Step into Nature at a Conservation Area this Winter
As the seasonal torch is passed from autumn to winter, the impending snowy weather is an opportunity to explore select Conservation Areas across South Nation Conservation’s (SNC) 4,441 km2 watershed jurisdiction that remain open for year-round enjoyment.
Traditionally SNC would close seasonal parks following the Thanksgiving weekend but opted to extend access into November to accommodate the continued increased use and great weather.
Residents can continue to step into nature at Areas maintained by SNC for winter use:
W.E Burton and J. Henry Tweed in Russell, Two Creeks Forest and Robert Graham Forest in South Dundas, Warwick Forest in North Stormont, and the Oschmann Forest in North Dundas.
SNC also has agreements in place with municipal partners to groom other trails and parks this winter, including Nokomis Park in Limoges and the Russell Recreational Trail.
“Over 30 kilometers of local trails will be maintained for winter fun this year,” says John Mesman, SNC’s Community Lands and Outreach Lead. “Our family and pet-friendly Conservation Areas are accessible free of charge, and the trails are great for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, walking, and hiking.”
To respect trail users and to ensure the protection of ecologically significant public land, people and their pets are reminded to stay on marked, maintained trails, and dogs are not permitted to be off leash. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on any SNC Land.
“We do kindly ask our visitors to continue to be respectful of other park users and facilities, and to properly dispose of garbage” he added.
In preparation for winter, SNC has removed docks from waterfront properties and will be closing river access sites. SNC also advises that residents should be careful while on rivers as water levels naturally rise and flows increase at this time of year, and to avoid boating near water control structures as safety booms have been removed for the winter.
SNC owns and manages over 12,000 acres of public natural spaces across its jurisdiction in Eastern Ontario, including its fifteen public Conservation Areas. Plan your next outdoor winter adventure at a Conservation Arear near you by visiting www.nation.ca/recreation.
For more information: Shannon Gutoskie, Communications Specialist, 1-877-984-2948, sgutoskie@nation.on.ca.
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