CONSERVATION AREAS
READ BEFORE YOU GO
Remember when you visit any of our conservation areas, you are a guest of the forest, meadows or wetlands being protected. This is a collective legacy that we will share with future generations, an inheritance for them to use and enjoy. If we don’t look after what we have, we all lose. So your responsibility and ours can be realized, here is what we expect from you when visiting a conservation area.
Know which uses are permitted before participating by checking out our information kiosk located at the entrance to each of our conservation areas. There are many rare and sensitive plants and small animals that could easily be impacted if you leave the trails. Always follow the trail etiquette rules below:
Access is only permitted on marked trails and trail surface provided. Staying on the trail will also reduce your exposure to poisonous plants and ticks and protect our native plants and animals.
Respect the privacy of our Conservation Area neighbours along trails by staying on marked trails and avoiding excessive noise. Off-trail use is not permitted. Do not climb fences or take shortcuts.
Obey all posted signage.
Give the right of way to smaller and slower users, and cyclists should follow dismounting signage.
Stay right when approaching oncoming users.
Pack out what you pack in. Garbage cans are not present in most locations in an effort to keep wildlife wild and our Operations Staff available for Conservation Area maintenance.
Keep pets on a maximum two-meter leash. Stoop, scoop and take home all pet waste.
Wildlife can find their own food. To keep us and the wildlife safe and healthy, please feed songbirds only seeds.
No hunting.
Fishing is permitted at Enniskillen, Heber Down and Lynde Shores* Conservation Areas, but anglers are asked to please stay on the designated trails, to take their garbage with them, and to fish only at approved locations. You may also find this Durham Region Fishing Map helpful. Anglers should be aware that while fishing is permitted, it is still regulated through the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, which includes the possession of a valid fishing license and respecting provincial catch limits. Anglers must follow provincial fishing practices for Zone 17.​ (*Fishing at Lynde Shores is limited to canoe fishing [canoe launch open July 15 - Sept. 15]. Streambank fishing is not allowed.) ​
​Professional photographers require a photography permit and must stay on marked trails.
Do not bait animals for photographic purposes.
Leave flowers and plants for others to enjoy. No foraging.
Please refrain from damaging and or moving property like picnic tables, signage or washrooms.
Possession and or consumption of alcohol is prohibited.
Our Conservation Areas are smoke free, which includes cigarettes, cannabis and vaping.
Before you leave a Conservation Area, give invasive species the brushoff by cleaning your footwear, bikes, pets, canoes and kayaks.
