Please be advised that the trail from Highway 6/21, just East of the Springmount Intersection, to the bridge at Jones Falls/Pottawatomi Conservation Area will be CLOSED this afternoon (August 4th, 2023) from 12pm – 4pm for hazard tree removal.

The falls can still be accessed from the West entrance at the Owen Sound Transportation Company, the North entrance on the Derby-Sarawak Townline (old Drive-In Rd) or the East entrance at the end of Young’s Drive.

July 21, 2023
For Immediate release

The Inglis Falls Arboretum Alliance (IFAA), a volunteer committee of Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA) who help enhance and maintain the Inglis Falls Arboretum, welcomed guests and the public to a special event on Tuesday to celebrate the completion of the “Fulfilling the Dream” sign project. This project was made possible through funding from the Toronto Dominion Friends of the Environment Foundation and fulfilled a 60-year-old dream of having a fully labelled arboretum that showcases the identification of trees found locally and from around the world. Visitors to the Arboretum can now identify and learn about the species of trees and shrubs from their labels while enjoying the 2.5 kilometres of trails that traverse this beautiful property!

Nancy Brown, Chair of the IFAA, shared historical milestones with event attendees and acknowledged the development of “great ideas” and collaboration that contributed to the extensive Arboretum that exists today. When asked what this special day meant to her, Brown shared: “It was an honour for me to stand and speak among my peers of like-minded individuals who love trees, respect the environment and care about the future. The Inglis Falls Arboretum Alliance is proud to showcase the new educational portion of the collection of woody plants in the arboretum. Each one of 165 different species is identified on 280 informational mounted signs throughout the 27 acres and trails around the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority Administration Centre. The funding through Toronto Dominion Friends of the Environment and the Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation along with the support of GSCA staff and many other local community groups has made this dream come true for the Inglis Falls Arboretum Alliance.”

The Inglis Falls Arboretum, located at 237897 Inglis Falls Road in Owen Sound, is a popular destination for nature appreciation, dog walking, and those looking for a leisurely hike. GSCA and the IFAA would like to remind visitors that while dogs are always welcome at the Arboretum, they must be on a physical leash for their safety, the safety of others, and the ecological health of this property.

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For more information:

Grey Sauble Conservation Authority
519-376-3076
explore@greysauble.on.ca

Background:

Our vision is a healthy watershed environment in balance with the needs of society.

Our mission, in partnership with the stakeholders of the watershed, is to promote and undertake sustainable management of renewable natural resources and to provide responsible leadership to enhance biodiversity and environmental awareness.

Following a recent incident at Eugenia Falls Conservation Area where Emergency Services were called to assist a visitor who was injured while travelling to a strictly prohibited area, GSCA and Grey Highlands are cautioning the public on the dangers and consequences of trespassing to out-of-bounds areas at this property. It is also advised that those planning a trip here are appropriately prepared for their safety and the safety of others.

GSCA has increased safety measures at Eugenia Falls, including the installation of over 100’ of additional barrier fencing and more signage to try to stop people from accessing the top of the waterfall, the bottom of the waterfall, and the adjacent cliffs, which are out of bounds. Climbing these fences, crossing barriers, or travelling beyond official GSCA trails and viewing areas to access the waterfall is dangerous and not permitted. Trespassing in these out-of-bounds areas may result in fines of up to $1,000 under the Trespass to Property Act.

Visitors to Eugenia Falls Conservation Area should be prepared by wearing proper footwear for hiking and packing a cell phone that is fully charged and has the What3Words app installed on it, which can help emergency services locate users if they become lost on a trail. To enjoy a safe trip to this property, do not visit under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The Municipality of Grey Highlands would also like to remind the public that non-residents will be invoiced for emergency or rescue services which could cost anywhere from $5,000 – $20,000.

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For more information:

Grey Sauble Conservation Authority
519-376-3076
explore@greysauble.on.ca

Background:

Our vision is a healthy watershed environment in balance with the needs of society.

Our mission, in partnership with the stakeholders of the watershed, is to promote and undertake sustainable management of renewable natural resources and to provide responsible leadership to enhance biodiversity and environmental awareness.

June 22, 2023
For immediate release

Five Norway maples that are currently growing in the Inglis Falls Arboretum located at 237897 Inglis Falls Road, Owen Sound are scheduled to be removed this Friday and Saturday (June 23 & 24, 2023). These trees are being removed by an arborist to reduce the number of seeds that are being spread to nearby areas.

Norway maples are considered to be invasive species and are prolific seeders that outcompete and overtake native species. As a result of the abundance of seeds that are produced by these trees every year, many new Norway maple trees and seedlings are now growing in the natural forested areas along the edges of the Arboretum. There are concerns that if not managed, the Norway maples will have negative impacts on the native tree and plant species in these areas.

Removal of the remaining Norway maple trees and seedlings will be ongoing.

Please be advised that the section of the Arboretum to the south-west of the Grey Sauble Administration Centre will be closed during the tree removal.

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For more information:

Mike Fry, Forestry Coordinator
Grey Sauble Conservation Authority
m.fry@greysauble.on.ca
519-376-3076

Background:

Our vision is a healthy watershed environment in balance with the needs of society.

Our mission, in partnership with the stakeholders of the watershed, is to promote and undertake sustainable management of renewable natural resources and to provide responsible leadership to enhance biodiversity and environmental awareness.