Kawartha Conservation Foundation launches 2nd Annual Explore Nature Challenge

JULY 18, 2022 – Get ready to walk, bike or hike conservation areas across the Kawartha watershed as part of the second annual Explore Nature Challenge.

Following last year’s successful event at Ken Reid Conservation Area, the Kawartha Conservation Foundation has expanded this year’s challenge to include Windy Ridge, Pigeon River, and Durham East Cross Forest Conservation Areas.

Beginning Friday, July 29 to Thanksgiving weekend, participants, families and friends are encouraged to walk, run, skip, bike or hike each of the trails at Ken Reid Conservation Area, Windy Ridge Conservation Area, Pigeon River Conservation Area and Durham East Cross Forest Conservation Area and help raise funds for some great initiatives.

“We had amazing feedback from our Explore Nature Challenge in 2021,” said Kawartha Conservation Chair Pat Warren. “Participants and their families enjoyed the added incentive to get outside in nature and to explore a conservation area many hadn’t visited previously.”

Warren explained the Foundation saw the second annual event as an opportunity to introduce even more people to the diverse conservation areas offered across the watershed.

“We really wanted to connect as many people as possible in all different areas of our watershed,” said Warren. “We are excited to work with so many wonderful sponsors across our communities, and we’re looking forward to hearing and seeing all the wonderful stories of people enjoying nature locally.”

Proceeds from the Explore Nature Challenge help the Foundation support projects at Kawartha Conservation including the proposed new accessible playground structure at Ken Reid Conservation Area and the Turtle Nesting Box project.

The cost of the event is:

• $20 for an individual
• $35 for a couple
• $40 for a family

All participants will receive a participatory medal, which will be mailed out at the conclusion of the Explore Nature Challenge in October.

Aside from supporting the Kawartha Conservation Foundation by raising important funds and contributing to the success of projects that will benefit our communities for years to come, the Explore Nature Challenge is a fantastic way to get outside and experience the natural beauty found in the Kawartha Lakes and Durham Region while getting some physical activity.

“There are so many wonderful benefits to spending time in nature,” explained Kawartha Conservation Foundation Vice-Chair Peter Raymond. “From supporting both a persons’ physical health and mental health, being outdoors among the trees, discovering new trails and new places, it’s really a wonderful opportunity for people to take advantage of.”

Making this year’s event possible is the tremendous support from the local business community. Coming on board as sponsors for the 2^nd Annual Explore Nature Challenge are Armstrong Contracting, the Kawartha Home Hardware Group (including Lindsay Home Hardware, Lindsay Design Centre, Home Town Rent All and Home Building Centre Lindsay), Cable Cable, Trish Todd Realty and PRI Engineering.

“The Explore Nature Challenge is really a wonderful opportunity for people to support their own personal health and well-being, while providing support for the broader community,” suggested Kawartha Conservation Foundation board member Linda Famme. “Our local businesses have stepped up again this year to help make this event a wonderful success and help contribute to the success of our communities. We couldn’t be more appreciative of their support.”

The Explore Nature Challenge kicks off on Friday, July 29, but registration is open now. To register for the event, visit our event registration page https://www.kawarthaconservation.com/ExploreNatureChallenge/.

“Conservation areas through August, September and October are truly magical places to visit,” added Raymond. “It is definitely worth visiting often to enjoy and experience the transition of seasons.”

If you have any questions regarding registration or the event, please contact Melanie Dolamore at 705-328-2271 ext. 216 or email mdolamore@kawarthaconservation.com.