Rouge Park Visitor Guide Web

$5.00 ValueAugust 2008Rouge Park

Visitor Guide

Contents

© Rouge Park 2008. No content may be reprinted without permission from Rouge Park. Design: Michelle Holmes, Rouge Park. All photos are © Rouge Park unless otherwise noted. To download a copy of this document, please visit www.rougepark.com.Contact us at: [email protected] or (905) 713-6038Rouge Park, 50 Bloomington Road West, Aurora Ontario, L4G 3G8

Rouge Park will be a special place of outstanding natural features and diverse cultural heritage in an urban-rural setting, protected and fl ourishing as an ecosystem in perpetuity. Human activities will exist in harmony with the natural values of the Park. The Park will be a sanctuary for nature and the human spirit.

To protect, restore and enhance the natural, scenic and cultural values of the Park in an ecosystem context, and to promote public responsibility, understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of this heritage.

Rouge Park is Canada’s premier urban wilderness park. The 47 km2 of protected lands preserve wilderness habitats in and near Toronto, Canada, from the Oak Ridges Moraine to Lake Ontario. Visit us to enjoy hiking, camping, a beach and spectacular views. Many areas are accessible by public transit. Alan Wells is Chair of the Rouge Park Alliance, the Park’s board of directors. Rouge Park’s General Manager is Lewis Yeager.

Welcome to Rouge Parkk 2

Outdoor Adventures 3

Places to See 4

Stay a While 6

Rouge Park Map 8

Points of Interest 9

Icon Legend 9

Day Use Area Map 10

Cedar Trail 12

Finch Meander Area 14

Glen Eagles Vista 16

Glen Rouge Campground 18

Orchard Trail 20

Vista Trail 20

Riverside Trail 22

Mast Trail 22

Rouge Beach and Marsh 24

Twyn Rivers Area 26

Celebration Forest 26

Woodlands Area 28

Driving Tour 30

Cycling Tour 31

Rouge Park’s Inhabitants 32

Have a Safe Visit 34

Before You Go 35

Park Visitors’ Code 36

About UsAbout Us

Our VisionOur Vision

Our GoalOur Goal

Welcome to Rouge Park, a very unique place to visit. Rouge Park has been termed the largest wilderness park in a North American urban setting. More important is our job to provide a refuge for nature and the human spirit.

While you enjoy walking the trails, visiting our beach and perhaps camping at our facilities, you are surrounded by extensive nature reserves and ecological restoration zones. In fact, we have been told by experts that Rouge Park has the largest programme of ecological restoration of wetlands, forests and meadows of any park. You may see the signs throughout the Park describing our restoration efforts. One day, these restored habitats will become nature reserve areas, adding to the Park’s ability to support a diverse community of wildlife and vegetation.

Because much of Rouge Park is uniquely sensitive, we ask our visitors to be particularly helpful by staying on our offi cial hiking trails, keeping your dogs on a leash in nature reserves and using roads, rather than trails, for cycling. In the near future you will see an expansion of our facilities to include multi-use trails and additional natural and cultural interpretive opportunities throughout Rouge Park.

We hope you will return many times to enjoy these changes.

Outdoor Adventures Await!

Camping Under the Stars!The only place to camp in Toronto- whether you’re a seasoned camper or just want to see what it’s all about, the Glen Rouge Campground is a great way to escape to the wilderness, - right in the city.

What A View!Rouge Park offers many breathtaking views. Be sure to check out Glen Eagles Vista in the fall, the colours are brilliant!

Steeped in HistoryThe human history of Rouge Park goes back over 10,000 years. From the nomadic tribes of the distant past to the cottage escapes of recent history, these lands are full of stories.

Habitat Up CloseWithin moments of stepping onto one of the Park’s trails you’re bound to see evidence of its inhabitants. From songbirds to butterfl ies, and if you’re really lucky - a turtle. Wildlife abounds in Rouge Park.

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Hiking trails vary from easy to challenging with a variety of scenery. The Park has 10 trails for you to explore.

Rouge Beach is a

popular fi shing spot. Please remember, a seasonal Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources fi shing licence is required.

