As a result of the current impact of COVID-19, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has announced the closure of all its conservation properties and trails to the public until further notice. Advisories have been placed on the organization’s website and social media channels.

In Ontario, as properties are designated as ‘workplaces’ under provincial law, the closure of NCC’s properties is mandated by the provincial government closure of non-essential businesses.

“We strongly urge residents to follow public health advisories and stay at home and respect physical distancing guidelines at all times,” said John Lounds, president and CEO for the Nature Conservancy of Canada. “We sincerely hope that by taking these steps now, everyone can get back to enjoying these conservation areas and trails as soon as possible.”

The closure includes these local conservation areas:

• Happy Valley Forest, King Township

• Hazel Bird Nature Reserve, Northumberland County

• Creemore Nature Preserve (Mingay), Creemore

• North Bear Alvar, Carden

• Gillies Grove, Arnprior

“We know nature is important in our lives and good for our health and well-being, especially in stressful times. Many of our properties are popular with nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.  But this closure is necessary, as together we protect our staff, supporters and local communities and do our part to ‘flatten the curve,’” said Mike Hendren, Ontario regional vice-president, NCC.

NCC’s website offers opportunities for people to enjoy nature at a distance by taking virtual hikes — thanks to 360-degree Google Trekker footage — coast to coast. These can be seen at  natureconservancy.ca/trekker. NCC also plans to launch a series of online activities to help people of all ages get their nature fix. People can visit natureconservancy.ca and watch for updates and activities being added regularly.