Ontario Public Interest Research Group

"The Friends of the Ainslie Wood East Rail Trail invite you to come walk the trail with us next Tuesday April 20th at 7pm. Meet at the Hub, 109 Emerson Street. Contact: foawert@gmail.com"

� Toronto Island Sand Dune Management and Restoration Project | Councillor Pam McConnell

"The sand dunes at Hanlan’s Point and Ward’s Island on the Toronto Islands provide a unique example of freshwater coastal dunes with specialized plant communities that are uncommon in other areas of the western Lake Ontario shoreline.

The natural areas of Hanlan’s Point and Ward’s Island have been designated as Environmentally Significant Areas (ESAs) by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. The dunes and beaches provide physical protection of the shoreline against erosion. The vegetation cover of the dune structures protects the dunes from wind erosion, and traps and stores sand that is carried onshore by wind. This storage of sand reduces shoreline erosion and provides a source of sand to replenish lower beach areas during high water levels and storms."

Gearing Up: News and Tips about Cycling, Gear, Rides and the RONA MS Bike Tours in Ontario: A Little Planting Creates Big Results Over Time

"Fifteen years ago, when Noranda Forest was the national sponsor of the RONA MS Bike Tours, each participant received a 3-4 inch spruce tree sapling as a way of thanking riders and promoting a “green” planet.

Participants Laurent and his wife Paulette Thibault planted their saplings, and you can see how they have grown since 1995 into beautiful, special trees. As Laurent says, “they remind us that just like planting saplings can make big forests grow and enhance our environment, planting a few seeds by raising money for MS each year can produce big results over time.”

Be part of this story. Raise money to end MS by registering and fundraising for the RONA MS Bike Tours."

Volunteers target trails, parks - The Orillia Packet & Times - Ontario, CA

"The discouraging part is seeing how much trash litters certain areas of the city. What's encouraging is the number of youth who care enough to clean it up.

'Now we can start off the spring and summer with nice, clean trails,' Bob Bowles said after a community cleanup of the city's parks and trails Saturday morning."

ATV theft in Highlands East - Haliburton Echo - Ontario, CA

"On April 21, officers from the Bancroft detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police responded to the report of a break and enter on Redwood Lane in the municipality of Highlands East. Investigation revealed that a garage had been forcibly entered. A black Suzuki LTX ATV was reported stolen.

Search warrant executed"

Ontario Trails Conference welcomes world representatives

Trailhead Ontario going international! Confirms, more England, Scotland & Wales - participation in person or web. http://trailheadontario.ca

Cambridge Trail Study Underway: Take Part In Its Development Cambridge Ontario Politics / Government News on Cambridge Now!

"Blazing new pedestrian and bikeway trails in the City of Cambridge requires user input. A number of community consultation opportunities related to the development of the Cambridge trail system will happen as part of the multi-use trail study that recently kicked off.


A workshop, presentation and online/hard copy survey are among the tools that the team at the City of Cambridge , in consultation with the project consultants MHBC Planning and MTE consultants, will utilize to gather public input and ideas that will help grow the 54 km network in the city. The scenic urban and rural trails wind throughout the city and include 18 km along the Grand River , a Canadian Heritage river."

Naughton woman killed in ATV accident - The Sudbury Star - Ontario, CA

"A 40-year-old Naughton woman was killed in an all-terrain vehicle accident on a logging road in Hendrie Township, west of St. Charles, on Saturday about 4:30 p.m.

Ontario Provincial Police say Brenda Pushman was operating the ATV when it went out of control. The woman was flown to Sudbury Regional Hospital by air ambulance, but was pronounced dead there."

Riding's in her blood — PHOTO GALLERY - The North Bay Nugget - Ontario, CA

After 20 years of competitive pause, Erin Wickett-Duff finally got the urge to get back in the saddle.

All it took to climb back on was an empty nest and a little eavesdropping at her friend's store.


'Just school, family, career,' was the 40-year-old's explanation for leaving the sport, although she continued to ride casually throughout her 20s and a 'little bit' in her 30s before taking a eight-year riding hiatus altogether until this past winter. 'Everything got busy so just riding fell to the side. But my kids got older and my husband, although he's allergic, is supportive of me riding again — he's tired of me crying on his shoulder that I wasn't involved.'"

Paddler's Guide to Happy Camping | Nonquon Canoe Race - June 5th. - don't miss it. (outdoorsica.com)

"I was sent the information on the Nonquon Canoe Race, held June 5th. in Port Perry Ontario. It's a blast. Make sure to sign up if you can and have some fun. It's a great event."

The Best Dog Parks in Toronto

"The best dog parks in Toronto aren't necessarily the biggest or greenest - desirable criteria often attributed to the greatest of recreational spaces. For dog owners, spaces that are safe and accessible set the standard.