Tent, RV and trailer

camping are available at the Glen Rouge Campground, Toronto. No camping is permitted in other areas of the Park for your own safety, and to protect the sensitive ecosystems in the Park

Enjoy peaceful recreational canoeing on the river, and at the marsh at Rouge Beach. Take in the scenic views of marshes, the river, Lake Ontario and a variety of birds. No rentals are available in the Park. Please bring your own equipment. No motorized boats are permitted.

Rouge Beach offers swimming, sun bathing, sand and fun!

Families and small groups visiting the Park

can enjoy a picnic without a permit. Picnic facilities in the Park in Toronto are limited, often only 1 or 2 picnic tables, no BBQs, water or washroom facilities. Do not use off-trail areas for picnics.

Have a larger crowd? For groups of 20 or

more, these areas have picnic shelters, water, BBQs, washrooms and plenty of parking. Permits are required. Please contact each area directly.

Milne Park, Markham: • www.markham.caPhyllis Rawlinson Park, Richmond Hill: • www.richmondhill.ca• Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area, • Whitchurch-Stouffville: www.trca.on.ca

There are many scenic roadways in

Rouge Park. See cycling routes in the Park at www.rougepark.com. Some of these routes are part of Toronto’s Bikeway Network, see the City of Toronto Cycling Map at www.toronto.ca. for details.

Off-road cycling and mountain biking are not permitted in the Park to protect sensitive natural ecosystems. Trails are for hikers only.

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Half DayRouge Beach, Glen Eagles Vista then visit Twyn • Rivers Area to see the Celebration Forest, and Little Rouge Creek.

Beare Hill Trailhead - take the Cedar Trail and enjoy • bird watching at the wetlands near the southern trailhead

Riverside Trail to Vista Trail, follow loop to Orchard • Trail, which links to Mast Trail and will bring you back to the Glen Rouge Trailhead.

Take a driving tour of the Park along winding roads, • pass historic buildings, stop for dessert at a local farmer’s market, buy local, fresh vegetables from roadside stands.

Up to 2 hoursGlen Eagles Vista, Twyn Rivers Area and Celebration • Forest, see Little Rouge Creek at Twyn Rivers Area

Build a sand castle at Rouge Beach - pg 24•

Walk in the woods at Woodlands Area - pg 28•

Hike the Riverside and Mast Trail loop, - pg 22•

Vista Trail and Orchard Trail, follow loop to return to • Twyn Rivers Trailhead - pg 20

Bird watching at the Cedar Trail south trailhead - pg 12•

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Up to 1 hourTake in the view at Glen Eagles Vista - pg 16•

Splash around at Rouge Beach - pg 24•

Listen for birds at Woodlands Area - pg 28•

Wander along the Riverside Trail - pg 22•

Enjoy a litterless lunch at Finch Meander - pg 14•

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One Day

From Beare Hill Trailhead follow the • Orchard Trail south to Twyn Rivers Drive, link to the Mast Trail, walking south to meet the Riverside Trail taking you to the Glen Rouge Trailhead. Return via the Riverside Trail northbound to Twyn Rivers Drive. From there link to the Vista Trail to return to the Beare Hill Trailhead.

Enjoy a morning at Rouge Beach - • walking along the lake shore, bird watching at the marshes, building sand castles. Spend an hour or so canoeing on the river. Then to Glen Rouge Trailhead along the Riverside Trail to Twyn Rivers Drive returning along the southbound Mast Trail to the Glen Rouge Trailhead.

From Twyn Rivers area, follow the • Orchard Trail north then take the Vista Trail southbound back to Twyn Rivers Area. For an afternoon hike, access the north trailhead of the Mast Trail, and follow the wooded path southbound to link to the Riverside Trail, which will bring you back to Twyn Rivers Drive and the Twyn Rivers Area

How long will you visit?

Two Days or MoreIn addition to a full day or two • of activities in the Park, and a refreshing sleep at the Glen Rouge Campground you can merge your urban wilderness experience with a variety of sights, shops, restaurants and entertainment options in downtown Toronto.

