Friday 3 June 2016

Into the Deep Dark Forest

York Regional Forest is cool and shady on a hot day. The forest is operated by the Region of York in Ontario, and encompasses over 5000 acres with 2000 acres of public trails on 18 forest tracts.

The 1800s were a time of settlement and economic development in Ontario and woodlands were harvested for lumber, and the land plowed for farming. The previously forested areas looked empty and bleak. Then in 1924 a Restoration Committee started planting trees to save the forest area.

In 2000 York Regional Forest became the first publicly owned forest to be certified under the Forest Stewardship Council, ensuring forest maintenance in a sustainable manner. The trails offer access to horseback riding, walking, mountain biking, and skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. At the Hollidge Tract there is a 1 km trail loop which provides a unique nature experience that is accessible to all users including those with disabilities.

This trail is in Scout Tract.



Possibly Yellow Avens.... not sure.

White Trillium, Ontario's Provincial flower.

Purple Polygala or Gaywings

7 comments:

  1. Accessibility for everyone is wonderful. Beautiful area!

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a glorious place. And yay for accessibility.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This looks such a beautiful place. I can't imagine having somewhere so vast to wander in - Wow!

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is a paradise! Love such places to walk or bike; meander around and take photos. You're fortunate to have so many possibilities up there.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I can almost feel cool fresh air wafting through your photos. Walking in the forest has a therapeutic effect on our soul. I like the light and shadow in the fourth image.

    Yoko

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh, beautiful! Makes me want to get out and have a hike!

    ReplyDelete

All comments welcome.... unless your name is Anonymous..