Kawartha Conservation supporting the community through COVID-19 lockdown

DECEMBER 22, 2020 – On the cusp of a second provincial Covid-19 lockdown, which comes into effect on December 26 and continues until January 23, Kawartha Conservation is taking steps to make sure the community can continue to enjoy Ken Reid Conservation Area and spend time in nature this winter in a safe and enjoyable way.

Effective immediately, Kawartha Conservation has contracted a snowplow operator to plow the entire road to the former beach-area parking lot, to accommodate additional vehicles and families, while making it easier for people to walk along the road and access trails like the Point Loop Trail.

“Each winter we close the gates because of the extra cost of plowing and maintaining the road to the beach-area parking lot,” explained Kristie Virgoe, Director, Stewardship and Conservation Lands. “We know that this lockdown and the restrictions on people and their movement, especially during the winter months, will be very hard on a lot of people and their families. 

“We want to be able to provide additional parking and additional opportunities for people to spend time in nature, even if it is a short walk for some exercise or fresh air,” added Ms. Virgoe.

With the gates remaining open, the community will have access to two parking areas, making all of the trails at Ken Reid Conservation Area accessible by visitors to allow for appropriate social distancing.

“There are so many really great trails to explore at Ken Reid,” said Ms. Virgoe. “Whether it’s the Pond Loop with our Storybook Trail, the Accessible Trail to the Viewing Platform, both of our boardwalks, the Cedar Forest or Point Loop, there is a wide range of diversity and choices for the type of trails and the length of trails.”

With the road being plowed the entire length of the roadway, motorists are reminded that pedestrians will be using the plowed roads for walking as well.

“We want to remind all of our visitors to drive carefully and according to the posted speed limits while at Ken Reid as pedestrians will also be sharing the road,” said Ms. Virgoe. 

Visitors are encouraged and reminded to take any garbage home with them and to clean up after their pets while visiting Ken Reid Conservation Area.

“We want everyone to have a great visit and experience at Ken Reid Conservation Area,” said Ms. Virgoe. “Keeping our trails clean benefits nature, benefits our visitors, benefits everyone. 

“Come and explore the trails this winter,” Ms. Virgoe continued. “Whether it is hiking, bird watching, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, feeding the chickadees, or just enjoying being outdoors, Ken Reid is a great place to get away from the stresses of everyday life and enjoy all of the benefits of nature for a little while.”

Ken Reid Conservation Area is open daily from dawn until dusk, and parking is $4 per vehicle, through the Pay and Display machine or the MacKay Pay online app. Visitors can also purchase an annual parking pass through the MacKay Pay app.