Life in this 21st century world is pretty hectic. Between taking care of your family, work (especially for those who have multiple jobs), the dominance of technology and the numerous social activities you engage in on a daily basis,  it may sometimes be difficult for you to find time or space to unwind and just be you. Thankfully, there are some beautiful green spaces that help visitors to do just that and more. Green spaces like those run by wildlife preservation and control groups in Etobicoke are merging conservation with recreation in a harmonious partnership resulting in benefits for people and animals alike.

Ontario’s Conservation Sites

Conservation sites may be classified as one of our best efforts to maintain the balance of the environment. These protected sites are not just good for the elements that are being protected but for the entire planet. Each conservation site is selected because of some unique feature it has which allows it to contribute to the preservation of the ecosystem. These features may include rivers, lakes or marshes, forests, and valleys.

Luckily, there are many other locations in and around Toronto that are bustling with activities in an effort to safeguard these fellow living things and educate the general public and visitors alike. Areas such as the Clareville Conservation Area is one of those beautiful locations that is also quite popular for certain migratory birds. The location has an attractive landscape with rivers, creeks and open plains. As a dog owner, it is an ideal location for walks. Bird watchers are also welcome as birds like the Red-winged blackbird, the Savannah Sparrow, and the Bobolink can be seen on occasions.

The Devil’s Punchbowl

The Devil’s Punchbowl Conservation Area has an odd name but in reality, it is one of the most gorgeous natural preserves in Canada. You’ll find it in the Niagara Escarpment and when you do, you won’t forget the beauty you see. The bowl is made up of colourful rock layers that date back to the ice age. Cascading from the top is the spectacular Ribbon fall which plunges 33.8 meters down to the bowl’s basin. Another smaller waterfall, the Punchbowl falls, adds to the beauty of the site.

The Elora Gorge Conservation Area

For the hiking enthusiast, the Elora Gorge Conservation Area located in the Grand River Valley is an ideal setting for sightseers and backpackers armed with binoculars and cameras. This is a beautiful collection of cliffs, riverside trails and scenic views.

The Rock Glen Conservation Area

The Rock Glen Conservation Area, located in Lambton Shores screams family, fun and learning. Trekking through the sites many bridges, stairs, and boardwalks, you’ll be treated to awesome views of majestic waterfalls and the diverse plant and animal life that calls it home. The location is also very educational as, in addition to a diverse population of wildlife, the facility has a museum (the Arkona Lions Museum) with a plethora of artifacts and fossils.

Bellfountain Conservation Area

Located in Ontario, near the Credit Provincial Park, Bellfountain has a longstanding reputation as the most beautiful natural preserve in Canada. With numerous waterfalls and rivers, Bellfountain presents you with the opportunity to get your feet wet, literally. You can stroll along the banks of the river

Spencer Gorge Conservation Area

Want to take in some of the most majestic scenes the Niagara Escarpment has to offer? Then you should definitely check out the Spencer Gorge Conservation Area. This site is home to the Tew Falls and Webster waterfalls, both of which are said to measure around 40 meters in height.  If hiking is your thing, this is also the perfect spot. Visitors often remark that the area offers the best opportunities to see nature in all its glory.

A tour through various conservation sites is not confined to the interests of nature lovers, but also by the history buffs and the inquisitive minds. These locations carry the answers to many long-standing questions and bring you closer to nature. They are also the ideal place if you are looking to have a new and exciting experience. Toronto boasts a collection of interests spanning a wide cross-section of entertainment, fun, and education for the whole family.

Since wildlife preservation is everybody’s business, you should get involved by seeking more information on how you can pay your part. Organizations such as the Rouge Valley Conservation Centre provides the general public and tourists with information on the types of environmentally friendly practices they can employ to preserve wildlife.