Toronto Tourism info: • www.torontotourism.com

For a new kind of tourist • experience try Green Tourism in Toronto: www.greentourism.ca

The Toronto Zoo is walking • distance via our trails, or a short drive from the Glen Rouge Campground: www.torontozoo.ca

OvernightAdd a stay at the Glen Rouge Campground to your full day of activities. Sleep under the stars! Camp sites vary from rustic to fully serviced.

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Meadowvale Rd at Zoo Road • • • •2 Cedar Trailhead (North)

Meadowvale Rd, north of Old Finch Ave

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Across from 55 Twyn Rivers Dr • •4 Finch Meander Area

305 Old Finch Ave • •5 Glen Eagles Vista

7 Twyn Rivers Dr • • • • •6 Glen Rouge Campground

7540 Kingston Rd • • • • •7 Glen Rouge Trailhead

Access at 7540 Kingston Rd • •8 Rouge Beach

195 Rouge Hills Dr • • • • • • • • •9 Twyn Rivers Area

55 Twyn Rivers Dr • •10 Woodlands Area

19 Reesor Rd • • • •Rouge Park Satellite Areas

A Bruce’s Mill3291 Stouffville RdWhitchurch-Stouffville

• • • • •B Milne Park

8251 McCowan RdMarkham

• • • • • • •C Phyllis Rawlinson Park

Leslie St. north of 19th AveRichmond Hill

• • • • •D Toogood Pond

216 Main StreetMarkham

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Icon Legend

Rouge Park

Federal lands in Rouge Park Lake/Pond

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Cedar Trail Access from Beare Hill Trailhead (off Meadowvale Rd), and from Meadowvale Road, north of Old Finch Avenue, Toronto

Cedar Trail 2.2km Experience the cool green of mature forest as it shelters the lush valley lands, see butterfl ies fl uttering through a meadow, and listen for frogs at the wetlands.

What will I see on this trail?Small streams that fl ow into Little Rouge Creek, and Little Rouge Creek itself.• Wetland and meadow species near southern sections of the trail, forest • species in northern sections.From the South trailhead, you can see the hill from an old landfi ll site that is • being revegetated, and wetlands created in the excavated areas where soil was removed to cover the site.

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Parking TipNorth trailhead access on Meadowvale Road has limited roadside parking. Better parking options for your safety and the safety of your vehicle are at the south trailhead - Beare Hill.

Toronto Zoo

Little Rouge Creek

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Finch Avenue

Zoo Road

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Steep grades on trail. Steps and steep sections may be slippery during wet or winter weather.

Plan Your VisitHours of OperationOpen year round

AccessibilityTrail conditions may vary depending upon weather. Stairs along trail. No winter maintenance.

Public TransitTTC bus: #85B and #86A stops at off-ramp leading from Meadowvale to Toronto Zoo.

Driving DirectionsFrom Highway 401: Exit Meadowvale Road northbound. Exit Meadowvale at Toronto Zoo Road, merging right to parking area.

Looking for tips on finding wildlife? Check out our website athttp://www.rougepark.com/explore/nature_spotting.phpLooking for tips on finding wildlife? Check out our website athttp://www.rougepark.com/explore/nature_spotting.php

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Finch Meander Area 305 Old Finch Avenue

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AccessibilityThere is a set of stairs at one end of the loop. No winter maintenance on trail.

Public TransitTTC bus: #131 Nugget near Morningview Trail and Old Finch

Driving DirectionsFrom Highway 401: Exit Meadowvale Road northbound. Turn left at Old Finch Avenue (pass the Toronto Zoo)

Finch Avenue East

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Finch Meander Trail 250 metresThis short trail immediately immerses you into the wilderness. Nestled in along a curve in the Rouge River, enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.

What will I see on this trail?A colourful selection of wildfl owers along the trail• Ancient maple trees offering shade• Look carefully and you may spot the serenading songbirds• Listen to the Rouge River as it fl ows over a rocky riverbed•

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Stairway on trail. Steps may be slippery during wet or winter weather.

The Bailey Bridge at Finch Meander was one of many built in 1954 by Canadian Military Engineers to replace a bridge destroyed by Hurricane Hazel. This bridge is the last remaining one servicing in the Scarborough area.

Did You Know?

