UTRCA Welcomes Public To De-stress With Nature

Friday, 27 March 2020 at 10:24

If you need to get out of the house, connecting with nature could give you the boost you need. The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority is reminding everyone that their trails are open.

OXFORD/ ELGIN-MiDDLESEX - It's no secret that spending time in nature can reduce stress, increase creativity, and help you feel more energized.

The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority is reminding the public that Fanshawe in London, Wildwood in St. Marys, and Pittock in Woodstock are open.

Families and individuals are welcome to access the trails for walking and nature viewing, however, considering the COVID-19 pandemic, there are some new guidlines the UTRCA is asking everyone to follow.

- Practice social distancing on trails and in parking areas, do not gather in groups.
- Visit only during daylight hours.
- Parks are not monitored or maintained. Exercise caution while visiting.
- Understand that staff availability is very limited.
- Park only in designated parking lots and ensure roads, gates and exits are not blocked.
- Take nothing but photos, and leave nothing but footprints.

Unfortunately, due to the person to person spread of COVID-19, all of the children’s playgrounds at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas are closed.

All UTRCA offices and buildings are closed to the public to help protect the public and staff. The original opening date of May 1st will be delayed, that mans that this year’s camping and boating season will be delayed at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock as well.

The UTRCA will announce an opening date for camping and boating as soon as possible. Please watch for updates:
Fanshawe Conservation Area

Wildwood Conservation Area

Pittock Conservation Area

There is also small day use conservation areas available with the same guidelines mentioned above including;
- Cade Tract (south of Rannoch)
- Embro CA (northwest of Embro)
- Harmony CA (in the village of Harmony)
- Harrington CA (in the village of Harrington)
- Shakespeare CA (north of Shakespeare)