Ganaraska Forest

The Ganaraska Forest will open as scheduled on May 1st for all recreational uses. Please remember to enjoy the Forest with only members of your same household while we are under Provincial restrictions and to follow all COVID-19 protocols.

Did you help plant the Ganaraska Forest in the '40s? Do you have memories of one of the first Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority Maple Syrup Days? In celebration of the GRCA's 75th, they're asking you to share your stories.

Reminder: The Ganaraska Forest does not open to motorized-use until May 1st! The forest is currently open to only hiking. It will open to hunting on April 25th (wild turkey); followed by horseback riding, mountain biking, and off-road vehicle use on May 1st.

Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority is pleased to launch the new self-serve Ganaraska Forest day pass kiosk located at the Ganaraska Forest Centre gatehouse. You will see the easy and thorough interactive system upon entry to the property. Happy trails!

Please remember: The Ganaraska Forest is closed to all recreational uses with the exception of hiking and hunting now through to May 1st. There have been numerous reports of ATVs on the trails. Any users who do not follow the rules are subject to fines and potential ban from the forest.

It's #WorldWaterDay! What better day to think about conserving water and celebrate all the different ways water benefits our lives. DYK that storing rainwater c...an do a world of good for the environment? Not only are you saving money by collecting water, you’re preparing for times of mild drought or watering restrictions. The average rainfall of 1"/24hr period can produce more than 700G of water! Need we say more? Order your rain barrel today through the GRCA fundraising sale at https://rainbarrel.ca/ganaraska/ See more

Just a reminder that the Ganaraska Forest is not open to motorized vehicles until May 1st.

What a perfect long weekend to explore the forest!

Cross-Country Ski Trail Update All trails are open Snow Conditions: 2" fresh powder snow - Feb 13th Grooming: Groomed and track-set - Feb 14th

You'll leave smiling too Thanks for visiting, Jennifer and friends!

We're hoping for snow to track-set those trails!

There have been numerous reports of Jeeps, ATVs and other off-road vehicles accessing the forest. The forest is CLOSED TO MOTORIZED USE until May 1 2021. Any visitors caught violating this rule will be subject to fines. The damage these vehicles are causing is irreversible and will create very rough trails for other users when the forest re-opens to all uses. https://bit.ly/2ECoGNb

Did you get outside this weekend? Share your photos with us by tagging Ganaraska Forest or Ganaraska Forest Centre.

Cross-Country Ski Trail Update: All trails are open Snow Conditions: Fast Last groomed and track-set on February 8th https://www.ganaraskaforestcentre.ca/

We're crossing our skis that the snow flies this weekend! Once there is enough on the ground, Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority staff will be out track-setting the cross-country ski trail system. For now, the trails are packed & groomed, with fair conditions. https://theweathernetwork.com//weeke/ontario/campbellcroft

January 16th Cross-country Ski Trail Update: Trails are very icy. Use with caution.January 16th Cross-country Ski Trail Update: Trails are very icy. Use with caution.

The Ganaraska Forest began as an idea in 1944 with the development of the Ganaraska Watershed Report. The report sparked the conservation movement of Ontario and gave rise to the reforestation of the Ganaraska Watershed. What was once a desolate, sandblown moraine left barren from decades of human misuse, now stands as a remarkable tribute to years of conservation efforts by our entire community. Today, 20-million trees cover 11,000 acres, creating the largest Conservation Au...thority-owned forest in Southern Ontario. But the work isn’t done. Our conservation efforts still need your support. Ongoing reforestation must continue. You can help contribute to the greening of the forest and at the same time mark an important occasion or honour a loved one through your donation of trees. Together, we can work to help preserve this great legacy for our children, for the land and for the future of all residents of Ontario. So next time you want to give a unique gift or create a lasting memory, please support the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority Ganaraska Forest Tree Donation Program.

January 12th update from the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority: The Ganaraska Forest remains open to all recreational uses with the exception of motorized-use, which is closed until May 1 2021. Remember to practice physical distancing on the trails and in parking lots.

It all starts with the seed.

