Essex Region Conservation

09/04/2026

Service update: Several conservation areas and trails were impacted by yesterday’s storms and wind damage. Our staff are working to remove hazards. If you find a downed tree across a trail, please report it to [email protected] with as many details as possible so we can respond quickly. Thank you for helping keep our parks safe.

Several conservation areas and trails have been impacted by yesterday's storms. Staff are working to remove any hazards. If you come across a downed tree across a trail, please contact [email protected] to report it, with as much detail as you are able to provide.Thank you for your help in keeping....

09/02/2026

All eyes to the skies! Save the date for the Holiday Beach Festival of Hawks - September 19 & 20. As one of North America’s best spots to witness the fall raptor migration, you can see tens of thousands of hawks and birds of prey soar overhead on their journey south. Live bird demonstrations, symbolic bird adoptions, walks, talks and more! Fun for the whole family. Co-hosted with the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory. Learn more and plan your visit:

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 c...

09/01/2026

It's September, so don't forget to enjoy the last few days before school starts by taking the WE Conservation Challenge! Keep your eyes wide open to spot a monarch butterfly, a turtle or a Barn Swallow. Walk the trails and look for wildflowers. Best of all, disconnect from your devices to connect with nature and each other! You can download the WEConservation checklist and take this fun challenge here: https://www.essexregionconservation.ca/weconservation

08/31/2026

🦅 Exciting news! ERCA's online shop is now live and featuring limited edition merchandise for the upcoming Festival of Hawks.

Show your love for birding while supporting local conservation efforts. Shop the collection today or check out the John R. Park Homestead gift shop at the festival on September 19 and 20 at Holiday Beach Conservation Area!

🌐 www.essexregionconservation.ca/shop

08/28/2026

🦅 Fall migration season is almost here! That means the Festival of Hawks is just around the corner. Mark your calendars and get ready to experience amazing raptor sightings with Holiday Beach Migration Observatory at the Hawk Tower, enjoy family-friendly activities, and unforgettable views of migration in action.

🍂 Visit www.essexregionconservation.ca/festivalofhawks to check out the amazing programs and partners attending this year's festival!

📆September 19 and September 20, Holiday Beach Conservation Area, 9am to 3pm, $20 admission per vehicle.

08/27/2026

Service update: The John R. Park Homestead grounds and museum buildings will be closed Saturday, August 29 for a private event. The Homestead reopens Sunday, August 30 at 11:00 AM, and we look forward to welcoming you then. For more details, contact [email protected]

Learn more:

Please be advised that the John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area grounds and museum buildings will be closed on Saturday, August 29th for a private event. The Homestead reopens the following day, Sunday, August 30th, at 11:00am, and we look forward to welcoming you at that time. For additional in...

08/26/2026

Take nothing but memories (and photos). Leave nothing behind.

While exploring a Conservation Area, remember to leave nature where you found it. 🌻🍓Picking wildflowers and foraging for berries or other plants is not permitted. Help protect vulnerable spaces and ensure everyone can enjoy the parks for years to come.
https://ontarioconservationareas.ca/find-a-conservation-area/faq/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=ap_nvddd1hacy

08/25/2026

Today, ERCA's Management Team was fortunate to join Alexander Campbell, Lead Biologist & Committee Chair for the Essex County Nature Turtle Conservation Committee, and the Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters HIT Squad, to release 39 Northern Map Turtles and 8 Common Snapping Turtles back into the wetland from which their nests were salvaged this past spring. These hatchlings were salvaged by trained and dedicated club volunteers to maximize their chances of survival. This work is undertaken under the guidance and supervision of the lead biologist and with the appropriate permits and registrations.

90% of turtle nests face predation in Essex County. Of the 10% of nests that hatch, the odds are less than 1% of one turtle reaching the age to replace itself in the population. If you’d like to volunteer to help EFCN’s Turtle Conservation Committee with this important work, you can email them at [email protected]

08/20/2026

Join the WE Conservation Challenge! Savour summer’s last call - explore the wildlife and wonder of Windsor-Essex Conservation Areas. Join the challenge, have an adventure and make lasting memories! Learn more: https://wix.to/1VA7MPM

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...