SPRING HAS SPRUNG
It's Time to Get Outside!
Ganaraska Forest Opens to All Recreational Uses on May 1st
After a long winter, we are all looking forward to getting back into the Ganaraska Forest.

A few friendly reminders:

  • The forest remains closed to both non-motorized & motorized recreational uses until May 1st
  • Camping, fires & bbq'ing are prohibited in the forest
  • The 11,000 acre forest is multi-use. Let's all respect each other out there!
  • All users must obtain a day pass or membership
  • Before visiting, be sure to review the rules and regulations of the forest

Launching May 1st
Online Day Pass & Membership Purchases
GRCA's Conservation Areas Open Mid-May
There are 9 conservation areas within the Ganaraska watershed. All are free of charge and passive day use only.


Remember... Leave only footprints, take only photographs and memories.
Heads-Up for Harvesting!
The Ganaraska Forest timber harvest season opens on August 1 st. Keep your eyes out for active cut blocks and closed trails. Remember to stay clear of areas where harvesting is occurring - be cautious, be safe!

There will be 5 tenders for the 2019 harvest season , including:

West Forest – Red & White Pine – 44.9 ha
Central Forest – Red & White Pine – 31.9 ha
East Forest – Red & White Pine – 52.8 ha
West Forest – Spruce Row Thinning – 10.7 ha
West Forest – Hardwood – 19.9 ha

Tender openings will take place on Wednesday May 22, 2019. If you are interested in bidding, please email GRCA's Forester, Gus Saurer at [email protected] for tender packages.
Funding Available for Projects
Do you want to do something on your property to conserve, restore or enhance the watershed and environment? Do you need technical assistance or financial resources to complete the project?

Funding through the GRCA's Clean Water-Healthy Land Program is now open and available to residents in the Township of Hamilton, Municipality of Port Hope and Municipality of Clarington.

If you would like to apply or have any questions, please do not hesitate to email GRCA's Stewardship Technician, Pam Lancaster at [email protected] for further information.
Give Your Child the Gift of Nature
Does your child love the great outdoors? Exploring the wilderness? Inquisitive about nature? Then the GRCA's Nature Nuts Summer Camp is the place for them! This camp is geared towards 6-14 year olds who enjoy marsh exploration, nature hikes, environmental games and creating amazing crafts.

There are 8 themed weeks of fun to choose from, including:

  • Leader in Training - July 2-5 + a 2nd week as a camp counselor (ages 11-14)
  • Mad Scientist - July 8-12
  • Survival Week, Part 1 - July 15-19
  • Crime Scene Investigation - July 22-26
  • Crafty by Nature - July 29 - August 2
  • Survival Week, Part 2 - August 12-16
  • The Amazing Race - August 19-23
  • Rockin' Reptiles & Amazing Amphibians - August 26-30

For further information or to register, visit www.grca.on.ca and look for the squirrel or contact 905.885.8173 / [email protected] .
Outdoor Adventures
The GRCA is pleased to welcome the Peterborough Astronomical Association back to the Ganaraska Forest Centre for Under the Stars on April 26th. Join members of the PAA for a night of exploring the dark sky. Pre-registration is required by calling 905.885.8173

Have you ever stopped to consider the many benefits of rain barrels? Reap these for yourself with the purchase of a rain barrel for your property! The GRCA has partnered again with RainBarrel.ca to offer rain barrels, composters and other items to local residents. Pre-order your barrel through rainbarrel.ca/ganaraska by May 17th, and when you pick it up on May 25th, you can shop for native plants, trees and shrubs during the Annual Native Plant Sale in partnership with the Port Hope Kinsmen. A win-win!

For further information about GRCA events, please email [email protected] .
Thank You!
The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority thanks all of the sponsors, donors and supporters of the 30th Annual OFAH / Ganaraska Forest Centre Conservation Dinner that took place on Saturday, April 13th. The fundraiser was a success, and the Conservation Authority is grateful to the community for their continued support of this annual event which raises funds for the outdoor education program at the Ganaraska Forest Centre.

SAVE THE DATE!
31st Annual OFAH / Ganaraska Forest Centre Conservation Dinner, Saturday, April 18th, 2020 at the Cobourg Lions Community Centre
A lot of work goes into preparing for this annual event. If you are interested in volunteering, please email Dinner Committee Chair, Linda Laliberte at [email protected] .