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Glen Eagles Vista 7 Twyn Rivers Drive, Toronto

Twyn Rivers Drive

Sheppard Avenue East

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Outstanding scenery all year, but especially pretty in autumn. From this viewpoint you can see the Rouge River and Little Rouge Creek valleys and a provincially-signifi cant geologic feature. This easy trail is fl at and accessible for wheelchairs and other mobility devices.

What will I see on this trail?An outdoor interpretive exhibit provides visitors with an explanation of the • scenery and some background on the history of the site.Vista point with outstanding view of river valleys and natural erosion. • Short trail with interpretive signs and native vegetation.•

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AccessibilityGravel path is easy for wheelchairs, strollers and walkers. No winter maintenance on trail.

Public TransitTTC bus: #85A Sheppard East stops at Sheppard Avenue East and Rainbow Ridge Avenue

Driving DirectionsFrom Highway 401: Exit Meadowvale Road northbound. Turn right at Sheppard Avenue East, left at Twyn Rivers Drive.

A Very Special Place!

Glen Eagles Vista Trail 0.6km

The forest you see from Glen Eagles Vista is part of a Provincial Area of Natural and Scientifi c Interest because of its exceptional biodiversity and many nationally and provincially rare plants and animals, like American Ginseng and the Northern Mockingbird.

The entire vegetation community, part of the Carolinian life zone, is now rare in the Toronto area, but occurs widely in southern Rouge Park because of our protected park lands.

Rouge Park provides the Greater Toronto Area with a reservoir of biodiversity reaching from Lake Ontario, north towards the Oak Ridges Moraine. At least 12 Environmentally Signifi cant Areas, 2 provincial Areas of Natural and Scientifi c Interest, and 2 Provincially Signifi cant Wetlands have been identifi ed in this urban wilderness park. Want to learn more? Visit our website at www.rougepark.com today!

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Glen Rouge Campground 7540 Kingston Road, Toronto

Campground is 8.7 hectares with 125 sites. Tent and RV

sites are available.

Plan Your VisitHours of Operation Camping season: May to October. Dates shown at www.rougepark.com or call the campground directly. Reservations accepted as early as January.

AccessibilityFacilities and campsites are wheelchair accessible.

Public TransitThere is no transit stop at the campground. Nearby transit stops are a 1km walk.

TTC (Toronto local transit): bus 85A stops at Sheppard Avenue East and Kingston Road, then continues to Rouge Hill GO station 4 km away. For more info: www.ttc.caDurham Transit: R9 route offers weekday “rush hour” service only to Rouge Hill GO Train station, links to trains to downtown Toronto and TTC buses. For more info: www.durhamregiontransit.comGO Transit (regional bus): Oshawa/Highway 2 route (Oshawa - Yorkdale). Stop at Kingston Road and Port Union Road. Routes & schedules: call 1.888.GET.ON.GO (438.6646), on-line www.gotransit.ca

CyclistsThe winding roads through Rouge Park offer scenic cycling routes, we remind you that riding on the trails and through the nature reserve is prohibited.We are Velo Hospitality Ontario member. You may bring a bike on any GO Train on a Saturday, Sunday, or statutory holiday, and on weekdays between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Driving DirectionsHighway 401: Coming from west of Toronto: Exit #390, Port Union Rd/ Kingston Rd, drive eastbound on Kingston Rd. Campground entrance is on left-hand (north) side of Kingston Rd, before (west of ) the bridge over the Rouge River.Coming from east of Toronto: Exit #392, Highway 2/Kingston Road, drive east on Kingston Rd. Campground entrance is on left-hand (north) side of Kingston Rd, before (west of ) the bridge over the Rouge River.Highway 407: Exit York Durham Line, called Scarborough-Pickering Townline as it crosses south of Steeles Avenue. Turn left on Finch Avenue, turn right on Altona Rd (southbound) and then right (westbound) on Kingston Rd. At the bottom of the bridge, the campground entrance will be on your right-hand (north) side.

