Habitat Restoration at George G. Newton Nature Reserve

Join Ontario Nature and Huron Bruce Nature this fall at Ontario Nature’s George G. Newton Nature Reserve near Goderich to restore a mature forest through a European buckthorn pull and native shrub, tree and wildflower planting event. Learn to identify and manage invasive plants and contribute to the long-term protection of this important refuge for wild species!

Huron Bruce Nature (HBN) has cared for the George G Newton Nature Reserve since 1996 creating and maintaining trails and working with partners to return former farmland to a natural state. In addition to regular upkeep, each year HBN organizes several work parties to remove invasive plant species.

Schedule:
1:30-1:45pm - Registration
1:45-2:00pm - Land Acknowledgement and Welcome
2:00-3:30pm- Invasive Removal & Native Species Planting
3:30-4pm– Break for Refreshments
4-5pm- Invasive Removal & Native Species Planting
5 -5:30pm- Hike to entrance and goodbyes!

Refreshments: Please bring your own refillable water bottle. Water and light snacks will be provided by Ontario Nature.

Clothing: Please wear a hat, closed-toed shoes and long pants. Long shirts, and knee pads are recommended. The event will happen rain or shine.

Directions: The nature reserve lies southeast of Goderich, between Highways 8 and 21. From the hamlet of Holmesville, take Cut Line Road west to Porter’s Hill (marked by a red schoolhouse on a hill). Turn north on Porter’s Hill Line (also called the 6th Concession) and proceed to the next intersection. The nature reserve is on the southeast corner of this crossroads. Turn east onto Kitchigami Road and park along the south side of the road. The property is marked by a kiosk sign and civic address marker number 35913, approximately 60 metres to the east of the intersection and can be found on Google Maps. We kindly ask that guests carpool where possible.

Accessibility: The event will include a round-trip hike (2 kms) carrying equipment between 1 and 13 lbs. The event will include physical removal of shrubs that involves bending and lifting at your own pace. Please let staff know if you have any challenges with lifting heavy objects. All equipment will be provided. An outhouse will be available at the entrance. 

Note: Please arrive early for registration as we will start promptly at 1:30p.m. Be prepared for an afternoon spent outdoors.

This project was made possible by the Invasive Species Centre.

Please contact Melissa, Nature Reserves Research Coordinator, at melissat@ontarionature.org or 4164448419 x240 for any questions about the event.

By participating in the event, you agree to abide by the Event Code of Conduct.