Our local trails are ecological sites of global significance

By Jessica Tulpin

On Earth Day, April 22, I tried to be more conscious of the conservation of resources, reducing waste and being a good steward of the natural environment in which we live. The best way to instill an appreciation and respect for the environment is to get out into it!

Over the past couple of years, I have discovered the trail system that we are blessed to have in Norfolk. It’s such a shame that I hadn’t given the trails much thought earlier as I was missing out on the amazing experience of hiking in such beauty so close to home. I’ve wandered aimlessly a number of times and spent more time in the woods than planned. On my walks, I’ve seen unique plants and flowers, white-tail deer, turtles, and many, many squirrels.

One of the four local Nature Conservancy Canada (NCC) properties, Backus Woods, boasts 18 kilometres of trails. Hiking along streams, up hills and through the woods, the trail seems different every time you take a walk. Storms and winds can alter the treetops and seasons change the flora and underbrush. When wandering and truly taking in the beauty, it’s easy to get “lost” even though there are maps at every junction. Rest assured, the property is between 3rd and 4th Concessions so eventually one will come out onto the road.

I spoke to Nick Armstrong, co-ordinator for conservation and biology for the NCC’s Norfolk and Niagara regions, for a little background on the lovely trails. He leads the management of the trails, including species control, restoration and maintenance such as mowing and fallen tree removal.

He shared that the trails are revamped logging trails from a bygone era and are part of the Carolinian forest. The Carolinian forests in Canada take up less than 1 per cent of the country’s land mass yet are home to 33 per cent of its at-risk plants and animals. One such species is the mottled duskywing—a butterfly with brown and beige wings.

In 2016, United Nations Education, Cultural and Scientific Organization (UNESCO) recognized Backus Woods as an ecological site of global importance. If UNESCO sees the significance of these trails, those who live in Norfolk should see what the hype is all about.

Armstrong encourages everyone to explore the trails. “There’s so much to look at. There is something new every time you walk on the trail. Experience nature as a whole. The trails here are very unique,” he said, adding, “There’s so much to look at. We have some of the oldest trees in Ontario—some are 400 years old.”

When asked how people can get involved in caring for the environment, he said, “When on the trails, don’t pick plants or bother animals.” He also directed those who would like to volunteer to the NCC website at natureconservancy.ca.

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Here are the addresses for the properties with trails, all of which have a parking area: Backus Woods Trails at 1329 Concession Rd. 3, Port Rowan; 750 East Quarter Line Rd., Walsingham; 218 Norfolk County Hwy. 24, Walsingham. Lake Erie Farms Trail at 388 Concession Rd. 6, Walsingham; 453 Norfolk County Road 60, Walsingham. Frank Miller Nature Reserve Trail at 323 E. Quarter line Rd., Port Rowan. Monroe Landon Woods Trail at 1342 Charlotteville Road 7, Simcoe.

Originally printed in The Good News, May 2025.