Celebrate the bridge reopening at Pigeon River Headwaters Conservation Area

MAY 31, 2022 – The public is welcome to take part in a series of events and activities to celebrate the long-awaited grand reopening of Pigeon River Headwaters Conservation Area throughout the month of June and all summer long.

Following several years of only being able to access the boardwalk through an out-and-back hike, a permanent bridge has now been installed to complete the 3.4 km loop.

“This bridge installation has been a long time coming,” said Conservation Areas Technician Melissa Creasy- Alexander. “A lot of time and work went into this project and we’re excited to be able to open the entire loop and welcome the public back to Pigeon River to explore and enjoy it the way it was meant to be enjoyed.”

Coinciding with Father’s Day, there will be a series of events for the whole family to come out and enjoy as part of the reopening, as well as the announcement of a Colouring Contest winners.

“We’re looking forward to having staff on hand, some information booths where the public can talk with staff, ask questions and learn about our programming,” said Director of Stewardship and Conservation Lands Kristie Virgoe. “It’s always a great day when we can engage and interact with our community.”

There will also be a scavenger hunt and a brand new Talking Forest app experience.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming kids and families to Pigeon River to enjoy some fun with our scavenger hunt and being outside exploring the Pigeon River Conservation Area,” said Carolyn Snider, Administrative Support Conservation Programs.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing all of the wonderful entries for our Colouring Contest and awarding some great prizes to participants,” Snider added.

There are three age group categories for the Colouring Contest: 4-6 years, 7-9 years and 10 and up.

Entering the contest is easy. Print off a copy of the colouring sheet, or pick one up at the Kawartha Conservation Administrative Office located at Ken Reid Conservation Area, 277 Kenrei Road in Lindsay; colour your page, and submit your completed page by Thursday, June 16th at the Administration Office or scan and email your entry to csnider@kawarthaconservation.com.

“We have received some wonderful prize donations from some great local businesses including Seven Forty Six, Lindsay Home Hardware, Lindsay Drive-In, Lindsay Golf and Country Club, Kawartha Dairy and more,” said Snider. “One lucky winner in each category will win some great prizes and we’re looking forward to seeing all the amazing submissions.”

The events get underway at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 19th and wrap up at 2:30 p.m.

“We have a lot of events planned throughout the month as well leading up to our grand reopening,” said Virgoe.

This Sunday, June 5 join Kawartha Conservation’s resident bird expert, Rob Stavinga for a free two hour birding hike. From 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Sunday, participants will enjoy an introduction to birdwatching, covering topics including locating, identifying and observing birds in the Kawartha Lakes. Over the course of two hours, participants will have the opportunity to learn, ask questions, and explore the trails of Pigeon River Headwaters Conservation Area while on the lookout for different bird species. 

The event is free but interested individuals and families must register in advance at www.kawarthaconservation.com.

On Friday, June 10, certified Forest Therapy guide, and Director of Stewardship and Conservation Lands, Kristie Virgoe, will be conducting an interactive forest bathing experience at Pigeon River Headwaters from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

Thanks to the generous support of Kawartha Credit Union, we are offering the Forest Bathing session for $10 per registrant, with proceeds supporting the Canadian Mental Health Association. Interested participants can register online at www.kawarthaconservation.com.

“We’re proud of the work we’ve been able to do at Pigeon River Headwaters Conservation Area,” said Virgoe. “For some people it might be one of the lesser known conservation areas in our watershed, but for those who know about it, it’s definitely a favourite.”

Be sure to come out and explore Pigeon River Conservation Area and take part in events to celebrate the grand reopening all month long. We can’t wait to welcome you back.