White Pine Loop, G.G. Newton Nature Reserve, 2014 © Noah Cole
George G. Newton Nature Reserve is among the hidden gems of our Nature Reserve system. Situated only a few kilometres from the shore of Lake Huron between the cities of Goderich and Bayfield, this 33-hectare nature reserve is tucked away on a quiet gravel highway.
The property options roughly 2 kilometres of path, together with a straightforward higher loop and a tougher decrease loop. The higher path meanders by rolling hills, passing an interesting mixture of pure and human historical past. Right here, you will notice a handful of large maple, walnut and catalpa timber – among the largest within the space. An previous barn basis continues to be seen alongside the path, whereas different proof of the property’s agricultural previous is being reclaimed by nature, aside from a couple of remnant crops which escaped from the previous homestead gardens. Parts of the path additionally traverse a mature pine plantation (a standard restoration method used within the mid-Twentieth century to reclaim farmland) that’s slowly giving method to hardwoods.
The decrease path, nonetheless, poses a problem for hikers. It slopes steeply by a dense grove of cedars, finally assembly and following a creek. There are a couple of factors alongside the creek that present a peaceable vantage level to view the floodplain, earlier than the path rises steeply again by the cedars to attach with the higher loop.
In 2023, the Huron Fringe Area Naturalists, whose members steward the property, recognized numerous downside areas alongside the higher path. Deteriorating steps on the entrance, a steep and infrequently slippery slope, and an space of serious erosion created challenges for hikers and made the path tough to make use of in moist or wintery circumstances.
Due to the generosity of Trillium Mutual Insurance coverage and Capital Energy, Ontario Nature was capable of rent TREADscape, a sustainable path builder, to re-route these downside sections. TREADscape accomplished the work in November 2024, and the higher loop now options extra mild grades and is extra accessible for guests.
“Years earlier than I started working for Ontario Nature, I found George G. Newton Nature Reserve’s beautiful path community. Since then, I’ve been a frequent customer for canine walks, early morning birding or the occasional path run. It’s been superior to be part of making this path community extra accessible, and I hope it is going to result in others discovering and coming to understand it as I’ve.”
– Marcus Maddalena, Nature Reserves Supervisor
In spring 2025, Ontario Nature can be internet hosting an official path opening. Go to our occasions calendar quickly for details about the upcoming occasion. Should you’re concerned with visiting earlier than that, you possibly can study extra about this nature reserve on our web site.
The George G. Newton Nature Reserve path enchancment venture is generously supported by Capital Energy, Trillium Mutual Insurance coverage and Walmart.
Candace was Ontario Nature’s Nature Reserves Intern in 2024. Previous to having joined Ontario Nature within the spring of 2024, Candace labored within the parks sector and for quite a few conservation tasks all through Ontario. She obtained her B.Sc. in biodiversity from the College of Guelph, and her M.Sc. in biology from the College of Brandon. Candace has in depth expertise conducting subject analysis, together with monitoring birds, crops, odonates, reptiles and amphibians. She is very passionate concerning the conservation of reptiles and has labored with a wide range of species in danger throughout Ontario and Manitoba. In her free time, Candace enjoys birding, mountain climbing, crocheting and spending time together with her canine, Sully.
