Conservation Halton invites visitors to experience colours with “Fall Into Nature” events

By: Shazia Nazir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter

Conservation Halton invites everyone to experience the vibrant fall colours at its parks this season. Beginning Sept. 28, 2024, visitors can enjoy the autumn foliage as part of the Fall Into Nature programming, available at Area 8, Kelso, Mountsberg, and Crawford Lake conservation areas on weekends until Oct. 27, 2024.

“Fall Into Nature programming offers a variety of family-friendly outdoor activities, so there is something for everyone to enjoy,” said Craig Machan, director of parks and operations at Conservation Halton.

“What makes Fall Into Nature different from other fall attractions is that many of our programs have been designed by our education, animal care, and trails teams, providing an underlying layer of learning in every fun experience. Plus, all programs take place outside in our parks against the backdrop of the beautiful fall colours, making it the perfect family photo opportunity.”

This year, more attractions have been added to kick off autumn, including the Little Anglers’ Fishing Derby and a new scavenger hunt, The Case of the Missing Pumpkins, as part of Mountsberg’s Spooktacular Halloween events.

Area 8 Conservation Area will host the Little Anglers’ Fishing Derby on Sept. 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. This event invites kids aged eight and under to fish off the docks, rocks, or from a rented canoe or kayak. Participants can catch and release the biggest fish into the reservoir, with medals awarded to all participants. Trophies will be given to anglers in three age categories: under four, between five and six, and between seven and eight years old. Adults and children over eight are welcome to join for fun, with no entry fee required. While boat and rod rentals will be available, participants are encouraged to bring their own bait and tackle, and to use barbless hooks.

At Kelso Conservation Area, visitors can enjoy chairlift rides throughout the day every weekend, offering scenic views of the fall trails and lookout points. Crafting stations will offer activities such as fall tie-dye T-shirt making and pumpkin painting. On Oct. 12 and 13, face painting and airbrush tattooing will also be available. Adventure seekers can explore the Challenge Course, which features a climbing tower, aerial ropes, and archery. Hot drinks, food, and s’more cones will be available for purchase, while free activities include a new Kids Zone with leaf pressing, colouring books, wood cookie painting, and branding. Special performances like the WonderPhil Magic Show and the Great Canadian Lumberjack Show will take place on select dates.

Mountsberg Conservation Area will feature its Spooktacular event every Friday to Sunday evening in October. This family-friendly Halloween experience includes activities like the new Case of the Missing Pumpkins scavenger hunt, a haunted barn tour, and access to a natural playground. Visitors are encouraged to dress in Halloween costumes and can enjoy illuminated forest trails, meet snakes, owls, and barn animals, or gather around campfires for s’mores. A spooky wagon ride through the forest is also available, offering a fun experience without jump scares. Additionally, guests can participate in Hawk Walks, which provide an active hiking experience while observing a raptor soaring overhead. Raptor Encounters will give attendees a behind-the-scenes look at the Raptor Centre and the chance to hold a bird on a gloved hand. Free animal shows, such as the Wonders of Raptors free-flying show, will take place throughout the day, with opportunities to meet animals like chickens, bunnies, and snakes.

Crawford Lake Conservation Area will offer Lake to Longhouse guided hikes, which take participants on a tour of a reconstructed 15th-century Indigenous longhouse village. The hike includes a walk through the Species at Risk Trail, featuring larger-than-life wood carvings, and concludes at the meromictic lake and boardwalk. Visitors can also enjoy free fire-making demonstrations held throughout the day at the Turtle Clan Longhouse.