News

SIMCOE, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012 – The last Sunday in September of each year is Trail Day in Norfolk County, and a group of local trail enthusiasts are inviting the public to join them on September 30 as they stroll along one of the area’s many lovely trails.

Pathways for People, a community coalition that advocates for local trail development and promotes walking and cycling in Norfolk County for health, recreation, and as a form of active transportation, is inviting walkers of all ages and abilities to join them as they visit the trails at Backus Woods.

“Each year we pick a new place to host a public walk as a means of introducing people to areas of the county they wouldn’t necessarily venture on their own,” said Joyce Flexman, Chair of Norfolk Pathways for People. “We’ve done a number of walks on the rail trail system in the past, but this year we are excited to head a little farther west to explore the trails in Backus Woods in the Southern Norfolk Sand Plain Natural Area.”

The walk will begin at 1pm, rain or shine, and last about an hour. Flexman encourages walkers to pack water to drink and some insect repellent in case it is needed.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada has been doing a substantial amount of work to the trails in the Backus Woods area, with aims of allowing trail users to access and admire the beautiful surroundings, while at the same time protecting and preserving the natural ecosystem. The Carolinian forest throughout Backus Woods is a haven for a number of at-risk animal species, and also home to some of the oldest living trees in Ontario.

“Norfolk County has so many hidden treasures,” noted Michele Crowley, Health Promoter with the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit and member of Pathways for People. “In addition to getting some exercise, this walk will be a great chance to learn more about the Backus Woods.”

Sunday’s walk will be starting at the parking lot on the north side of 3rd Concession Rd in South Walsingham. To reach the parking lot, take Hwy 24 south from Simcoe, turn left on East Quarter Line Road and then turn right onto 3rd Concession Road. The parking lot will be less than a kilometre down the road, on the right hand side. Pathways for People volunteers will be on hand to direct people to parking and the trail head.

For more information about the trail walk, contact Michele Crowley at the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit at 519-426-6170 ext. 3239 or at[email protected].

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Media contact:
Michele Crowley
Health Promoter, Population Health Team
Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit
Ext. 3239 at either 519-426-6170 or 905-318-6623
[email protected]