There is a trail, unique in its diversity, located in and around the heart of Mitchell, Ontario.

This trail represents Vision and Desire: Vision to create natural habitats, such as wetlands, in new locations and Desire to retain current valuable features, while restoring features which once existed.

This trail is the West Perth Thames Nature Trail.

This trail is a valuable resource and offers variety…

-For all ages & fitness levels
-For many activities & interests- cycling, walking, jogging, dog-walking, bird- watching and photography

CLICK HERE to download the West Perth Nature Trail brochure in PDF format.

See also the West Perth Thames Nature Trail website.

Wetlands are areas that are seasonally or permanently covered by shallow water. The water table could be at or near the surface. These areas are vital for the transition between land and open water. Wetlands are essential to the health of our landscape. They maintain water supplies, improve water quality, reduce flooding, and provide habitat for a great range of wildlife including many rare species. In addition, wetlands provide valuable resource products and support a number of recreational and educational activities. Now here’s the bad news; over 80% of the wetlands in Perth County have been lost!

Upland areas are those which include woodlots, hedgerows, and grasslands. Forested uplands provide environmental and economic benefits such as erosion protection, water retention, wildlife habitat, and the sustainable harvest of woodland products. In the past 200 years, southern Ontario has been transformed from a predominantly forested landscape to one dominated by agricultural, industrial and urban land uses. In Perth county alone over 90% of our original forest cover has been lost.

Aquatic areas include streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, agricultural drains, and floodplains that are seasonally inundated with water. Since water is an essential element for human life, the health of our aquatic environment often reflects on human health. These areas play a role in the recharging of our groundwater aquifers. They provide habitat for a great number of wildlife species, as well as providing recreational opportunities for our community. A great majority of watercourses in Perth County have been altered to improve agricultural drainage.