Showing posts with label Cootes Paradise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cootes Paradise. Show all posts

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Ontario Trails News - explore the Halton ECO-Park, it's got trails

Learn more about accessible trails, and how to promote them to all Ontarians

Dec 25, 2014 | Vote0   0

EcoPark's natural beauty only a hike away

Burlington Post
Smokey Hollow is one of my favourite hiking spots.
I came across it years ago in a book of maps of hiking trails in southern Ontario. It was a dot on a piece of paper on Mill Street just north of the Burlington border.
It turned out to be much more than just a dot.
The waterfall is arguably the premier attraction; Grindstone Creek cascades down a dramatic drop.
Once you descend several flights of natural and man-made stairs, the noise of traffic disappears and tranquility dominates.
It was here that I saw my first and only wild trillium to date.
Coincidentally, Smokey Hollow was one of the first spots the Burlington Post team consisting of photographer Eric Riehl and myself recently visited on a walking tour for our feature on the Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark System.
The walking tour idea was mine — any chance to trade in high heels for Sorel boots is welcome.
David Galbraith, longtime head of science at the Royal Botanical Garden, and John Hall, co-ordinator with the Hamilton Harbour Remedial Action Plan, served as our guides, taking us to stunning sites like the Grindstone Estuary marshlands, Kerncliff Park, Clappison Woods and Smokey Hollow.
As a nature lover, I had been to all these sites before, but the historical background and ecological significance shared by David and John elevated my understanding of why protecting these lands through the Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark System initiative is so important.
Smokey Hollow is an example of how an area can recover after human impact.
In the 19th century, Grindstone Creek was the site of industrial mills, which are now gone. The site has potential for further naturalization, as well as trail enhancements. The trail is particularly rich with wildflower species.
The Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark System, formally established in 2013, is a partnership between nine partner agencies. It encompasses approximately 9,000 acres of natural lands at the western end of Lake Ontario. Of that number, 4,700 acres are permanently protected while 4,300 acres are privately owned. Included in the 1,500 documented species of flora and fauna is more than 60 species at risk, including the endangered Jefferson salamander.
I encourage everyone to read my feature on the Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark System at http://bit.ly/1z1h4Woand experience these precious lands.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Ontario Trails News - Sled, Ski, Hike, Ride, or Paddle Ontario Trails

Peterborough man journeying to Wawa to mark 25th anniversary of ...
Peterborough Examiner
How hard was Montreal River Hill compared to the rest of Ontario... Hatfield, who lives in Peterborough, keeps in shape, partly, by walking 40 minutes to ...


Dam demolition closes Crooks' Hollow trails
Hamilton Spectator
Left alone, the sediment would harm the local ecosystem and quality of water flowing out of Spencer Creek into Cootes Paradise through to the harbour and then into Lake Ontario. “It's accumulated over the years so you don't want that stuff floating ...
See all stories on this topic »


Canada releases 2012 Mountain Bike Calendar
Cyclingnews.com
Québec will welcome four races, Ontario will play host to one cross country race, while Alberta and British Columbia will share the duties of hosting the Canada Cup finals. The Canada Cup is the series that has helped propelled Canada to the top of the ...
See all stories on this topic »


Chico Racing - 2012 Mountain Bike Schedule
Eastern Canada's LEADER in Sporting Events. Home · 2012 ...
chicoracing.com/2012-mountain-bike-schedule/


Del Bosco, Serwa win ski cross qualifying races
Globe and Mail
Del Bosco, of Montreal, Que., raced mountain bikes this summer and is hoping ... Nik Zoricic, ofToronto, Ont., was 36th, Whistler's Stan Rey was 49th and ...




Holiday Events on the Bruce Trail
A selection of public events offered over the holidays by each of the 9 Bruce Trail Clubs. All are welcome!
Follow the links to find event listings on each Club website.



Niagara:
President's Hike: New Year's Day
Jan. 1 2012, 10:00 a.m.

DeCew House, St Catharines
Beaver Valley:
Photography Snowshoe Hike at Eugenia Falls
Jan. 15 2012 1:00 p.m.
Terrain=Moderate; Speed=Leisurely
Meet at Eugenia United Church parking area on Canrobert Street in Eugenia for a 2-hour outing. Bring camera. Register with leader: Doug Galloway 519-599-2288
Iroquoia:
New Year's Day Hike
Jan. 1 2012, 1:30 p.m.
Royal Botanical Gardens, Arboretum, Nature Centre; Hamilton
Blue Mountains:Snowshoe Hike
Jan. 4 2012, 9:30 a.m
.
Pretty River Side Trail; Collingwood area
(pg. 10 in Hike Schedule link above)
Toronto:
Boxing Day and New Year's Day Urban WalksToronto Island & Leslie Street Spit; Toronto
Sydenham:
New Year's Day Hike - Potluck Party
Jan. 1 2012, 1:15 p.m. 

The Glen, Owen Sound area
Caledon Hills:
Christmas Tree SalesEvery Sat. & Sun. in December

10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Mono Mills; Proceeds to BTC
Peninsula:
Snowshoe Hike 
Jan. 7, 2012, 10:00 a.m.

Lion's Head area
Dufferin Hi-Land:
Winter Badge Hikes

Jan. 7 & 14, Feb. 4 & 11

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