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Forest
Events & Programs
Take a Walk in the Forest
Nature's Classroom
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Take a Walk
Experience the beauty of the York Regional Forest with 2,200 hectares (5,500 acres) located in 20 different tracts. Hike the trails at our monthly guided events and learn more about the Forest.
  • All events are free. Children under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Terrain varies from sandy dirt paths to woody debris-covered forest floor. Poison Ivy is common. Closed-toed footwear, long sleeved shirts and long pants are recommended.
  • For your safety, please stay on the trails. Forest tracts are used at your own risk.

To download, please click 2012 Take a Walk in the Forest Flyer

January 21 - Sleigh Bells Ring!
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Hollidge Tract, 16389 Hwy 48, Stouffville

Join a naturalist for an afternoon sleigh ride though the winter woods - look for signs of winter wildlife. Learn Inuit words for different kinds of snow.
Rigister Now

February 25 and February 26 - Snowshoe Stroll
Register for either 10 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Hollidge Tract, 16389 Hwy 48, Stouffville

Enjoy a one-hour snowshoe stroll along forest pathways. Snowshoes, instruction, and a guided walk are included. Register for a morning or afternoon session.
Rigister Now

March 24 - Learn About Our Lands and Forests
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Bendor & Graves Tract, 17689 Kennedy Rd, East Gwillimbury
(north of Davis Dr, park at end of road)

Hike with our forester to learn about York Region Land Securement, how we protect land and grow new forests.Rigister Now


April 28 - Spring Forest Festival - Celebrate Spring!
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
North Tract, 17054 Hwy 48, Stouffville

Celebrate spring by planting trees and learn about our forest partners and Greening Strategy. Enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride through the forest. Hold slithery, "Sciensational" snakes in your hands. Hike with our forester at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to learn how to identify trees in the forest. Take a ride on the bus to the planting site (for free). Take home a tree seedling to plant. Don't forget to bring your work gloves and shovel!Rigister Now


May 12 - Wildflower and Warbler Walk
6 a.m. to 8 a.m.
Happy Valley Forest Tract, King Township. In Pottageville, turn south from Lloydtown-Aurora Rd onto 7th Concession, drive for 2.4 km to signs. Site is challenging to find and not accessible from the south or east.

Get up with the birds and enjoy a spring walk with naturalists to identify many of the wildflowers and migratory birds that live and frequent the York Regional Forest. Bring your binoculars! Explore the country roads of King to find our newest York Regional Forest, tucked away in the hills of King Township.Rigister Now


June 2 - York Regional Police K-9s in Action
10 am - Noon
Hollidge Tract, 16389 Hwy 48, Stouffville

Arrive at 10 a.m. and watch a working police dog demonstrate how dogs work with our frontline York Regional Police Officers. After the demo, hike with our forestry staff and learn more about your York Regional Forest. No dogs please.Rigister Now


July 14 - Capture the Forest through Photography
10 a.m. to noon
Eldred King Tract, 16232 Hwy 48

Bring your camera and learn how to take compelling photographs while walking in the forest with a nature photographer. Explore how to use the light streaming through the forest canopy to add drama to your photographs.Rigister Now


August 18 - Butterflies, Bugs and Forest Friends
10 a.m. to noon
Eldred King Tract, 16232 Hwy 48

Look for butterflies, cicadas, salamanders and snakes on a hike through the forest with a naturalist. Learn about Monarch butterflies, dragonflies, Asian Long Horned Beetle, Emerald Ash Borer and forest wildlife.
Rigister Now

September 8 - "Nature's Creations" Forest Festival
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Hollidge Tract, 16389 Hwy 48, Stouffville

Come out and see some of the things made from nature. Local artisans and wood crafters will demonstrate their art. High quality products will be available for sale or to simply admire. Ride on a horse-drawn wagon anytime or walk the trails on a guided hike at 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. Watch a timber harvester at work in the forest.
Rigister Now

October 20 - Forest Fish and Fungi
10 a.m. to noon
Hollidge Tract, 16389 Hwy 48, Stouffville

Enjoy an educational walk with an ecologist to a stream and learn about fish and how forests support sensitive streams. Learn about the interesting life of fungi with our mushroom expert.
Rigister Now

November 10 - It's for the Birds!
Register for either 10 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Hollidge Tract, 16389 Hwy 48, Stouffville

Learn how natural plantings can provide backyard shelter and food for winter birds with LEAF (Local Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests). Join us to build a bird box to take
home. Register for a morning or afternoon session.
Rigister Now

December 15 - Forest Jingle Bell Walk
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Hollidge Tract, 16389 Hwy 48, Stouffville

Join other merry walkers along a two-kilometre forest path. Enjoy festive music and learn how wildlife adapts to winter conditions. Jingle bells will be provided. A donation of non-perishable food for the local food bank is appreciated.
Rigister Now
 
MAP To find the locations of the forest tracts, please download a map click here for map
 
If you have participated in a Forest event or program, please tell us what you think
Your feedback will help us plan future Forest events and programs.
For more information on Natural Heritage and Forestry Services please contact us at: greening@york.ca
Click her for survey
 
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