NEWS RELEASE
COUCHICHING CONSERVANCY
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Grant’s Woods Nature Reserve, a cherished natural sanctuary in our community, will be temporarily closed to the public as the Couchiching Conservancy embarks on an exciting project to enhance a section of our trail system.
The closure will allow for the improvement of an accessible trail, ensuring that the beauty and wonders of the reserve can be enjoyed by individuals of all abilities. By making the reserve more inclusive, we aim to provide equitable access to the beauty of nature for everyone in our community. This accessible trail will incorporate features such as smoother surfaces, gentle gradients, and other elements.
Over the years, Grant’s Woods Nature Reserve has provided local residents and visitors with a serene and captivating environment, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation, education, and relaxation. We estimate that over 7,000 people visit the trails each year, a vital part of our community. However, as the popularity of the reserve has grown, so has the need to improve its trail infrastructure to better serve the diverse needs of the community.
The temporary closure of Grant’s Woods Nature Reserve will commence on Monday, Aug. 14 and is expected to last until approximately Friday, Aug. 25. During this period, the reserve will be off limits to the public. We kindly ask the community for their understanding and co-operation during this time.
The trail upgrade and accessible trail development at Grant’s Woods Nature Reserve are made possible through the collaborative efforts of Scott Inc. Design + Build, Washago Timber Mart, Miller Aggregate, and Home Hardware Orillia.
The conservancy has other nature reserves and trails that are open to the public. People can learn about these nature reserves and download trail maps from our website. Donations to support the protection and care of these nature reserves are vital to our operations and gratefully accepted. Charitable receipts are issued for any gifts over $20.
We will provide updates on the progress of this project through our website and social media. We encourage the community to stay connected and look forward to welcoming everyone back to Grant’s Woods Nature Reserve upon its reopening.
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