Maintaining Safe Trails along Snake Creek in an Environmentally Significant Area 

Snake Creek is located just south of the Museum of Ontario Archeology in the Medway Valley Heritage Forest, one of London’s Environmentally Significant Areas (ESAs). A trail winds along the creek, enabling community members can enjoy its natural beauty. Unfortunately, the integrity of the trail suffers from erosion, fallen trees, and other challenges.

As the City of London funds a contract with the Upper Thames Region Conservation Authority (UTRCA) to manage several ESAs, including Medway Valley Heritage Forest, UTRCA staff have made several improvements to the trail along Snake Creek.

Creek Crossing  

To help pedestrians cross the creek, the UTRCA ESA team placed large stepping stones within the creek to offer dry passage during normal creek flows. The stones were moved into the valley and set in the creek to form a vortex-style weir. These stones will allow water to move through while also reducing erosion along the banks.  

Trail Enhancement  

The UTRCA ESA Team also reconstructed about 20 metres of trail that were damaged by erosion along the outside bend of the creek. Being located at the toe of a steep slope made it increasingly challenging for pedestrians to navigate the trail as it was becoming narrower over time.  

The area was further compromised due to a large tree leaning over the trail. To rectify the problem, a timber crib wall was built on site to restore and protect the trail in the future. After three days using chainsaws, hand tools, and working alongside an excavation contractor, 15 metres of crib wall were installed. An improved trail is now available to users.  

Contact: Cole Volkaert, Land Management Supervisor (London ESAs)