What are park natural areas?
Natural areas in Wrenford are the parts of our parks and ravines that we leave mostly as they grew. They include the woodlands along the Tamsin River, the steep banks of Corvid Creek, the wetlands around Ambrel Lake, and the native grasslands on the Benchlands. Instead of mowing these spaces like a lawn, we let the plants grow naturally to create a healthy ecosystem.
Why natural areas matter
These spaces do more than look nice. They keep our community safe and resilient. Deep plant roots hold the soil in place, which stops erosion along the riverbanks and creek corridors. The soil and plants also soak up rainwater, reducing the risk of flooding in the Riverside Flats and protecting our water quality. Natural areas provide shelter and food for birds, insects, and small mammals, keeping our local wildlife thriving. They also store carbon from the air and help cool neighbourhoods during hot summers.
How the City manages them
Our Parks & Trails team uses careful management to balance nature with public enjoyment. We have shifted our maintenance practices to protect these areas while keeping them safe for visitors.
- Reduced mowing: We only mow a narrow strip along pathways and fences to keep sightlines clear and make it easier to pick up pet waste. The rest of the area is left to grow.
- Invasive species management: We spot-treat invasive plants by hand-pulling or using approved methods to protect native species.
- Trail care: We maintain the 64-kilometre Tamsin River Trail System and keep the natural trails in the Corvid Creek Ravine clear and safe. We regrade gravel and natural surfaces in late April and October.
- Monitoring: We regularly check soil stability, plant health, and wildlife activity to adjust our plans as needed.
What you can do
You play a big role in keeping Wrenford's natural areas healthy. Here is how you can help:
- Stay on marked trails. Walking off-trail damages plant roots and disturbs wildlife nests.
- Never release aquarium pets, plants, or other living things into our lakes, rivers, or storm drains. Releasing non-native species is illegal in Ontario and puts our local wildlife at risk.
- Keep dogs on a leash no longer than six metres on shared trails, and pick up after them.
- Report overgrown vegetation, illegal dumping, or damaged trails by visiting our online form or emailing [email protected].
- Support native gardening. You can find tips on planting species that help local pollinators by visiting the rain garden program page.
Rules and safety
We want everyone to enjoy these spaces safely. Please follow these guidelines:
- Respect quiet hours between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. to protect wildlife and neighbours under the Noise By-law 2016-122.
- Protect trees. The Tree Protection By-law 2024-089 limits digging and damage within three metres of mature trees in parks and on private property.
- Follow posted signs. Some areas, like the Corvid Creek Ravine Natural Area, are environmentally significant and have trails for walking only. No bikes or dogs are allowed in those specific zones.
- During extreme cold or high fire danger, some trails may close temporarily for your safety.
Stay informed
Our Natural Areas Management Plan is a long-term project. We will share updates on trail improvements, planting projects, and maintenance schedules as they happen. You can track our progress on the news page or sign up for park updates at City Hall.
For questions about natural areas, trail conditions, or tree protection, call 311 or 519-555-0100.