Fees (rates are subject to change)6 people allowed per site, maximum 2 tents + 2 vehicles • Each additional tent/vehicle: $8.00• 27 unserviced sites: $22/day; $138/week; $526/month• 87 serviced (electrical + water hook-up) sites: $30/day; $189/week; • $718/month. Unserviced, non-vehicle sites (cyclists, back packers): $14/daySanitary sewage disposal fee: $10• Firewood: $8 • Ice: $2.75•

Camping Under the Stars!Toronto’s only camping spot, the Glen Rouge Campground, is easy to reach from highways and is on the banks of the Rouge River. A safe and comfortable camping experience. Hiking trails, a sandy beach and access to other Toronto attractions are close to the campground

Features:Security: access restricted to campers during camping season• Children’s playground, showers, washrooms• , laundry facilitiesBarbecue/fi re pits• Dogs are permitted at the campgound as long as they are leashed• Campground is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during the camping season•

ReservationsE-mail Toronto Parks and Recreation: [email protected]: 416.338.CAMP (2267)

For further information, please visit City of Toronto website www.toronto.ca.

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Orchard & Vista Trails Orchard Trail 2 kmWitness nature reclaiming the land as regenerating forests merge with remnants of an agricultural past.

What will I see on this trail?From the north trailhead, you can see the • hill from an old landfi ll site that is being revegetated, and wetlands created in the excavated areas where soil was removed to cover the garbage.From the south trailhead at Twyn Rivers • Drive, you can see an old ski hill and the pieces of an old concrete dam that was once used to back up the river for swimming when a hotel stood on the site.

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Staying Hydrated

Having something to drink while you hike our trails is a good idea - it will help keep your energy up and your body cooler, allowing you to enjoy your adventure to the fullest.

We encourage you to bring a re-usable water bottle.

It’s inexpensive - safe water from your tap costs a fraction of the price of store bought water. Additionally, many bottlers are using tap water to start with, so why not save some cash and go directly to your tap?

Plastic water bottles are fi lling up landfi ll sites - almost 85% of plastic water bottles don’t end up in the bluebox for recycling. Also, disposable plastic water bottles are often made up of non-renewable resources. Wow! Imagine the difference a reusable bottle could make. It’s worth making the change today.

Toronto Zoo

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Little Rouge Creek

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Access from Twyn Rivers Area, 55 Twyn Rivers Drive, and Beare Hill Trailhead (off Meadowvale Rd), Toronto

Vista Trail 1.5km LoopPanoramic bluffs, view of the Little Rouge Creek and Rouge River valleys.

From the north trailhead you’ll fi nd an easily accessible 1.5 km loop route, offering panoramic view of the Little Rouge Creek valley.

What will I see on this trail?A mix of forest and meadow offers a variety • of plant and animal life.Steep bluffs provide breathtaking views of • the river valleys.


Parking TipThe Twyn Rivers Area has ample parking available for accessing the south trailheads. Please use caution when crossing Twyn Rivers Drive. Parking for the north trailheads is available at Beare Hill Trailhead near Meadowvale Road

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Visit us at www.rougepark.com for lots of planning tips and ideas!Visit us at www.rougepark.com for lots of planning tips and ideas!

Glen Rouge Trailhead Access at 7540 Kingston Road, TorontoRiverside and Mast Trails

Riverside Trail 3.2 km

Your footsteps follow the path used by Aboriginal peoples and early European settlers.

What will I see on this trail?Sections of the Rouge River.• A mix of forest, riverside and meadow • habitats attract a variety of plant and animal life.

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Little Rouge Creek

Rouge River

Altona Road

Kingston Road / Highway 2

Sheppard Avenue East

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Highway 401

Royal Rouge Trail

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Raspberry Rd

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Glen Rouge Campground

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Walk a 200 year old logging route. Over a century ago large trees were cut and fl oated down the river to the lake, bound for ship building yards in Europe.

The trail leads over the “hog’s back”, or ridge, to Twyn Rivers Drive. Follow the 3.2 km loop route of the Riverside Trail to return to the South trailhead - Glen Rouge.

Walking Your Dog?The trails in Rouge Park are a great place for you and your four-legged pal to get some fresh air and exercise. Keep these points in mind while you’re enjoying the sights and sounds of this natural area, and help protect your park.

