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Spring is in the air in the nature sanctuaries, heard in the calls of chickadees, cardinals and woodpeckers. Unlike 2012, a considerable snow pack will be melting away this year and there will be significant risk of flooding. The first spring wildflowers Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) are beginning to bloom. This large plant is found in spring feed lowlands, with the best trails to spot it including the Cherry Trail in Hendrie Valley, Captain Cootes Trail on the north side of Cootes Paradise, and Westdale Ravine Trail on the south side.

Operation of the Cootes Paradise Fishway. will commence once the ice melts from Cootes Paradise Marsh, and will be tested by the anticipated floods. The first species through include rainbow trout, northern pike and yellow perch. The operation schedule starts with only a few baskets, before ramping up for full spring fish migrations in April. The bald eagles at Cootes Paradise have been on the nest since mid February, with young expect by early April. The George North and Marshwalk platforms on the north shore of Cootes Paradise provide the best opportunities to see the birds, with the nest located in the Hopkins Wood Special Protection Area along Spencer Creek. Aside from the eagles, waterbirds have been concentrating in this area of the marsh, and the surrounding forest is among the best locations to encounter a pileated woodpecker, possible to see before the trees leaf out again.

You can experience spring through one of RBG’s many Public Programs for kids or adults, with pocket guides available at the RBG Shop, with great lunch time dining available at the RBG Centre restaurant. If you’re looking for a guided walk try one of our weekly free Sunday Back to Nature walks also listed in our public programs calendar. Walks rotate between four locations, one for each week of the month and are provided by RBG volunteers.

Trails Notes – Many of the hills will be vary between icy and muddy as the snow melts away. In addition Creekside Walk Trail in the floodplain of Hendrie Valley has been flooded and will be muddy and uneven until repairs can be made in the summer, as well one of its bridges will be replaced during March. Reconstruction of the Princess Point boardwalk is complete and has been reopened. The outlying trailhead parking lots at Rock Chapel and on York Rd. will be reopening on March 22.