The Shade’s Mills Conservation Area is located in Cambridge, Ontario. With several kilometres of hiking trails through forests, this is a great urban forest to escape and engage in some forest bathing. Many of the trails are narrow, with thick undergrowth on both sides and branches overhead.
There are numerous areas to see the creek, with beaver dams and evidence of spring log jams.
As you cross the bridge, you are treated with a view downriver with extensive overhanding branches and a large number of dragonflies, known as Black Saddlebags.
There are several large trees in this area, with many having numerous trunks.
It is apparent that there is minimal forest maintenance along the trails, with few cut stumps and long-dead trees being left to the elements.
Unfortunately, like many areas in southern Ontario, the Giant Hogweed has made its way into this natural area.
This was a great day for a walk in the forest, and I will likely make an effort to explore this area when the fall colours peak.
What a lovely walk in the CA. We must get out there. I had forgotten how lovely it is.
Beautiful dragonfly!
Love the crispness of the dragonfly and the blurring of the background!
Shade’s Mils used to be groomed and track set for XC skiing. Doesn’t look like it anymore.