The Outdoors Adventures club of Owen Sound will be hosting a walk for the public on a woodlands walking trail developed by club members which is located on Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy lands in Georgian Bluffs. The event takes place on Sunday afternoon, October 6th at 1:00 p.m.
The trail spans just over 2 km. in length and encompasses a diverse forest habitat. “It’s not a difficult trail to negotiate,” said Arnie Clark, President of the Outdoors Adventures group. “The idea for the trail came about when our group met with EBC directors who encourage the development of walking trails on lands under EBC ownership or management,” he added.
Following EBC approval, trail clearing commenced and wildlife habitat improvement projects were started. The trail was officially opened in May 2018 with several local dignitaries in attendance.
Maintenance has continued by OA members and has included generous help from the teaching staff and students at St. Mary’s High School.
The trail, which was named after the late Doug Wardell, a founding OA member, features several interpretive signs along its course, a wildlife feeding area, wildlife habitat structures, a variety of nesting boxes, two bridge crossings over Springer’s Creek and trail seating. OA members have also carried out shrub & tree plantings on the site that benefit wildlife species, and have started fisheries habitat work in the creek.
The property is home to a variety of bird and wildlife species such as wild turkey, pileated woodpeckers, ruffed grouse, whitetail deer, fox , northern flying squirrels and fisher. Springer’s Creek, a tributary watercourse to the Sydenham River, crosses the length of the property.
Trail entrance is approximately 2 km. south of Stonewyck Estates (formerly Lincoln Park) on Concession 3, Derby Township (now Georgian Bluffs). A Doug Wardell Memorial Walking Trail entrance sign is located on the west side of the Concession Road.
Complimentary refreshments and treats will be available for walking participants taking part in the October 6th event.
For more information, contact 519-371-1152.
www.outdoorsadventures.ca
source: media release
