Birding Mail - Ontario Birds - [Ontbirds] HSR: Holiday Beach Conservation Area (01 Sep 2010) 7 Raptors

"Holiday Beach Conservation Area was formerly a Provincial Park, but is now administered by the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA). It is strategically located at the extreme southwestern tip of southern Ontario.
The park is on the eastern end of a large freshwater estuary known as Big Creek. (Specifically the site is 1.1 miles south of the junction Highway 20 (old 18) and Essex Road 50, Town of Amherstburg)."

Species At Risk Stewardship Fund Projects 2010

"This year, Ontario is providing more than $3.6 million in funding for 113 projects to protect at-risk species and their habitat through the Species at Risk Stewardship Fund. The fund supports greater public involvement in a variety of species at risk protection and recovery activities."

Forgetting their disabilities for a while - Welland Tribune - Ontario, CA

"Ruigrok said the lessons offer students 'a way to participate in an activity that they might not be able to participate in otherwise. It builds a lot of confidence in a lot of these riders —huge confidence. It's hugely beneficial.'

Although it's called therapeutic riding, Ruigrok said it's not really a therapy.

It's essentially just recreational riding, geared towards riders with various disabilities.

'We're teaching these kids how to ride in whatever capacity they're able to,' she said."

For other riding programs like this check with the Ontairo Equestrian Federation. http://www.horse.on.ca/

OHS Canada - Ontario farmer, 67, crawls home to call for help after ATV rollover in field

OHS Canada - Ontario farmer, 67, crawls home to call for help after ATV rollover in field: "Police say a Peterborough-area farmer crawled about 300 metres to his home to call for help after an ATV accident.

The 67-year-old Smith Township man had been using his three-wheel ATV while working in his fields on Tuesday morning."

Even on private property you should ride safely - http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/atv-smart/

Ontario Cyclist Training | Ontario Cyclist

"Cycling training programs on climbing up a hill. This writer describes cycling up mountains in Europe although the techniques would work in Ontario as well if you are cycling up Blue Mountain or anywhere in the Halton Hills."

For other cycling tips and safe riding practices see: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-activities/cycling---roads-paths/bike-smart/

Rail Trail meeting brings new ideas - Haliburton Echo - Ontario, CA

Rail Trail meeting brings new ideas - Haliburton Echo - Ontario, CA: "Entitled Voice Your Vision, the meeting, a brainstorming session about the future of the controversial corridor stretching from Haliburton to Kinmount, was hosted by Pamela Marsales who, while she is the president of pedestrian group Friends of the Rail Trail, specified that she was conducting the meeting simply as a concerned member of the public.

In her opening remarks, Marsales told the 25 or so attendees that the oversight of the Rail Trail 'hasn't been a happy marriage' between the county and various user groups."

Outdoor Recreation | Ontario's West Coast

"River banks, golf courses, trail corridors, park paths and portions of the Maitland Trail: you’ll find your way to some of the best cross-country skiing in the region when you take a trek across the county with family and friends. Enjoy the trails – some are favourites of locals and are well travelled and some are gems waiting to be discovered after every snowfall. There are nearby provincial parks and conservation areas too, offering additional kilometers worth exploring. Some trails are cleared for convenience and to encourage you to enjoy a longer run."

Turn on Your Cameras and Tell Us What the Greenbelt Means to You - greenbelt's posterous

"Get on your hiking shoes, pump up your bike tires, get out your resuable bags and turn on your cameras. The Reel Greenbelt Video Competition is now OPEN.

The competition is a great opportunity to show the world what Ontario’s 1.8 million acres of protected ecosystems, clean water, agriculture and local food (just to name a few) means to you in your daily life. Selected finalists will get to share their story with great minds in environmental policy, protection and advocacy at at the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation’s International Greenbelts Conference, as the winning PSA's will be screened during the conference in March 2011."

For a list of trails in the GTA see: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trails-a-z/

A Brief History of Boys Summer Camps in Algonquin Park, Ontario Canada – ladies leather trousers – Diy Now

"Sure outdoor summer camps and wilderness summer camps sound very exciting! But isn’t there some risk involved? Right, there is risk involved when kids go out in to the deep waters on wild river canoeing or simple canoe adventures. There is risk involved when kids camp during wilderness canoe trips. That’s the reason we have a strong staff of 80 people who are highly trained and experienced in handling camping activities. Our counselors and guides are highly trained and carry certifications in first aid, life saving skills, and paddling. They also have the many years of camping and trip experiences in Camp Pathfinder."

Ganaraska trail, Ontario - Hammock Forums : Your Number One Hammock Community

"This section of trail starts at a boat launch for cottagers just north of Moore's Falls. I've hiked this section a few times but this is the second time I actually camped. The hike takes you over several beaver dams and around a couple of remote lakes.

The site I picked is located on top of a small bluff overlooking Sheldon lake. A well established fire pit was situated right near the edge and someone was kind enough(?) to leave a grill for cooking and there was already a pile of deadwood for my fire that night. I did get a chance to use my new folding saw from Lee Valley tools. It has a japanese style blade which went through the wood like a hot knife through butter.

