Activity along the Maitland Trail proves that spring is being enjoyed in our area. Last Monday and Tuesday, 23 hikers from the Caledon Chapter of the Bruce Trail Association tackled the most challenging sections with vigour and enthusiasm. These hikers, ranging from late 50s to well into the 70s, hike together every Tuesday all year, and twice a year go further afield for a two day ‘B&B hike’. Each year many such groups, large and small, arrive in our area, attracted by the reputation that the Maitland Trail is a great place to hike.
The MTA is sponsoring Hike Ontario's one day Standard Hike Leader Certification Course on Saturday, May 3rd, from 9 a.m. till 4 p.m., at the Wawanosh Nature Centre. It provides training for those who want to know how to lead groups on one-day outdoor hikes with maximum safety and confidence. Instructor Wendy Hoernig is a Hike Ontario certified Hike Leader Instructor. Those wishing to take part should notify Wendy (524-6976 or wennig@hurontel.on.ca) as soon as possible.
On Sunday May 3rd, you will want to come to the 3rd annual Spring Hike, Plant and Compost sale in the lovely Maitland Woods, and the adjacent parking lot of the Knights of Columbus Hall on Parsons Court, Goderich.
This is a great opportunity to donate your excess plants to a worthy cause, and to pick up interesting new plants and bags of super compost; both will enrich your own garden. This year we’re adding a new aspect to the day with a “Gear Swap”. If you have a new backpack but your old one is still good, bring it along to swap for something else! Or, if you don’t have anything to swap, purchase at amazingly low prices. As well, guided family hikes (easy- suitable for all ages) will be offered, setting out at 1:00 and 1:30 pm. Participants can fill in an easy "I Spy Nature" card while you hike and enter it in the draw for prizes.
For more information, call Sue Chan, 524-2804 or Wendy Hoernig. Proceeds of the sale go to the Maitland Conservation Authority (which includes the John Hindmarsh Environmental Trust Fund) and help fund important educational and environmental projects such as the Wawanosh Nature Centre, Yellow Fish Road Storm Drain Program and Dune Grass Replanting project.
It has been top-notch weather… so get out and enjoy it… on foot. Happy hiking/walking.
Saturday April 26 .
WILDFLOWER WALK at Jenkins to Morris Tract - 11 a.m.
A close look at the mysterious world of wild flowers! This will be a leisurely walk (3-4 hours) so bring your lunch and water. Contact John Hazlitt at 524-5927 or Leslie Bald at 291-3407 to find out where we’ll meet. Rain date: Sunday April 27 at 1 p.m.
RIVERLINE to AUBURN - 9:30 a.m.
If anyone would like a vigorous hike (3 ? - 4 hours) along this section as well as having a chance to get to meet like-minded hikers from the Lambton area, phone David Druiett 519-869-2864. They say the hike is Moderate, but they keep up a good pace, so anyone wanting to join them should be ready to hike briskly!
SPRING OWL PROWL - 8 p.m.
Come to a spring owl prowl to see whoooo's at the Hullett Marsh. The owl prowl will start in the Sugar Bush parking lot at 80602 Wildlife Line at 8:00 pm. Who... whoo... whoo... will meet us there?
Saturday, May 3
Canoe Day at Hullett Marsh
Come and enjoy the peace and tranquilty of a guided canoe tour through the Hullett Marsh. For details (time, meeting place) contact the office, between 8-4:30 Monday-Friday, at (519) 482-7011 or www.hullettmarsh.org.
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