West Perth Thames Nature Trail and Wetlands

Orient Yourself

southwestern Ontario - Mitchell under star

Location

Located along the banks of the north branch of the Thames River, in the urban/rural amalgamated Municipality of West Perth, Ontario, Canada.

The nature trail features over 10 km of varied levels of difficulty, from the wheelchair accessible north and middle section to the more rugged and natural scenic southern section.

Most of the trail is in the urban ward of Mitchell, while the West Perth Wetlands are located in the rural Ward of Fullarton Township.

Maps

Trail Map (entire trail system - printable pdf))
Topographical maps, scaled to show buildings
Driving directions
Mitchell Information Booth (at Lions Park)

Background

Trail Features

American Avocet (Photographer: Mark Cunningham, London)

Red-necked Phalarope (Photographer: John Millman from Burlington)

Highlights

Bird Watching
- Birding at the West Perth Wetlands
- American Avocets (October 2009)
- See the Guestbook for Eric Jeffrey's birding reports (Fall 2009)
- Bird Checklist
- Gallery of Bird Photos
- Swans - Water Birds and Shorebirds - Other Bird Species
- ONTBIRDS - 2009 Reported Sightings for Mitchell & West Perth
- Rare Visitors in 2008: Hudsonian Godwits
- Visiting Birders Poll (12-2008)
Natural Features - The Wetlands, Paths through Meadows and Woodlands, Flora, Other Species (Turtles & Insects)
Recreation Options - on land, on the water: all seasons
- People Activities
Geocaching - Hide & Seek with a GPS unit
- What is GEOCACHING?
- 3 caches (created Aug 2006) on the West Perth trail system
- Official Global GPS Cache Hunt Site

Trail sections

North - East bank (south from Francis Street to Ontario Road)
- Photo Album (North - East bank)
- Millpond Views
North - West bank (north from Dam through Lions Park to William Street)
Middle (south from Ontario Road to the railroad tracks, along the river flats)
South Trail (south from the tracks at the James Street flats to Frank Street)
12/04/07: The South Trail from the railroad tracks to the Frank St. bridge was under construction since May to make for improvements for hikers. This section had been very rugged & muddy. Some work remained to be completed in 2008.
The Woodlands Trail (many paths through forested river flats, to the West Perth Wetlands).
The Wetlands Trail
Park areas (Stacey Park, Lions Park)

Enhancements

Benches
Footbridge
Dam & Millpond
Archive Photos - Historic photos
- Former Features of the Trail - Tunnel
- Recreational activities - Fishing, Canoeing
- Industries: Railway, Mills, Flax cutting
Planned improvements - trail extensions, maintenance, conservation activities
Summer 2007 Great Trail & Wetland Photography Contest
- All Entries - Winners - Sponsors
A second contest with the theme - Winter Magic/Spring Rebirth - was run in 2008.

Timelines

Thames River and Footbridge over Whirl Creek

Hudsonian Godwits (Photographer: Peeter Musta, Kitchener)

Coming Events

Other Community Events
Christmas Day Bird Count (interested individuals should contact the Stratford Field Naturalists)

Past events

2010 West Perth Spring Clean-Up
Recent history
- Apr 22, 2009 Earth Day
- May 2, 2009 Kinette Rubber Ducky Race
- May 30, 2009 Juvenile Diabetes Walk
- July 1, 2009 Canada Day Celebrations
- June 10, 2009 Mitchell Advocate story: West Perth Wetlands infrastructure project nearly complete
- August 26, 2009 Mitchell Advocate story: Unique heron carving at east end
Events 2007-2008
Further back - Past Events 2001-2006

Human Elements

Tips for trail users

Health tips for hikers - clothing, supplies, hazards, weather
Seasonal changes
Recommended guidebooks & publications
Trail Courtesy

Contributors & Contributing

Supporting Organizations
WPTNT Committee Members
Donations - Dedication Plaques for footbridge and benches
"How can I help?" (Volunteering)

Guestbook & Suggestion Box

Guestbook Tell us what you think, report bird sightings, contribute pictures of your favourite spots, stories or video of your experience on our nature trails.