March 25, 2024

RRCA staff inspecting the trails during the recent forest management at Gray's Creek Conservation Area.

The Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) has recently reopened additional trails at Gray’s Creek Conservation Authority following forest management operations to selective remove hazardous and dead or dying trees along the trails. 

“This tree removal was required due to combined damage from severe storms and the invasive emerald ash borer beetle,” says RRCA Field Operations Team Lead, Pete Sabourin. “Trails east of the roadway through Gray’s Creek are now ready to welcome the many hikers, birdwatchers, photographers, and on-leash dog walkers who regularly come to Gray’s Creek to step into nature.”

Visitors should keep in mind that some segments of the trails may be muddy due to recent snowmelt. 

“The RRCA will be planting a variety of native trees and shrubs this fall to replace those that were lost,” says Sabourin. “These new trees will be more resistant to invasive species and disease and will help enhance the habitat, biodiversity, and visitor experience at Gray’s Creek.”

Located just minutes east of Cornwall, Gray’s Creek is one of RRCA’s three Conservation Areas, along with Cooper Marsh and Charlottenburgh Park.

Cooper Marsh recently underwent significant habitat maintenance work, which included major upgrades to its system of dykes and pumps, removal of invasive buckthorn, planting of native species, and the creation of new open water habitat.

Online reservations for campsites at Charlottenburgh Park recently reopened for the 2024 camping season, which starts on May 17. The Park’s nature trails are open year-round at no cost.

For more information, and directions to all three Conservation Areas, visit rrca.on.ca or contact (613) 938-3611 or info@rrca.on.ca.