These trails wind through a designated nature reserve - home to many small wildlife species who may nest on the forest fl oor, or rely on ground cover for food and shelter. An encounter with an off-leash dog can prove stressful or fatal to these animals, and could disrupt breeding for the season.

While you consider your dog friendly and no danger to others, an off-leash dog can cause fear to other people and dogs.

Poison ivy can be prevalent in areas near the trails. Dogs can easily pick up and transfer this skin irritant on to you and others.

By leashing your dog, you are showing consideration for the park, and all of its visitors.

Take a Hike!You can access both of these trails from the Glen Rouge Trailhead, located at 7540 Kingston Road, the same entrance as the Glen Rouge Campground.

You can also start from the north end at Twyn Rivers Drive. Please use caution walking along the roadway.

Use caution in steep areas and close to eroding river banks.


What will I see on this trail?Forest species of plants and animals.• Mature forests with lush understorey of • ferns and other plants.

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Rouge Beach and Marsh 195 Rouge Hills Drive, Toronto

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Plan Your VisitHours of Operation: Summer/spring/fall - vehicle gates are open dawn to dusk. Pedestrian access any time. During the winter, vehicle gates are closed - pedestrian access only.

Accessibility: Boardwalk and pathway offer easy access for wheelchairs, strollers and mobility devices. No winter maintenance on pathway or boardwalk.

Public Transit:TTC bus: #54A/E stops at Lawrence Avenue East and Starspray BlvdGO Train: Rouge Hill GO Station on Lakeshore East line is 1.3 km from beach entrance

Driving Directions:From Highway 401: Exit Port Union Road southbound. Turn left at Lawrence Avenue East, follow Lawrence Ave eastbound to the end where you will see the entrance to the beach.

Make a Splash in Lake Ontario!Where the Rouge River meets Lake Ontario, there’s a sandy beach and a wetland full of wildlife waiting for you. The marshes at Rouge Beach are the best and biggest in Toronto and the sandy beach is a popular summer spot for neighbours and visitors alike. Enjoy the 1km Rouge Beach trail. Note: there is no trail connecting the beach to the Glen Rouge Campground What will I see?

A view of Lake Ontario, shoreline to the east, and the mouth of the • Rouge River.A variety of wetland and shoreline plants and animals. Look under • the bridge to see the swallow nests - infrastructure and wildlife can exist together! Tranquil canoeing on river and in marshes. No motorized boating permitted.• Fishing access. Seasonal provincial licence required.• Easily accessible boardwalk and pathway near marshes.• Access to Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail.• Washrooms, drinking water .• Swimming - the beach is open seasonally in accordance with Toronto Public • Health approval, lifeguard on duty when offi cially open.Lake Ontario

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Look closely at the lily pads in the marsh, you might spot a frog basking in the sun!Look closely at the lily pads in the marsh, you might spot a frog basking in the sun!

Twyn Rivers AreaThe remains of an old dam are still visible in Little Rouge Creek. In the 1950s, a hotel in the valley was a popular vacation spot and the river was dammed for swimming. People often skiied on the hill on the south side of the creek. Nearby, the remains of old orchards and farms are reminders of former residents in the area. From this area you can access Orchard, Mast, Riverside and Vista Trails.

Celebration Forest: Our Park Memorial .5kmAcross from Twyn Rivers Area, you can visit our park memorial where we have honoured friends and supporters of Rouge Park, as well as those who contributed to the natural heritage legacy of the area that eventually became protected in the Park. To learn more about the people we are celebrating, visit www.rougepark.com. Take a stroll along a short hiking trail, read our recognition sign or relax for a while on one of the benches.

Twyn Rivers Area & Celebration Forest 55 Twyn Rivers Drive, Toronto

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Plan Your VisitHours of OperationOpen year-round.

AccessibilityTwyn Rivers: Gravel parking lot offers easy view of Little Rouge Creek.Celebration Forest: 0.5 km hiking trail is not paved, conditions may vary depending upon weather.

Public TransitThis area is more than 2km from the nearest transit stop.

Driving DirectionsHighway 401: Exit Meadowvale Road northbound. Turn right at Sheppard Avenue East, left at Twyn Rivers Drive.

