ERCA News

The Thomas Road Entrance to the Cypher Systems Group Greenway in Amherstburg and a section of the trail extending to Concession 3 will be closed for utility works until the end of September. The Cypher Systems Greenway from North Malden Road (Victoria) to Pinkerton Side Road in Essex will be closed for utility works from September 8 until September 14. Thank you for your patience as these important projects are completed.

All eyes will be on the skies this September as Holiday Beach Conservation Area becomes one of the best places in North America to witness the fall raptor migration, with tens of thousands of hawks and other birds of prey soaring overhead on their annual journey south. As communities across Canada celebrate the natural places that make this country strong, the Festival of Hawks invites visitors to experience the Essex region’s globally significant migration corridor and the s

The Essex Region Conservation Authority has recently undertaken targeted control of Flowering rush within the managed shorebird habitat cell at Hillman Marsh Conservation Area. Flowering rush is a restricted invasive aquatic plant in Ontario that can form dense stands, displace native vegetation, reduce biodiversity and alter wildlife habitat, including bird nesting and rearing areas. Early control is important in preventing this invasive species from spreading further into t

Before backpacks are packed and alarm clocks return, take time to soak up the beauty of one of nature's most spectacular seasons. Across the Windsor-Essex region, the final weeks of summer bring an incredible display of colour, wildlife and wonder. Goldenrod and asters brighten trailside meadows and forest edges, monarch butterflies drift through the air, and young barn swallows prepare for their first journey south. Watch for turtle hatchlings making their way to water, the

The Province of Ontario is proposing regulations under the Conservation Authorities Act to establish how many members participating municipalities may appoint to merged regional conservation authorities. Under the current proposal, the Essex Region Conservation Authority will be merged with the Lower Thames Valley, Upper Thames River and St. Clair Region Conservation Authorities to become the Western Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority. Under the proposal, local members

Essex Region – Cyclists of all ages and abilities are invited to experience the Essex Region by bike this fall as the Essex Region Bike Tour returns with scenic road routes, peaceful Greenway trails and a lakefront celebration in support of local trail infrastructure. “We are thrilled that this year’s 60- and 100-kilometre routes will take riders along picturesque county roads through Essex, Amherstburg, Harrow and Kingsville, while Greenway cyclists can enjoy safe, off-road

Essex Region – The trail at Collavino Conservation Area in Amherstburg has fully reopened following a temporary partial closure to protect turtles through the nesting season. Throughout the nesting period, turtle researchers monitored the site. Collavino Conservation Area, located in the Detroit River watershed, has a high concentration of Species-at-Risk, including Blanding’s Turtles, Eastern Spiny Soft Turtles and Snapping Turtles. Collavino Conservation Area opened

The Contractor for the subject works is planning on performing directional drill work next Tuesday, August 11. This work would require the closure of the ERCA Greenway from 2nd Concession Road (Thomas Road) and 3rd Concession Road in Amherstburg. The duration would be 3 days. Thank you for your patience during these upgrades.

Please note that the parking lot at Ruscom Shores Conservation Area will be closed August 5th for resurfacing to improve accessibility. Thank you for your patience during these upgrades.

On Saturday, August 8, the John R. Park Homestead will host a Skills Saturday Workshop Series, in advance of the Lost Arts Festival. Participants are invited to join some of the many talented festival artists for a curated selection of workshops to learn new skills and leave with a finished work of art. “Lost arts often require specialized knowledge and an application of personal style that many modern activities don't demand,” said Homestead Curator Kris Ives. “This can

ERCA is inviting community members to review the draft Collavino Conservation Area Management Plan and share their feedback through an online survey open from July 20 to August 21, 2026. “Community input is an important part of planning for the long-term care of Collavino Conservation Area,” said Kevin Money, ERCA’s Director of Conservation Services. “We want to hear what people value about this special place, what questions or concerns they may have, and how we can balance c

The Essex Region Conservation Authority joined partners from the Ontario Conservation Accelerator, Parks Canada, regional First Nations, the City of Windsor, Friends of Ojibway Prairie and others to celebrate an important step forward in the creation of the proposed national urban park in the Windsor area, following the acquisition of 19 hectares of the former Windsor Raceway lands. These newly protected lands strengthen ecological connections to the Ojibway Prairie Complex,

Due to today's poor air quality, guided tours at the John R. Park Homestead will not be available on Thursday, July 16. The grounds will remain open for walk-through access, and the indoor Conservation Centre and washrooms will be open. Please exercise caution when engaging in any outdoor activities today.

Barrette Excavating will be closing the trail tomorrow to perform some maintenance to the drain.

Holiday Beach Conservation Area is currently without power and access to public facilities. Hydro crews have been contacted and are working to restore power to the conservation area. It is anticipated that power will be restored later this evening or early Sunday morning. Thank you for your patience as we work to remedy damage from yesterday's storms.

As a result of the storm and high winds yesterday, there are tree limbs and branches down on several trails and in various conservation areas. Please proceed with caution when accessing our properties. Our teams are working diligently to address these hazards. If you come across any damaged areas that need to be addressed, please contact at ParkWatch parkwatch@erca.org or 519-971-2813.

ERCA offices and the John R. Park Homestead Museum and Conservation Centre will be closed on Wednesday, July 1 to observe Canada Day. Regular hours will resume Thursday, July 2. Happy Canada Day!

Blanding’s Turtles are one of the species that can be found at Collavino Conservation Area. A temporary partial trail closure is in effect through July to provide turtle nests the best chance of survival. Essex Region – Approximately one kilometre of trail at the new Collavino Conservation Area in Amherstburg will be temporarily closed through June and July to allow for turtle protection during the nesting season. “Collavino Conservation Area has a high concentration of Spec

Dr. Katie Stammler with a female mayfly (forefront) and male (pictured right, and darker in colour). Essex Region – They’re back! Residents across Windsor, Essex County and Pelee Island are once again seeing mayflies, also known as fish flies, gather around shorelines, streetlights, windows and buildings. While their appearance can be messy and inconvenient, this annual emergence is an important natural event and a visible reminder that aquatic insects are part of a functioni

Essex Region – The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) will hold its regularly scheduled Board of Directors’ meeting at the Essex County Civic and Education Centre on Thursday, June 18 at 6:00 pm. Agenda items include: 2025 Audited Financial Statements and Financial Condition Update Conservation Authority Transition Planning and Appointment of Transition Committee Members Designation of Leah Gibbs as a Provincial Offences Officer John R. Park Homestead Conservati