After setting up my DIY blackbird clone, DIY UQ made from a JR Wally world bag, MEC scout tarp and summer sleeping bag I was ready to get all my camp chores finished. I went into the bush to get more wood ( there's that old adage that once you think you have enough wood, double it ). Plenty of standing dead birch and cedar trees to choose from. I filtered some water from the lake and put up my hammock chair."

Its a large trail system, for information on other links to the Ganaraska Trail see: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trails-a-z/ scroll to Ganaraska and see the 5 distinct listings

Huron Harvest Trail | Ontario's West Coast

"Many of the 2010 Huron Harvest Trail Members are farms and agri-businesses that either grow, prepare or provide farm fresh produce and food. From our popular country butchers to fresh from the oven bakeries to fish farms to maple products to berry farms to farm gate markets with a succulent variety of fresh produce – graze your way through the region and take the opportunity to visit some of our unique farms along the way."

Renaissance on the Rideau Canal

"At 5:45 a.m., the first few minutes of daylight are looking good out on Ontario's Rideau River. The pink and purple hues on the eastern horizon foretell a nice sunny summer day, as Gord pilots our little pontoon boat upstream from his private dock in Merrickville, southwest of Ottawa.

On our left is the Merrickville lock station, one of many such stations on the Rideau Canal linking Ottawa and Kingston that was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. Farther upstream, still on our left, we pass the Merrickville municipal beach, and up from there, a riverfront bird sanctuary."

For a full list of trails along the Rideau Canal see: http://www.ontariotrailsmap.com/ and search Rideau Canal Sub-Region

Riding in the Short Hills - Get Out Niagara!

"Most horse riders in southern Ontario have to be content with fields, small forests and back roads if they want to ride in the country. Many don’t even have their horse at a barn that’s close to nature. So the Short Hills Provincial Park is a little bit of horse riding heaven. (I apologize up front to bikers and hikers who can get annoyed by horse poop.).
Anyone who’s hiked or biked in there knows how beautiful it is. Within minutes you feel you’ve left the city far behind. I spend most of my riding time training my horse for dressage. Trail riding is not only fun for me but it’s a great break from routine for my horse, Dody."

For more horse trails in Ontario check out the Ontario Equestrian Federation and http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-activities/equestrian/

Algonquin Provincial Park River Canoe Ontario Canada

"As the sun disappears at sunset, the tranquility around the river becomes uncanny as this woman scours the banks for any signs of wildlife. The inside of the canoe is nearly empty except for a backpack and a rope making it easy for this woman to glide across the surface of the river amongst the beauty of Algonquin Provincial Park."

For a full range of canoeing options in Ontario, including Algonquin Park see: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-activities/canoeing-kayaking/

Burlington Bike Rentals :: Ontario Bike Guide

"Waterfront Trail Leisure Company offers Bike Rentals including Tandem Bikes. Other services include Group Cycling Fitness Programs, Indoor Cycling & more. in addition to a full menu Bistro offering Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner selections."

For information purposes only.

Bike lane decision troubling - St. Catharines Standard - Ontario, CA

"...council has clearly stated in its policies and vision for the city, cycling policy is there to encourage people to use their bikes as an alternative to cars. It is not about sport or hobbies, but about making it possible to get around town safely."

It's a sport with significant positive personal health and public environment benefits - a pillar of the Provincial Trails Strategy (2007), which communities don't enact because local councils don't usually get the necessary funds to do so.

Man hurt in ATV crash - Peterborough Examiner - Ontario, CA

"A 67-year-old man received non-life threatening injuries after his three-wheel ATV rolled on top of him Tuesday morning, Peterborough County OPP said."

Take a rider training course and avoid this type of incident. Before you ride check out http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/atv-smart/

Wasaga Beach Getaways | Travel Tips - USATODAY.com

"The Wasaga section of the Ganaraska Hiking covers 31 miles that include the sandy hills of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, and offers panoramic views of the Nottawasaga River. The trail system connects with sections in Smithdale and Glen Huron."

Be sure to check out all the trails in the area, see: http://www.ontariotrailsmap.com/ontariotrails.html#

Hiking Ontario

"Hiking Ontario trails whether you are briskly walking or leisurely enjoying the scenery is an excellent way to exercise and get back to nature.

Whether the Ontario hiking trails are multi-use trails for bikers, walkers, runners and even snowmobilers in the winter, or just for hikers there are a number of options in cottage country to choose from."

For a fuller range of hiking and walking opportunities in Ontario see: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-activities/hiking-walking/

Tour de Greenbelt Niagara

"Join this unique fresh air festival on wheels to explore the Greenbelt. Tour fees include: BBQ lunch, rest stop samples and tours, marshalled ride, Tour t-shirt & more."

Dr. Oz and Dr. Micheal Roizen - "more than diet, activity will change your cholesterol." http://ask.doctoroz.com/search?query=activity&topic=Healthy+Living