Highway 407: Exit at York-Durham Line southbound. South of Steeles

Avenue East, road turns into Scarborough-Pickering Townline, continue southbound. Turn left at Finch Avenue East. Turn right at Altona Road southbound. Turn right at Twyn Rivers Drive, parking lot entrance will be on your left.

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rm2Would you like to learn about the contributions of those we are honouring in the Celebration Forest? There are scientists, educators, activists, politicians and more!

Visit our website at http://www.rougepark.com/media/recognition/celebration.php

Good Work!

Woodlands Area 19 Reesor Road, Toronto Woodland Trail 2.7 km Easy trail, fl at and accessible for wheelchairs and mobility devices for 1.5 km. Follow the entire 2.7 km trail for a moderately challenging hike. The mix of forest and meadow views offers opportunities for a variety of plant and animal spotting.

What will I see on this trail?Little Rouge Creek and the valley.• Young trees planted to build new forests.• Remnants of an old cottage area, fl ooded by Hurricane Hazel in 1954. • View of Little Rouge Creek.• Wildlife viewing opportunities. • Part of the City of Toronto’s “Bird Flyways”, areas where people can view birds in •

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AccessibilitySections of paved pathway. Gravel path is easy for wheelchairs, strollers and mobility devices. No winter maintenance on trail.

Public TransitThis area is more than 2km from the nearest transit stop.TTC bus #53 Steeles East stops at Steeles Avenue East and Markham Road

Driving DirectionsHighway 401: Exit Meadowvale Road northbound. Turn left at Old Finch Avenue. Turn right on Reesor Road. Go northbound on Reesor Road, driveway is right before Steeles Avenue East.Highway 407 Eastbound: Exit at Ninth Line southbound. Turn left on Steeles Avenue East. Turn right on Reesor Road southbound.Highway 407 Westbound: Exit at York-Durham Line southbound. Turn right on Steeles Avenue East. Turn left on Reesor Road southbound.

It’s For the Birds!Every year, Rouge Park holds a Winter Bird Count. Monitoring how many, and what type of birds are found in the Park in January, helps our biologists make good Park restoration decisions. Why not come out for a count? Call 905.713.6038 for more information.

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On Your Bike!The scenic roads that wind through Rouge Park offer a glimpse into the area’s past and an introduction to our future forests.

What will I see?Cycle by a cider mill built in 1872 on Reesor Road • ARestoration signs marking areas of new forest and wetland habitats • Be sure to stop at Glen Eagles Vista to take in the view • BCross a Bailey Bridge - built in 1956, replacing the one washed out by the force • of Hurricane Hazel CCrops grown in Rouge Park’s Agricultural Heritage Reserve • DBob Hunter Memorial Park area - soon to offer trails and other visitor services • E

A Nice Day for a DriveSpot wetland habitats, historic buildings and new forests, and if the season is right you can buy fresh local produce along the way.

What will I see?Stop at Rouge Beach and Marsh to walk along the boardwalk and watch the shorebirds • ATake in the view at Glen Eagles Vista, be sure to bring your camera! • BLapps Cider Mill was built in 1872 and is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act • CHow many restoration signs can you see? We’re building plenty of new habitats.• The Cedar Grove Community Centre was a public school, built in 1869 • DThe Bob Hunter Memorial Park Area will soon have trails and areas for you to explore • EThe area is steeped in history, see an old school house • F, or a church built in 1890 G

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© B. MacQueen/istockphoto

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Have a Safe Visit

Going “Wild in the City” in Rouge Park means you will be in a wilderness area. Visitors use the Park and trails at their own risk.

Keep your children within sight at all times.•

Beware of dogs! Some people still do not leash their dog as required by municipal • by-laws.

Be aware of your surroundings on trails and in parking areas. •

Do not feed or approach animals. This Park is their home. Wild animals may become • aggressive when feeling threatened. Feeding wild animals alters their diets and threatens the natural instincts and abilities they need for survival throughout the year.

Use caution when crossing roads, visibility is limited and traffi c is not restricted in the • Park.

Help your children stay safe and learn to be responsible visitors.•

Call 9-1-1 in case of emergency. •

Before You Go, It’s Good to Know...