The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority is continuing to monitor the latest COVID-19 developments and is taking precautions to keep our workplace safe for staff, visitors and partners across the watershed. * Before visiting the Forest, please see: https://bit.ly/3lH2nqg * A reminder that camping is not permitted in the Forest * Dogs must be kept on leash in ALL sections of the Forest... * The Forest is closed to motorized-use as of December 1st * All GRCA buildings remain closed to the public, including the Ganaraska Forest Centre Your patience, cooperation and support is appreciated during this time. Please continue to visit our websites for updates. Stay safe. https://www.ganaraskaforestcentre.ca/recreational-user-fees/

Reminder: It is hunting season across Ontario, including in the 11,000 acre multi-use Ganaraska Forest. It is important to know where hunting is permitted and the rules and regulations to keep everyone safe. Take a look at the map: hunting in the central forest is permitted only in the north section. If you`re planning to visit, it is in everyone`s best interest to purchase detailed coloured maps of each section, along with your day pass or membership. https://www.ganaraskaforestcentre.ca/maps/

Ganaraska Forest's motorized-use season, with the exception of snowmobiling, ends on November 30th. (Don't worry, it starts back up on May 1st.) If you're looking to try out the trails before then, and are new to the sport, give Trail Tours a call!

Ahead of the weekend, all tree harvesting is complete in the west section of the forest. Keep your eyes on this page or the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority and Ganaraska Forest Centre websites for updates. www.grca.on.ca / www.ganaraskaforestcentre.ca

Ganaraska Forest logging update: Harvesting has been completed in the central forest, and the machines are now logging in GAN01-20 block in the west forest. Recreational users should exercise caution between WF16 (landing area) and WF23, as the machines will be travelling that route regularly. Be aware. Stay safe. https://www.grca.on.ca/forestry/

Consider getting out tomorrow for a sunny and warm(ish) #HealthyHike ahead of the forecasted rainy Sunday. http://bit.ly/31OXD8s

A heads-up for Saturday in the central section of the forest. If you are interested in participating in this XC trail run, register today!

Thank you to the Ontario Provincial Police for keeping Ontario trails safe! If your vehicle is not plated or insured, expect to be ticketed. If you do not have a trail permit, expect to receive a trespassing fine. Please ride safe, sober, wear your helmet and don’t litter.... Learn more about trail safety, visit https://ofatv.org/atv-safety/

The forest is calling... https://www.grca.on.ca/forest/

A big thank you to our volunteer forest patrollers! Are you interested in volunteering your time towards educating forest users, enforcing rules and regulations, and providing a helping hand to the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority team? Apply today: https://www.ganaraskaforestcentre.ca/volunteering/

Volunteers doing awesome work! Check out the job the Peterborough Trailbuilders Association did on these trails. Thank you for all of your hard work!

What a beautiful Thanksgiving weekend! Did you get outside to enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends?

The Ganaraska Forest Centre is seeing an influx of motorized users on the grounds and want to remind you that the central forest, where they are located, is a non-motorized area. Please read, understand and follow all Ganaraska Forest rules and regulations. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving weekend on the trails!

Smile when you see Universal Protection Agency on Ganaraska Forest trails! This group of volunteers are Provincial Offence Officers who will be enforcing section 29 of the Conservation Authorities Act and Trespass to Property Act, while educating and providing guidance to visitors. Happy trails! https://www.ganaraskaforestcentre.ca/forest-regulations-an/

Reminder to all Forest Users: August-February is harvest season in the Ganaraska Forest. GAN01-20 block in the West Forest is currently being logged; while GAN02-20 block is progressing well in the Central Forest. Visitors need to be cautious and avoid trails that have been blocked off. Harvest areas are clearly signed and closed trails are caution taped off - do not ignore these closures. Be aware. Be safe. Happy trails. https://ganaraskaforestcentre.ca/forest-resource-management/

When you're on the trails, be observant and use hand signals...it could save a life.

DYK that Ontario's 36 Conservation Authorities collectively own and operate over 500 Conservation Areas with a total area of 150,000 hectares, making Conservation Authorities one of the largest property owners in the province? As beautiful as Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority's Ganaraska Forest is, considering exploring more with visits to one of Ontario's Conservation Areas, such as Eugenia Fall CA. https://www.ontarioconservationareas.ca/

Logging operations are currently underway in the Ganaraska Forest. DYK that regular thinnings help increase light in the understory so that desirable native species like those bushy White Pines can grow? To learn more about Ganaraska Forest forestry, contact Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority's Forester, Gus Saurer - [email protected]... https://www.grca.on.ca/forestry/