know what you'll find when you stop at Higher Ground.
Photo: We count ourselves lucky on days like today. Adventurers use us as the start & end point of their escarpment hike & some of our favourite local musicians stop by & jam for a congregation of locals & tourists alike. You never know what you'll find when you stop at Higher Ground.

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Ontario Trails shared Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority's photo.
Thanks to our friends at Nottawasaga for sending out this photo. Still colour in the woods!
It may be one of the last weekends to see the spectacular fall colours on display at NVCA’s conservation areas!

Check out the trails at a park near you -http://www.nvca.on.ca/recreation/ConservationAreas
Photo: It may be one of the last weekends to see the spectacular fall colours on display at NVCA’s conservation areas!  Check out the trails at a park near you - http://www.nvca.on.ca/recreation/ConservationAreas


Thursday, October 9, 2014

Ontario Trails News - Trailwise

Weekly E-Bulletin of the Ontario Trails Council. The provincial trails association in Ontario. Week of October 9, 2014
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• Community Trail News  • Trail Events
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Ontario Trails News




Trails Education News
We have completed the complete program curriculum for the Algonquin College supported Ontario Trails Council Trail Skills and Education Program.

Over the summer we have added the three final modules: These three modules have been added to the already comprehensive program of Trail PlanningTrail Stewardship, and Trail Management.





















NEXT COURSE -
Oct. 2014



Be sure to sign up for one of these stimulating and challenging courses. Whether a staff or a volunteer you'll be surprised at what you learn, and how your trail knowledge will be enhanced.

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Ontario Trails News - lot's of outdoor videos on the OTC youtube channel!