Step into Nature at A Conservation Area Near You
Photo: Kortright Centre. Located in Vaughn, Ontario.
Throughout Ontario, there are 36 conservation authorities that collectively own and operate over 500 Conservation Areas with a total area of more than 150,000 hectares. Across Ontario, there are nearly 300 Conservation Areas that are open to the public just waiting to be explored. Each year, Ontario’s Conservation Areas welcome almost 8 million visitors. We have been to a few and highly encourage you to visit one near you.
Conservation Areas are more than just places to engage with nature and take in the beautiful landscapes Ontario has to offer. They are a place to learn about nature and our relationship with it, actions we can take to protect the environment, and somewhere we can unplug, disconnect, gain a deeper appreciation for how amazing nature is and the important role of conservation, and give our minds the opportunity to relax. Conservation Areas also offer plenty of activities that you can partake in. From tree-top climbing to camping to water sports to mountain biking and more, each conservation area offers something special to its visitors.
What is a Conservation Authority?
Here is a fun fact. According to the Ontario Conservation Areas Guide, approximately 95% of Ontarians live in a watershed managed by a Conservation Authority. In Ontario, Conservation Authorities are local watershed management agencies that deliver services and programs to manage impacts on water and other natural resources. They work with all levels of government, public and private landowners, and many other organizations. Conservation Authorities were established in the 1940s and some of their responsibilities include developing and maintaining programs that will protect life and property from natural hazards such as flooding and erosion; ensure the province’s lakes, rivers, and streams are properly protected, managed, and restored; protect, manage, and restore Ontario’s woodlands, wetlands, and natural habitat. Conservation Areas also provide opportunities for the public to learn about and respect Ontario’s natural environment.
Ontario Conservation Areas
Chances are that you live very close to one of Ontario’s many Conservation Areas. The map below is a listing of some of Ontario’s Conservation Areas coloured coded by region. We encourage you to check out one near you.