In identifying the diverse uses of Toronto's parks, city bylaw expects dogs to be leashed at all times, except in designated areas. But not all off-leash parks are created equal. Some spaces enforce time restrictions or outline unclear boundaries, while the very best parks cater to pets and people alike. Conveniences like washrooms, poop-bag dispensers, and seating can make walking Fido, well, a walk in the park."

Hike Hamilton Ontario - Be Happy | Hiking

"The city of Hamilton sits in the centre of the Horseshoe and wraps around the left edge of lake Ontario, in close quarters with Burlington. There are some stunning, world class treasures to be found in the vast network of…"

For all GTA and SW Ontario trails be sure to check out: http://ontariotrails.on.ca

This hill was made for hiking - Collingwood Enterprise Bulletin - Ontario, CA

"This outing added new meaning to feeling like it was uphill both ways.

The Georgian Triangle Hikers is a Facebook-based group of outdoors enthusiasts who meet once or twice a week in the local area, primarily centred on Blue Mountain.

Intriguingly for such a group, more than 90% of its active members are women.


That's a far cry from the wide-s p re a d perception that such activities appeal primarily to men.
Don't be fooled for a second, though, into thinking that such a membership means they will take it easy on you. Most of the core group is heavily into fitness, having met at a 'boot camp' run by local trainer Sara Heipel of Good Energy"

St. Lawrence Seaway teeming with adventure | Ontario | Travel | Toronto Sun

"Tourism operators along Ontario’s leg of the St. Lawrence Seaway are expecting their riverside towns to draw more visitors this year as people open their wallets for a post-recession summer break.

The small towns dotted from Kingston to Cornwall along the St. Lawrence have long been popular for those looking to spend time on the water or wander historic streets. Last year, though, they took a hit as domestic tourism spending dropped four per cent from 2008."

Separated Bike Lanes: Changing the Downtown Paradigm for Transportation in Toronto � Third Wave Cycling Blog

"Just earlier this week and despite vocal opposition from a handful of politicians and residents, Toronto Public Works Committee councillors approved a summer pilot for separated bike lanes on University Avenue, a major 8-lane arterial road in middle of downtown Toronto. Yes, it is 8 lanes wide. Final approval should occur at the Toronto City Council meeting on May 11 and 12."

There are many, relatively safer than roads - in park cycling and trail options, please use http://ontariotrails.on.ca

Organizers want a'mini adventure' - The Daily Observer - Ontario, CA

"Since discovering the Renfrew County forest walking trails off Government Road near Beachburg a couple of years ago, they have been riding there and have also taken students from their Outdoor Adventure and Outdoor Adventure Naturalist classes at Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley to the site to enjoy the natural resource and work on trail improvements. They have actually added about five kilo-metres of trail to the network, Mr. Shillington noted."

Trail cleanup this Sunday - The Barrie Examiner - Ontario, CA

"The Simcoe County Off Road Riders Association is holding its spring cleanup event on Sunday.

Bring the whole family to help tidy up a section of trail in the Hendrie Tract of the Simcoe County forest. Garbage bags will be provided.

This is also a great way for high school students to earn some volunteers hours. Students can get their forms signed at the end of the day."

Caching in for a bit of fun - The Cornwall Standard Freeholder - Ontario, CA

"South Nation Conservation is participating in a high-tech treasure hunt Saturday near Winchester that will double as a trash cleanup.

On April 24 at Cass Bridge Conservation Area off Hwy. 31, the Geocachers of Eastern Ontario will unveil a series of new hidden caches in the area, each one officially logged on the website www.geocaching.com."

ONTARIO MEDICAL ASSOCIATION | "Rock the Walk" Toronto Trails Festival is set to launch from Sunday April 25th to Saturday June 5th

The 8th annual Toronto Trails Festival is set to present it's FREE 7 week walking festival. The Festival will cover the entire city from the enchanting ravines to wondrous Lakeshore vistas that give life to Toronto and are open to all participant levels, from beginner to advanced.

Our mission is to inspire Torontonians to take charge of their personal & environmental wellness through walking, said Tom Fiore, Festival Director. One of our Special Features this spring will include the participation of world-renowned environmentalist/nature painter Robert Bateman.

NEW Trail Interface shows location of Ontario's trails like NEVER before

Ontario Trails Council announces the most dynamic trail locating interface for the largest number of trails and uses in Ontario. This world class portal lets the user and seeker of trail knowledge research our database of trails like never before.

This leading edge interface has captured the comprehensive nature of Ontario's trails while allowing the trail-finder to work with what they already know to learn more about trails.

Two ways to get where you want to go, use the link above to take you to a sample page, or go to: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trails-a-z/

Choose a trail, then go to GPS, and WOW! Ontario - Yours to Discover! Select by trail, region, activity, group activities in a region, select by town, see the trails in your town, as you move the map, trails appear and the list moves with you. Thanks to the Team at Context Creative, Wilson Santos, the MNR and MHP and all the folks that helped, fund, edit, gather and put the data together!

Remember add your trails! http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/customWork/otcTrailForm.cfm