Conservation Areas
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Andrew Murray O'Neil Woods
Address: 602 Mersea Road 5, Staples, ON N0P 2J0, Canada
Amenities: Trail
Things to Do: bird-watching, photography
Andrew Murray O’Neil Memorial Woods is a mixed Carolinian forest containing Oaks, Hickories, Basswood, Pine, Elm and Black Walnut trees to name a few.
Essex Region Conservation owns or manages 17 publicly accessible properties totaling more than 1820 hectares (4500 acres) of land, as well as nearly 100 kilometers of trail. We protect some of the most important greenways, woodlands and wetlands in the Place for Life. As the most southern part of Canada, our region is home to rich Carolinian woodlands, lush cattail marshes, and unique prairie environments found in very few other Canadian settings. These natural areas provide habitat for a wide range of bird, plant and animal species.
Conservation Areas help people lead healthier lifestyles by providing places to be active while connecting with nature, which has proven mental, physical and spiritual health benefits. They also contribute to the local economy as tourist attractions, attracting visitors to our region to experience birding, hiking, cycling and swimming.
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Big Creek Conservation Area
Address: Big Creek, Amherstburg ON, Canada
Amenities: none
Things to Do: bird-watching, hiking, hunting, photography
Big Creek is located at the western tip of Lake Erie, only six kilometres from Holiday Beach. It is the largest wetland in the area and attracts masses of migrating birds as they cross the lake at its narrowest point. Big Creek Conservation Area and Holiday Beach were designated an Important Bird Area on September 16, 2000. The IBA designation recognizes the importance of Big Creek as an important natural area through which thousands of raptors migrate each fall. A wide variety of raptors and other birds can be seen in this area, particularly during the fall migration as they move south. As a shallow, wide expanse of water, Big Creek is also a popular place with waders such as herons and egrets.
There are no facilities specifically for Big Creek Conservation Area, but Holiday Beach Conservation Area is adjacent to Big Creek, where a 3 story viewing tower provides beautiful vistas. This is the location of our Heritage Forest site. A walking trail winds through the site, and signage is in place to identify how the program restores select tracts of land to a natural state while memorializing loved ones. People are respectfully requested to not mark trees, as the goal of the Heritage Forest is to become a true natural area. As well, marking tree can cause death or damage to the trees.
Cedar Beach Conservation Area
Address: 1031 Heritage Rd, Kingsville, ON N9Y 2E6, Canada
Amenities: washrooms
Things to Do: kayaking, fishing, photography, picnicking, swimming
Cedar Beach is a popular sandy spot for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing. It is on Lake Erie at the mouth of Cedar Creek, and is a enjoyed by many fishermen. A leisurely canoe trip from Cedar Creek Conservation Area all the way to Cedar Beach takes about one hour and affords many spectacular views of wetlands, forests and wildlife along the way. Cedar Beach is managed in partnership with the Town of Kingsville.
Devonwood Conservation Area
Address: Division Rd & Cabana Rd East, Windsor ON
Amenities: trails
Things to Do: bird-watching, hiking, photography, cross-country skiing
Hunting: controlled waterfowl hunting is permitted seasonally.
It’s hard to believe this unique woodland is located in an urban centre! Enter this natural area and feel the stresses of life melting away. Located in the City of Windsor, Devonwood features more than 4.5 kilometres of trails promote healthy and active living for people of all ages. Perhaps no other woodland in Canada supports a greater diversity of oak trees: eight species of oak are found in this urban forest! Can you identify all eight? Stay alert as you walk the extensive trail system winding through this 38 hectare forest. You may also see Eastern Screech Owls, Long Eared Owls and Little Brown Bats.
Be a friend to nature and other visitors – follow trail etiquette while visiting this area.
Cedar Creek Conservation Area
Address: Cedar Creek, Essex ON, N9Y 2E6, Canada
Amenities: trail
Things to Do: bird-watching, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, hunting, photography, picnicking
Hunting: controlled Waterfowl Hunting is permitted seasonally.
The Cedar Creek basin is probably the most significant, most extensive, and most beautiful natural area in the Place for Life. Experience the Carolinian woodlands, rolling landscapes, creeks, tributaries and abundant wildlife. Cedar Creek is a pristine natural area offering excellent bird watching opportunities.
Be inspired by the sight of eagles soaring, herons and egrets wading, and turtles sun worshiping on logs. View the provincially rare American Lotus, Swamp Rose Mallow and other superb flora and fauna. Canoeing or kayaking can be a great way to explore this Conservation Area. Launch from the dock and head upstream for a magical journey meandering through the trees and Carolinian foliage, or head downstream to enjoy the widening expanse of water as you approach Cedar Beach Conservation Area.
Get out and explore all that the region has to offer. For just $80 each year (+ fob fee for new pass holders), you can hit the beach, hike or bike nearly 100 kilometres of trail, see rare bird species during the spring and fall migration celebration, bring your family to dozens of fun events and explore the beautiful and rare natural areas in the Essex Region – as many times as you like!
Get a Seasonal Pass!
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Keep pets on a short leash at all times - no more than three feet.
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Immediately clean-up after your pet.
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Provide plenty of room to allow faster trail users to pass.
Pets:
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Conservation Areas are smoke free, and smoking is permitted only in designated areas, typically parking lots.
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Be aware of ticks. Stay on the managed trail. For more information on ticks, please follow this link to the Windsor Essex Health Unit page on Ticks and Lyme Disease.
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Obey trail signs and follow all posted rules or ordinances at any facility.
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Trails are only open during daylight hours.
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Stay on the designated path and managed areas. Do not explore neighboring forests, fields, or wetlands.
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Motorized vehicles of any kind are not permitted on trails at any time.
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Use proper waste receptacles or take your garbage home.
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DO NOT pick or remove any flowers or natural foliage along the trail.
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Always show courtesy to all other trail users:
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Stay to the right of the trail; pass on the left.
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Do not take up more than half of the trail.
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Remain in single file when trails are congested and in heavy use.
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Listen for others. Headphones may impair your ability to hear and react to potentially dangerous situations, but please be mindful of your music volume.
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Wear appropriate shoes and clothing for trail and weather conditions
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Tell someone your itinerary.
All Users, Please:
Greenways also provide a valuable wildlife and utility corridor. Therefore, to ensure a positive experience for all users and to preserve these facilities for years to come, please follow these etiquette guidelines.