Nov 13, 2011

Warden Woods Trail

Spring, Summer or Fall, Warden woods is a beautiful trail located in the east end of Toronto.  I'd say it's not big, not small, just big enough to feel like you've escaped the rush of a city into the balance of nature for a while.

Warden Woods Trail is a heavily forested trail covering a land space of 56 hectares.  From the corner of St. Clair and Warden to Pharmacy Avenue, it follows the Massey Creek which flows into the Don River.  I've been here before (see Warden Subway Station on this blog) but didn't walk through the entire trail because at the time most of the paths were muddy and sloppy.  It's now late autumn and a lot of vibrant fall colours are disappearing into browns, tans and greys.  The reminder of course that winter is not far long, but this trail will still be utilized in the winter for snowshoeing and hiking.  
If you keeping on the asphalt pathway, there are many examples of beautiful scenery to take pictures of, worthy of framing!  The valley was formed by erosion caused by Massey creek through glacial deposits and the path can be winding and hilly at times.  You'll see some heavily forested areas which I suspect are much lovelier in the late spring/summer months when the green foliage is out. 



The Taylor Massey creek is protected and preserved by volunteers of the 'Taylor Massey Project'.  For those interested in learning about how to get involved yourself or just finding out more about project goals and objectives Click Here

 

Even though it is virtually impossible to get lost in Warden Woods because you are always just minutes from civilization, while in it, it really does feel like a different place in time.

Happy Trails!

Nov 10, 2011

Fir Valley Woods Trail

 Chances are if you're doing a search on Fir Valley Woods Trail you won't find much; that's probably because if you blink you'll miss it. 

Fir Valley Woods Trail is a small spot of forest off Warden Avenue between St. Clair and Danforth avenues.  There are no bike paths, or concrete foot paths anywhere, but that isn't to say that Fir Valley isn't without its unique charms. 


There is a broken bridge that overpasses the Taylor (or Massey) creek and I suspect that this trail is pretty much left unattended by the City of Toronto, unless there is some unforeseen danger or emergency which takes place here. 


The Fir Valley Woods trail covers a land space of approximately 1.5 hectares.  It contains a watershed tunnel, a steep hill, a small cluster of fir trees (of course) and an exit adjacent the Warden subway station. 

If you follow out towards St. Clair Avenue you will get to the entrance of a much larger trail called Warden Woods.

Nov 2, 2011

Fall Colours at Taylor Creek

 The Taylor Creek Park trail (also known as the Massey Creek trail) were named from two well known families that had historical ties to the area in the early 1800's.  The Trail follows a major stream that forks and flows to form the Lower Don River (the East Don, and this tributary).  
It is such a peaceful and beautiful area with entrances that are so secluded from the Cities core, it just feels like your own private forest.  By travelling southwest on the trail you will end up at Lower Don Trail which will take you parallel to the Don Valley parkway and downtown Toronto. 


Taylor Creek Park and trail is 16 kilometers long and runs from the Sheppard and Victoria Park and flows diagonally under Hwy 401 at Pharmacy.  It continues with on and off watershed and diverted interruptions until it spills out into the Don River.  


Since 1993 with the help of citizens and other environmental groups called, "Friends of the Don East (FODE), there has been much pressure put on the City to reduce the storm water flow into the Taylor Massey Creek much.  In 2003, the City implemented the Wet Weather Flow Management Master Plan which will do just that and improve the habitat in the creek for fish and other water organisms living there.