Free guided walks - December

Rouge National Urban Park

Access to Twyn Rivers Day Use Area from Sheppard Avenue East in Toronto is closed. Visitors can still enter the area from the other side of Twyn Rivers Drive, off Altona Road in Pickering.

Guided walks may be cancelled without notice in inclement weather.

DATE

DETAILS

Saturday, December 5

Time: 10 am to 12 pm
Location:
Reesor Way

Let’s talk turkey

Wild turkeys were almost driven to extinction in Southern Ontario. Join us and learn about this elusive bird with walk leader Brian.

Leaders: Brian, Taleb
Transit accessible: No
Meeting point: 7277 14th Avenue, Markham – oTENTik (A-frame cabin)
Distance: 3 km – 5 km
Difficulty: Moderate, possible hills and/or stairs
Pace: Moderate
Age range: Adults
Service dogs only

Sunday, December 6

Time: 1 pm to 3 pm
Location:
Woodland Trail

Spirituality of the forest

Join Susan to reflect on the spirituality of the forest using your own observations and teachings from many different traditions. Please note that there is no washroom on site.

Leaders: Susan, Tiffany, Michael T.
Transit accessible: No
Meeting point: 19 Reesor Road, Scarborough – parking lot
Distance: 3 km – 5 km
Difficulty: Easy, flat/paved or gently uneven
Pace: Moderate
Age range: Families
Service dogs only

Saturday, December 12
Time:
1 pm to 3 pm
Location:
Harvest Trail


 

Predators and prey!

Join walk leader Marilyn to discover the skills and tools wildlife use to survive!

Leaders: Marilyn, Patrick
Transit accessible: No
Meeting point: Meeting point: 7445 Elgin Mills Road East, Markham – parking lot
Additional parking: 7535 Elgin Mills Road East, Markham; 10725 Reesor Road, Markham
Distance: 3 km – 5 km
Difficulty: Easy, flat/paved or gently uneven
Pace: Easy
Age range: Families
Service dogs only

Sunday, December 13

Time: 10 am to 12 pm
Location:
Monarch Trail

Rouge in winter: Nature’s survival secrets

Take a stroll with Glenn to discover how plants and wildlife prepare for the winter ahead. Along the way, explore seasonal changes and the fascinating ways nature adapts to the cold.

Leaders: Glenn, Julie, Colin Mck. 
Transit accessible: No
Meeting point: 7277 14th Avenue, Markham – oTENTik (A-frame cabin)
Distance: 5 km – 8 km
Difficulty: Moderate, possible hills and/or stairs
Pace: Easy
Age range: Adults
Dog friendly

Saturday, December 19

Time: 10 am to 12 pm
Location:
Tallgrass Trek

Winter solstice reflections

Winter brings its own rhythms to the Rouge. As days grow shorter and nights lengthen, plants and animals adjust in remarkable ways. Join us for a brisk walk along the trail as we uncover the signs of the season and explore the important role darkness plays in the lives of wildlife.

Leaders: Katharina, Jane
Transit accessible: No
Meeting point: 7277 14th Avenue, Markham – oTENTik (A-frame cabin)
Distance: 3 km – 5 km
Difficulty: Easy, flat/paved or gently uneven
Pace: Moderate
Age range: Adults
Dog friendly

Sunday, December 20

Time: 1 pm to 3 pm
Location:
Central Trail

Where do insects go in the winter?

Winter may seem quiet, but insects are still part of the story. Join Carrie to learn how insects make it through the cold months and discover the fascinating signs of their presence that become easier to spot when the foliage is gone.

Leaders: Carrie, Louise
Transit accessible: No
Meeting point: Meeting point: 7445 Elgin Mills Road East, Markham – parking lot
Additional parking: 7535 Elgin Mills Road East, Markham; 10725 Reesor Road, Markham
Distance: 3 km – 5 km
Difficulty: Easy, flat/paved or gently uneven
Pace: Easy
Age range: Families
Dog friendly

Saturday, December 26

Time: 1 pm to 3 pm
Location:
Reesor Way

The hidden life of trees

Inspired by the book and film The Hidden Life of Trees, this walk explores how trees communicate, share resources and support one another. As we explore the trail, we’ll discover how the forest functions as a connected community.

Leaders: Richard, Doug
Transit accessible: No
Meeting point: 7277 14th Avenue, Markham – oTENTik (A-frame cabin)
Distance: 3 km – 5 km
Difficulty: Moderate, possible hills and/or stairs
Pace: Moderate
Age range: Families
Dog friendly

Sunday, December 27

Time: 10 am to 12 pm
Location:
Harvest Trail

Agriculture past and present

Rich in agricultural heritage, farms still operate in the Rouge today. Join Judy for a walk on the trail flanked by farm fields and learn about its rich history and what’s growing there today.

Leaders: Judy, Anne
Transit accessible: No
Meeting point: 7445 Elgin Mills Road East, Markham – parking lot
Additional parking: 7535 Elgin Mills Road East, Markham; 10725 Reesor Road, Markham
Distance: 3 km – 5 km
Difficulty: Easy, flat/paved or gently uneven
Pace: Moderate
Age range: Adults
Dog friendly

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