Celebrate the York Regional Forest 100-year anniversary

February 02, 2024
Learn about the Forest’s history, conservation and splendour with free activities and events all year long

Newmarket – The York Regional Forest you know and love today has flourished for over 100 years.

To commemorate this centennial anniversary, York Region is organizing a year-long celebration packed with free activities, events and historical exhibits for everyone to enjoy. Indigenous history, culture and language have been integrated into the celebration with support and input from Indigenous partners and community members.

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“This 100-year milestone demonstrates York Region’s strong commitment to protecting and restoring the natural environment and providing access to greenspace for residents,” said Wayne Emmerson, York Region Chairman and CEO. “We look forward to honouring the York Regional Forest’s natural beauty and celebrating a legacy of conservation and our shared commitment to preserving the Forest for generations to come.”

Free activities and events to celebrate the anniversary include:

“With more than 150 kilometres of scenic trails in 22 public forest tracts, including almost seven kilometres accessible to wheelchairs, strollers and other assistive devices, the York Regional Forest is universally enjoyable,” said City of Richmond Hill Mayor, David West, Chair of Public Works - Environmental Services. “This anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on its century-long history and the careful management and restoration it undergoes today.”

The York Regional Forest was established in 1924 with the purchase and reforestation of the Hollidge Tract in the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville. At the time, there was growing concern over wide-scale deforestation across Southern Ontario, which resulted in sandy wastelands unsuitable for farming.

By the late 1940s, benefits of reforestation efforts could be seen. The barren lands once again became healthy forests, providing homes for wildlife and wood for the forest industry. Reforestation prevented soil erosion, conserved water resources and provided opportunities for recreational use for the public.

After a century of restoration efforts, and now guided by It's in Our Nature: Management Plan for the York Regional Forest, today’s Regional Forest includes more than 2,500 hectares and 24 forest tracts located in different parts of the Region. It is increasingly biodiverse with a rich mix of over 50 different tree species, home to a wide variety of native wildlife.

To commemorate the 100th anniversary, a 142-hectare property acquired in 2021 at McCowan Road and Queensville Sideroad in the Town of East Gwillimbury will be named the “Centennial Tract”. As part of the celebrations, a community tree planting event will be held at this tract in spring 2024.

Popular activities in the York Regional Forest include hiking, dog walking, mountain biking, horseback riding, nature appreciation and educational programming. From the tranquil Hollidge Tract to the vibrant North, Hall and Nobleton tracts, visitors are welcome, free of charge, every day of the year.

Learn more about the York Regional Forest’s 100-year anniversary and find activities and events at york.ca/Forest100

Activities and events subject to change. Photos and video available for media upon request.

The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to more than 1.2 million residents and 55,600 businesses with more than 615,000 employees. More information about the Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/regionalservices

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Media Contact

Melissa Pinto, Corporate Communications,
The Regional Municipality of York
Cell: (437) 997-6821
Email: @email