The Bruce Trail Conservancy

It's #WildlifeWednesday! The majestic Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) can be found along the #BruceTrail near lakes and rivers that don't freeze over winter. These birds rely on waterways for food sources and large trees for nesting, both of which the #BruceTrailConservancy is working to protect in Southern Ontario. Photo: B. Popelier | Williams Caves Property, Peninsula Section #conservation #baldeagle #ontario

Meet #BruceTrailConservancy staff member Mara McHaffie. Position: Landowner Stewardship Coordinator & Ecologist How long have you worked at the BTC? Since September 2020... Why did you want to work for the BTC? I want my career to be focused on preserving and restoring nature and connecting people with the natural world, so the BTC seemed like a natural fit. I like that the BTC aims to create opportunities for people to enjoy nature while maintaining a small ecological footprint and being a responsible steward of the environment, and I’m happy that I can contribute to this work. Secret Talent: Rock climbing! I started rock climbing when I was in my teens and really enjoy the mental and physical challenge. What do you like to do when you aren’t working? I enjoy spending time outside with my family, whether it’s camping, hiking, canoe tripping, birdwatching or just walking my dog. I also like to quiz my partner on tree identification he does not enjoy this as much as I do

We hope you have a "pheasant" holiday season! Wishing you warmth and happiness in the New Year. #BruceTrailConservancy #holidayseason #pheasant

Thanks to the generosity of over 2,150 donors, the #BruceTrailConservancy has added 275 acres of protected natural land to our conservation corridor. Pine River Nature Reserve and Honeywood Ridge are now protected, securing 965m of #BruceTrail and growing our ribbon of wilderness. BTC staff and volunteers are excited to start caring for these properties and restoring the natural ecology for years to come. Learn more about our latest conservation efforts at http://ow.ly/N3c150DsAPB #thankyou #conservation #ribbonofwilderness #ontario

From CEO Michael McDonald and all of us at the #BruceTrailConservancy, thank you to our #volunteers, #members, #donors, and #landowners for all your support in 2020.

Join us Feb 11 at 10am for our Winter Webinar for BTC Members: Your Life is Your Legacy. This presentation will give you tips and tools to get started on creating the most important letter of your life, the Legacy Letter. This document can be shared in your lifetime or as an accompaniment to your will. Learn more at: https://brucetrail.org/events #brucetrail #conservation #legacy #membersmatter

Going for a hike this holiday season? Be sure to check the forecast before heading out and, as always, check our website for Trail changes before hitting the #BruceTrail. brucetrail.org/trail_changes #hiking #winter #brucetrailconservancy

The #BruceTrailConservancy head office (including home offices) will be closing December 23rd at 4:00pm for the holiday season. We will reopen for curbside pick-up on January 4th, 2021. All donations or membership payments made online or postmarked by Dec. 31, 2020 will receive a 2020 charitable tax receipt.

Learning how to use your map is just as essential as packing it on a #hike. Our #BruceTrail maps always come with a legend, loaded with map-reading clues & navigational info. Check out what each line, symbol and colour means before hitting the trails. Learn more in the winter issue of Bruce Trail Magazine brucetrail.org/pages/news-events/bruce-trail-magazine

As Fall turns into Winter, be aware that some parts of the #BruceTrail may be slippery. Always wear proper footwear, keep away from escarpment edges, and carry icers or crampons in case of snowy and icy patches. #winterhiking #hikingsafety #hiking

Happy #WorldWetlandsDay! Thanks to our donors & partners, the #BruceTrailConservancy is protecting & restoring wetlands along the #NiagaraEscarpment. Wetlands not only provide habitats for a variety of species, such as this American Bullfrog, but also improve water quality, control flooding & erosion, and absorb carbon dioxide.

As the weather changes and case numbers increase, it can be difficult to get out and stay connected. Can VR help? This article explores.

Grab your boots, it's National Take a Hike Day! Hiking has been shown to reduce anxiety, stress, and blood pressure, something we all need in these trying times. #brucetrail #hiking #nationaltakeahikeday

Congratulations to Dr. Philip Gosling! We are thrilled that BTC Honorary President & Co-Founder of the #BruceTrail has been recognized for his contribution to #conservation with a 2020 Friend of the Greenbelt Award. Meet Philip in this lovely video from Ontario Greenbelt #ONGreenbelt #NiagaraEscarpment

Though the leaves may be falling, there is still much to see on the #BruceTrail. Fall is a great time to see a variety of mushrooms, like this Saddle-Shaped False Morel, often found in coniferous woodland on rotting wood. #conservation #nature #brucetrailconservancy

Reminder: When visiting the #BruceTrail, obey signage, park legally, and do not block driveways. If a parking area is full, consider visiting another time. #hiking #hikeresponsibly #waterfalls https://www.thespec.com//hamilton-waterfalls-visitors-park

Reminder: Tomorrow is the first webinar in our Winter Webinar Series for BTC Members. Don't forget to register to learn how to identify some of Ontario’s native trees and shrubs throughout the seasons. For more information, visit https://brucetrail.org/events. #brucetrail #plantsofontario #conservation