Time for NatureTime for NatureTime for NatureTime for NatureTime for NatureTime for Nature

HikeHikeHike Bike and Kayak in andBike and Kayak in andBike and Kayak in andHikeHikeHike Bike and Kayak in and Bike and Kayak in and Bike and Kayak in and Around Brantford onAround Brantford onAround Brantford onAround Brantford onAround Brantford onAround Brantford on

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Day OneDay OneDay OneDay OneDay OneDay OneKayaking The GrandKayaking The GrandKayaking The Grand

The 6.5 km voyage down the Grand River from Blair toThe 6.5 km voyage down the Grand River from Blair to Cambridge passed through a varied landscape with riparian and floodplain areas, old-growth forest, Carolinian habitat and limestone cliffs which is home to a diversity of organisms.Several wildlife species were spotted along the way, includingSeveral wildlife species were spotted along the way, including numerous paddles of ducks, some birds, a herring or two and several fish.

Day TwoDay TwoDay TwoExploring A Nature ParkExploring A Nature ParkExploring A Nature ParkExploring A Nature ParkExploring A Nature ParkExploring A Nature Park

The Mount Pleasant Nature Park, just outside Brantford, used to be an old fish hatchery. In 1915, it was transformed into a splendid park with fine flower beds, ornamental trees and red pine plantations. This proved unsustainable and areas of the park have been slowly reverting back to a natural state. This was my first time visiting the park and probably not my last!

Day ThreeDay ThreeDay ThreeHiking TheHiking TheHiking TheHiking The Hiking The Hiking The Rail TrailRail TrailRail Trail

Hiking along the SC Johnson Trail, part of the Trans Canada Trail, in Brantford. The scenic trail winds along the Grand River and provides numerous opportunities to see wildlife. We did see some deer and wildsee some deer and wild turkey in an open field and some birds, including a herring fishing for food.

Cycling 12 km from Waterford to Simcoe along the newly finished Waterford Heritage Trail, the Norfolk Sunrise Trail and Lynn Valley Trail. Our route travelled through wetlands, agricultural fields, open grasslands, mixed woods and g , p g ,Carolinian forest.

Day FourDay FourDay FourDay FourDay FourDay FourCycling Cycling Cycling NorfolkNorfolkNorfolkNorfolk Norfolk Norfolk TrailsTrailsTrails

Stopping for a little snack (berries) along the way.

We continued to cycle on a section of the Lynn Valley Trail, which goes another 10 km to Port Dover, before turning around and heading back to Waterford to end my Time for Nature week. Riding along the river valley provided a welcomed relief to the 40°C heat and humidity on the day.