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Fall Hike at Malcolm Bluff Shores Nature Reserve
Join Ontario Nature as we visit Malcolm Bluff Shores Nature Reserve and the Bruce trail with hike leads Brian Popelier and Melissa Thomas. Hike along the Niagara Escarpment and experience spectacular fall colours and views across Georgian Bay as we learn about the unique biodiversity found along the escarpment and some of the rare species found in this region
About the Nature Reserve: Located on the Niagara Escarpment, the Malcolm Bluff Shores property has an amazing physical diversity. Six distinct geologic formations can be observed, as can wetlands, forests, talus slopes and vertical cliffs. Black bears, scarlet tanagers, ovenbirds, wood thrush, Canada warblers and peregrine falcons have been seen on the property, as have a number of rare fern species.
Schedule:
11:00am: Registration
11:30am: Welcome and Land Acknowledgment
11:30am-1:00pm: Biodiversity hike led by Bruce Trail Conservancy and Ontario Nature staff
Washrooms: There will be a porta-potty available on site.
Additional Details: This event will be held rain or shine. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy closed-toed shoes, as we will be walking off trail for a portion of the event. Bring a hat, raincoat, re-fillable water bottle, binoculars and your favourite field guide.
Directions to Malcolm Bluff Shores Nature Reserve: The nature reserve is located sixteen and a half kilometres north-east of Wiarton. From the centre of Wiarton, follow Highway 6 north 3 km and turn right onto County Road 9. Follow County Road 9 for approximately 6.2 km and turn right onto Purple Valley Road. Continue down Purple Valley Road for 5.2 km to an intersection where Purple Valley Road turns left. Continue straight through the intersection on Wright’s Crescent and follow for 2 km, where Wright’s Crescent takes a 90-degree bend to the left. A parking area is located on the right, just beyond the 90-degree bend. We’ll be meeting at the beginning of the trailhead before the 90-degree bend. View Malcolm Bluff Shores Nature Reserve in a larger map.
Accessibility: The hike will lead us along the main Bruce trail. The trail is uneven at times, typical of trails along the cliff edge of the Escarpment, but with no major elevation changes. An outhouse will be available in the parking lot.
Learn more about the Malcolm Bluff Shores Nature Reserve here!
By participating in the event, you agree to abide by the Event Code of Conduct.
To submit your public events for consideration, email Noah Cole at noahc@ontarionature.org. Please send well in advance and allow up to two weeks for posting. Events must be submitted by a member group or run jointly with Ontario Nature.