Kawartha Conservation Launches Greenbelt Anniversary Hike Series with Support from Greenbelt Foundation

Kawartha Conservation is inviting residents and visitors to experience the beauty, biodiversity, and resilience of Ontario’s Greenbelt through a series of free guided hikes this summer and fall, made possible through funding from the Greenbelt Foundation as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations.

The hike series will take place at two of Kawartha Conservation’s cherished protected areas - Durham East Cross Forest and Pigeon River Headwaters Conservation Area - and will explore topics including native wildflowers, bird migration and climate change, fungi and forest ecosystems, and the critical role of protected natural spaces within the Greenbelt.

“This funding allows us to connect our communities with the land in meaningful, educational, and engaging ways,” said Melissa Creasy-Alexander, Stewardship Coordinator at Kawartha Conservation. “Each guided hike will showcase the diverse species, landscapes, and natural systems that the Greenbelt helps protect - while also giving participants an opportunity to deepen their understanding and appreciation for conservation and stewardship.”

Kicking off August 14 with a guided hike through Durham East Cross Forest led by Kawartha Conservation Water Quality Specialist Tanner Liang, the series continues through October with a lineup of expert-led hikes focused on ecological education and Greenbelt stewardship.

The hikes are free to attend, but spaces are limited to 25 participants per event. Light refreshments will be provided at select hikes. Registration is required.

This initiative is supported by the Greenbelt Foundation through its Accessible Greenbelt grant stream, which aims to spark public engagement and promote outdoor recreation across Ontario’s 2-million-acre protected Greenbelt. The Foundation’s 20th anniversary celebration is a province-wide recognition of the Greenbelt’s lasting contribution to climate resilience, biodiversity, clean water, local food, and thriving rural economies.

“For 20 years, the Greenbelt has been a cornerstone of sustainability in Ontario,” added Creasy-Alexander. “We’re proud to be part of this celebration and to help connect people to the land and the vital ecosystems that support us all.”

Hike Series Schedule:

• August 14 – Native Wildflowers and Plant Species, Durham East Cross Forest
• August 28 – Fungi in the Forest: A Greenbelt Discovery, Pigeon River Headwaters
• September 18 – Adapting in Flight: Birds and a Changing Climate, Pigeon River Headwaters
• October 4 – The Power of Protected Places, Durham East Cross Forest
• October 11 – Habitat Heroes: Supporting Our Feathered Friends, Durham East Cross Forest

For full hike details and to register, visit https://events.kawarthaconservation.com

To learn more about the Greenbelt Foundation and its 20th anniversary, visit www.greenbelt.ca.