(North Bay, ON, July 15, 2022) Join guest guide Laura Kielpinski of the Canadian Ecology Centre for a “Forest Bathing” hike during the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority’s annual Eau Claire Gorge Conservation Area hike Friday, July 22.
“Forest bathing is simply being in nature, connecting with nature through our senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch,” said Sue Buckle, NBMCA Manager Communications and Outreach. “Spending time in nature has various benefits such as relaxation and stress reduction, and Laura will help guide us in the spectacular setting of the Eau Claire Gorge,” she added.
People must register for the hike and to reserve a seat on a bus which departs North Bay at 8:15 am by calling NBMCA at 705-474-5420. The bus departs from the NBMCA office, 15 Janey Avenue. but you must call to reserve a seat. Fee for the hike and bus are by donation, Proceeds support the Canadian Ecology Centre’s environmental education programs.
Please note that portions of the trail are rugged and steep. You need to be reasonably fit, physically well and wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the 1.5 hour walk.
The 120 ha (400 acre) Eau Claire Gorge Conservation Area is rich in history. The highlight of the 1.9km trail is the spectacular Amable du Fond River waterfall which drops 12m (40ft) through the 18m (60ft) high walls of the Gorge.
“Hundreds of millions of years ago, as the earth's crust cracked, the rock along these fault lines shifted. As the glacier moved through the area, it dug deep into the fractured rock moving it out of the fault zone leaving behind the steep-sided gorge known as the Eau Claire Gorge through which the Amable du Fond River flows,” said Buckle.
The Eau Claire Gorge Conservation Area is located in Calvin Township. From Highway 17, travel east towards Mattawa. Turn on Highway 630 and follow the signs. Entrance to Eau Claire Gorge is on the right (Graham Rd). If you are joining the hike at the Gorge, please call first to register. 705 474-5420.
The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority was founded in 1972 by the Province of Ontario and its 10 member municipalities. A non-profit organization, the NBMCA works closely with the public to balance human needs with environmental needs throughout the region’s watershed. The NBMCA is one of 36 Conservation Authorities who are members of Conservation Ontario.
You can follow NBMCA on facebook.com/NBMCA and twitter @theNBMCA
For more information, contact:
Sue Buckle, Manager, Communications & Outreach (705) 474-5420 ext. 2010