Special events at Halton conservation areas to entice visitors from Milton, Burlington, Oakville

Conservation Halton parks are gearing up for autumn for visitors from Milton, Burlington, Oakville and Halton Hills.

Starting Saturday, Sept. 28, park visitors will be able to experience the fall foliage during Fall Into Nature programming at Area 8, Kelso, Mountsberg, and Crawford Lake conservation areas every weekend until the end of October.

“Fall Into Nature programming offers a variety of family-friendly outdoor activities so there is something for everyone to enjoy,” said Craig Machan, director, parks and operations at Conservation Halton.

“What makes Fall Into Nature different than other fall attractions is that many of our programs have been designed by our education, animal care, and trails teams providing an underlying layer of learning in every fun experience. Plus, all programs take place outside, in our parks, against the backdrop of the beautiful fall colours making the perfect family photo opportunity.”

Among the new attractions this year are the Little Anglers’ Fishing Derby at Area 8 and a new scavenger hunt, the Case of the Missing Pumpkins at Mountsberg’s Spooktacular Halloween events.

Here are some of the highlights at various parks.

Area 8 Conservation Area

Kids 8 years old and under can fish off the docks, rocks, or rent a canoe or kayak and get on the water to track down the biggest fish and release them back into the reservoir at the Little Anglers’ Fishing Derby – Saturday, Sept. 28, from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

Medals will be awarded to all participants for having fun fishing and trophies will be awarded for:

• Biggest fish caught by an angler under 4 years old
• Biggest fish caught by an angler between 5 and 6 years old
• Biggest fish caught by an angler between 7 and 8 years old
• Adults and kids over 8 years old are welcome to participate for the fun of it, no derby entry fee required.

Boat and rods are available to rent; however, bait and tackle are not provided, and participants are asked to use barbless hooks.

Kelso Conservation Area

Chairlift rides run throughout the day every weekend taking guests up and down the escarpment to scenic fall trails and lookout points.

Crafting stations will be set up with fall tie dye T-shirt making and pumpkin painting.

Face painting and airbrush tattooing are happening on Oct. 12 and 13.

The Challenge Course is open and features a climbing tower, aerial ropes, and archery.

Hot drinks, food, and s’more cones are available to purchase.

Free activities take place throughout the park including a new Kids Zone with leaf pressing, colouring books, wood cookie painting and branding, as well as the WonderPhil Magic Show and the Great Canadian Lumberjack Show on select dates.

Mountsberg Conservation Area

Spooktacular runs Friday to Sunday evenings in October with family-friendly Halloween fun activities throughout the park like the new ‘Case of the Missing Pumpkins’ scavenger hunt.

Visitors are invited to come in their Halloween costumes and can take a trip through a haunted barn, play on the natural playground, walk an illuminated forest trail, meet snakes, owls, and barn animals, or lounge by campfires with s’mores. Guests can also add-on a spooky, dark wagon ride to the forest.

This event has no ‘jump-scares’ and offers a unique opportunity to get in the spirit of Halloween while learning about the environment and wildlife.

Hawk Walks through the field with Raptor Centre staff and a hawk give guests an opportunity to get active on a hike while watching a raptor soar above them.

Raptor Encounters give guests a behind the scenes look at the Raptor Centre and a chance to have a bird perch on a gloved hand.

Free animal shows take place throughout the day including the Wonders of Raptors free-flying show and a behind the scenes tour, as well as Meet a Chicken, Meet a Bunny, and Meet a Snake!

Crawford Lake Conservation Area

Lake to Longhouse guided hikes offer tours of a reconstructed 15th century Indigenous Longhouse Village, then guests take a walk through the Species at Risk Trail with larger-than-life wood carvings and end the tour at the meromictic lake and boardwalk.

Free fire making demonstrations will also be held throughout the day at the Turtle Clan Longhouse.

To attend Fall Into Nature events, visitors can make a park reservation and add-on activities they would like to join. To learn more, visit here.