Wildwood Autumn Open House a Success

It was a beautiful day on September 23rd to celebrate the season at Wildwood Conservation Area’s Autumn Open House! Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff and high school volunteers welcomed over 250 people to the property, offering free vehicle admission for the afternoon alongside several engaging activities.  

Visitors were able to meet two Ojibwe horses, their caregivers Salianne and Dale Patch of Aspens Ojibwe Horses, as well as Indigenous Educator, Christin Dennis. Christin presented about the once nearly extinct breed of horses, and their comeback story. He approached the past, present, and future of Indigenous Peoples with a grace and openness that welcomed dialog and understanding. Salianne and Dale shared in-depth information and answered many questions about the care and breeding of the Ojibwe horses. The horses were very calm, patient, and happy to be the stars of the show! 

Over 30 people enjoyed a tour of the Wildwood Dam, down and back up all 108 steps! Many had questions and were surprised to find out that the gates are made of concrete.

Visitors also enjoyed a self-guided walk in the woods through the new Story Hike Trail where they were able to explore nature through the pages of the storybook, It’s Fall by Linda Glaser. The 1.2 km hike followed a stone dust path along the Green Trail in the Dr. Murray Forest making for an accessible walk.  

At the Visitor Centre, children and adults alike were excited to make leaf rubbings, colour Obijwe Horse drawings by Indigenous illustrator, Rhonda Snow, and create seasonal art. Hoot Hoot, the Great Horned Owl (taxidermy), was on display to showcase the many cool features of owls. There was also a display about native tree parts with information about how to identify them in nature.  

Thanks to everyone who joined us! Find more photos in our Flickr album.