Fletcher Creek Ecological Preserve

3921 Concession Road, Puslinch, ON N0B 2J0

Wednesday, 1 May, 2024

Meet at Longos, 24 Clair Road West, Guelph at 9:00 am to carpool (northwest corner of parking lot)

Hike start time:  9:30 am at trailhead

Limit of 16 hikers

Parking charge of $8.00 per car; drivers need a credit card for machine payment, hikers contribute to this charge. 

The Fletcher Creek Ecological Preserve is a unique natural area, 414 acres in size, located at the headwaters of the Spencer Creek Watershed. It is an important groundwater recharge area and is considered a provincially significant wetland.  An abandoned quarry at the site was rehabilitated, resulting in the creation of a rare type of wetland. Significant environmental improvements to the area include the expansion of a fen plant community, the rarest form of wetland in Ontario, creation of additional habitat for rare plants and animals already in the area, and a new breeding area for leopard frogs, snakes, and a variety of small mammals, such as groundhogs, foxes and bats.  A mix of coniferous and deciduous trees is creating a canopy that, over time, will provide valuable shelter for wintering birds and mammals. The area contains a trail system with wide fine gravel trails and interpretive panels. The paths may be wet in areas. 

https://conservationhamilton.ca/conservation-areas/fletcher-creek-ecological-preserve/

Level 1 hike, moderate pace, approximately 6 kms, 1.5 to 2 hours

Optional social time for coffee/tea at Longos/Starbucks after the hike. 

Carpooling is recommended but please let the hike leader know if you plan to meet at the trailhead.

Hike leader:  Mary Mitchell, mhmitchell1@gmail.com, 819 321-5378 (cell)