There are lots of simple ways for families to get outside and get some animal-friendly fresh air this March break.
For those who like to keep an eye on the sky, both Springwater Provincial Park in Midhurst and Minesing Wetlands Conservation Area in the Angus area offer great spots to view a wide variety of bird species.
With more than 5,000 hectares to explore, the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA), which is responsible for the Minesing Wetlands, offers visitors the opportunity to see more than 300 species of birds that have been identified within the NVCA’s watershed.
Springwater Provincial Park also serves as a great location to view a variety of bird species, such as the cedar waxwing, pileated woodpecker, white- and red-breasted nuthatch, yellow-bellied sapsucker and several waterfowl species that include wood ducks, mallards and black ducks.
This simple and accessible activity merely requires a pair of binoculars, a field guide or app and a bit of patience.
Visitors are also welcome to come hiking, play disc golf, do some geocaching, snowshoeing, or canoeing at one of the NVCA’s conservation areas. However, people are always advised to check online as some locations are closed seasonally.
Springwater Provincial Park also includes 10 kilometres of multi-use trails for Nordic skiing or snowshoeing in the winter, or hiking in the summer.
For those looking to take a short road trip north, they can consider making a reservation for a guided tour at Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Rosseau.
Visitors are provided the unique opportunity to see the sanctuary’s permanent residents — including moose, coyotes, bears and wolf packs — hear their stories, and learn how to live in harmony with wildlife. One hundred per cent of all tour proceeds go directly towards caring for the animals at Aspen Valley.