Exploring Park trails provides a glimpse into the many fascinating elements this natural sanctuary has to offer, including wetland habitats, ancient trees and panoramic vistas. A diverse landscape is interesting to explore, however it is also important to be aware of potential hazards that may also be present.

There is no drinking water available in the Park. Be sure to bring enough • water with you to stay properly hydrated.

Be prepared for the weather - wear protective clothing and suitable • footwear to shield you from the sun in the summer, and the snow in the winter. Plan ahead for your energy and temperature tolerance to fi nish your hike safely.

Know your limits. •

Trail conditions vary with weather. Muddy, icy or wet sections may be • slippery and require extra caution.

Poison ivy and stinging nettle are common in the Park. Other plants may • be irritants to skin or people with allergies. Be prepared for a rustic outdoor experience.

You will be in a natural area, with mosquitoes, black fl ies, etc. Wear • protective clothing and/or apply insect repellent.

There are no amenities on trails or at trailheads.•

There is no winter maintenance on trails. Please use extra caution.•

Don’t Get Lost!

The white rectangular marks you see painted on trees, posts and rocks in the Park are a standard blazing system, to help you fi nd your way.

Follow the blazes to stay on offi cial trails. Two blazes indicate a turn, a trail junction, or an area where you should exercise caution.

By staying on the marked trails, you are helping to prevent riverbank erosion and damaging sensitive habitats in this special nature reserve.

Enjoy your hike!

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What does Poison Ivy Look Like?

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Poison Ivy can be a tricky plant to identify - within the Park it can have many different appearances. The key feature is the three leafl ets on the end of a reddish coloured stem. The leaves vary from light to dark green, can be shiny, and often turn bright red in the fall. The stems can be woody or vinelike.

Poison ivy can be found just off many of the trails and in wooded areas. If you end up with an itchy rash from a poison ivy encounter, apply a paste made with baking soda and water.

Play it safe:Leaves of three, let it be!

© T. Levstek/istockphoto

© C. Hill/istockphoto

DO keep your dog on a leash.Enjoy our trails with your dog safely leashed.All dogs must be leashed at all times. “Stoop and scoop”. Municipal by-laws in effect.

DO stay on the trail.Hike only on marked trails and observe trail closure signs. Trails are sometimes closed because they are not safe. Other times, they are closed to allow a damaged area to regenerate naturally.

DO use the trash cans. Carry your litter back out, along with any litter you fi nd.

DO report illegal activity.Help us by reporting fi res, vandalism or illegal dumping. To report vandalism or illegal dumping, call the municipality. Fires are prohibited under municipal by-laws.

DO bring your Ontario fi shing licence with you.A valid provincial fi shing licence is required. Seasonal restrictions apply.

DO park in lots provided.Park only in designated areas. Lock your vehicle, and conceal any valuables.

DO visit the Glen Rouge Campground.Camping is permitted only in the Glen Rouge Campground. For your safety, and to help us protect the natural environment, camping is not allowed in other areas of the Park.

Park Visitors’ CodeDo your part! Help protect your Park so we can all enjoy it now and in the future. Be a responsible visitor by following this code.

DO NOT feed or approach wildlife. This Park is their home. Wild animals may display aggressive behaviour when feeling threatened. Feeding wild animals and birds alters their diets and threatens the natural instincts and abilities they depend on for survival throughout the year.

DO NOT remove or damage vegetation or other features in the Park. It is illegal to remove anything from a public park. Plants provide food and shelter for wild animals who rely on Rouge Park for habitat. Rocks, trees, and other features all serve a purpose in a natural ecosystem. Please respect the sensitivity of the natural environment.

DO NOT cycle on trails or in sensitive nature reserves in the Park.Trails are in a Nature Reserve zone. Cycling is prohibited in these areas to help protect sensitive ecosystems. Cycling on roads is welcome.

DO NOT bring fi rearms into the Park.Discharging fi rearms, including bows and crossbows, is prohibited. There is no hunting allowed in Rouge Park. Municipal by-laws are in effect.

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Rouge Park Visitor Guide Web

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Transcript of Rouge Park Visitor Guide Web