An Interesting History

Terra Cotta Conservation Area is truly a conservation success story.  It was once an intense recreation and camping site with a large concrete pool and parking lots.  The area has been transformed into its natural state through replanting of cleared areas and by removing the pool and replacing it with a wetland.  What’s left is an entirely gorgeous network of trails that offer something for all levels of hikers.

The Experience:

I just can’t help but think of those rust coloured pots whenever I hear “Terra Cotta.”  Those lovely patio décor units aren’t what you’ll find at the Terra Cotta Conservation Area, of course, but you’ll notice that same reddish-brown tinge in the soil from time to time as you wind your way through lush forest or around one of the lakes.

Terra Cotta is a little village of about a 30 minute drive from the west end of Mississauga (or a 60 minute drive from Toronto ).  Terra Cotta Conservation Area is 485 acres of great trails, lakes and dense forest to explore… and you’ll be in good company.  The first thing that Rob and I noticed about Terra Cotta was how lively our surroundings were—birds singing in the trees or diving down across the water, frogs croaking from their hiding places and fish jumping out of the water or making those concentric circles on the surface of the water as they attempt to catch a insect meal. We certainly had our own natural soundtrack as we explored the McGregor Spring Pond Trail that brings you through the forest, follows the edge of Muskrat Lake and back into the forest that surrounds Spring Pond. Unfortunately, mosquitoes are part of this party and you’ll want to make sure that you put on a nice coat of spray before heading into the brush.

Along the trail, we stopped at lake-edge to spy on the pair of Heron that were just chilling out on the opposite side. It’s sometimes hard to notice them, as they truly blend in with the reeds that surround them.  Similarly, if you look carefully into the lake, you’ll see a variety of small fish and frogs. 

In order to help you plan a good day at Terra Cotta Conservation Area (which isn’t terribly hard to do!) here are a few points to ponder:

• DO stop, look and listen along your way.  Don’t let your usual pace take control as you cruise along the trail… slow it down to half speed and you’ll be amazed at what you’ll see.  If you can handle stopping and waiting for a few minutes, taking in the sounds of your surroundings, you’ll be so much the richer.  For example, on the forest portion of the trail, as I was slowing down (waiting for Rob to take some pictures of an ant hill and mushroom patch) I was about to scream out that a horrendously large spider had just crawled in front of my foot.  Good thing that I didn’t scream but instead decided to get a closer look—to find a tiny little toad, about the size of a quarter.

• DO take a break by the lake.  Look out across, down into the water and in amongst the vegetation.  Dressed up in vivid green and deep black, frogs will be staring right up at you.  Like those crazy paintings that ask that you stare into them in order to see the magic picture revealed before your very eyes, so will the number of frogs seem to increase as you calmly stare into the patch of plants or lily pads.  At one point, though at first we thought there were only two, we were amazed to count eight different pairs of eyes checking us out.

• DON’T forget the sunscreen or mosquito repellent.  You’re going to be beside bodies of water or in humid forested areas… prime feeding grounds for the little buzzing creatures and prime breeding ground for sunburns.  Believe the hype—it could be that they were out in droves because it had just rained before our arrival or it could be that they just like the area—regardless, heed Health Ontario’s warning to slap on the DEET. 

• DO plan to spend some time at Terra Cotta Conservation Area.  There are so many trails that would make for a great full-day escapade.  Plus, there is the little village of Terra Cotta to explore afterwards… especially in search a well-deserved post-hike ice cream treat or even dinner!

This is definitely an area to explore if you are looking to bond with nature and its inhabitants. It was so great to see and hear the sounds of nature all around.  If you’re a photographer (in the making or not!), you’ll find lots of lens-pleasing subjects to capture!