On the Trails: November 2024

To start the month, the forest areas around Cootes Paradise are at peak fall colors. Migratory birds are still plentiful, and a late fall flower is in full bloom. The Witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), a native forest understory shrub species, is one of the most common plants in the oak-dominated forests of the nature sanctuaries. Its distinctive yellow flowers stand out beautifully against the forest backdrop. The Anishinaabe Waadiziwin Trail, accessible from the Arboretum, and the Cherry Hill Gate trail leading into Hendrie Valley Sanctuary are two of the best hikes to enjoy this vibrant season. Despite the November winds, the oak trees around Cootes Paradise and Hendrie Valley will remain in peak color during the first week of November, showcasing brilliant shades of orange and red that gradually fade to brown, reflecting the ongoing above-average temperatures.

Migratory birds continue to pass through, particularly waterfowl and raptors. November bird migrations are highlighted by the arrival of Tundra Swans, which are en route from Alaska to the Carolinas. Other waterfowl include large flocks of mergansers, teals, and shovelers; however, most waterbirds may be difficult to see due to low water levels. Following a dry October, water levels are below average, exposing large areas of mudflats at creek deltas. At the beginning of November, the maximum depth of Cootes Paradise Marsh was only 45 cm, leaving about half of the marsh bottom now exposed. A similar situation is observed at Hendrie Valley and Grindstone Marsh.

The best trails for observing bird species are the Princess Point Trail, accessed from the south side of Cootes Paradise Marsh, and the Anishinaabe Waadiziwin Trail along the north side of the marsh, accessible from the RBG Arboretum. As you traverse the Arboretum, the decaying leaves of the Katsura trees (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) will evoke the delightful scent of brownies, as their decaying leaves release this familiar aroma.

Trail User Notes

• • Rock Chapel parking lot seasonal closure will begin on December 23 and to reopen for use on March 21, 2025.
  • Urgent Reminder: Wildlife feeding is prohibited. Feeding wildlife along the trails is resulting in long-term damage to these important nature sanctuaries and their inhabitants. RBG has a strict policy prohibiting the feeding of wildlife, with enforcement regulated by the City of Burlington’s By-law Enforcement Agency. If you witness wildlife feeding, please report it to Burlington By-Law Enforcement.

For Your Safety

• • Please note that all use is at your own risk. Most of our trails are hilly and the trail surfaces are natural soil. Consider your footwear as during winter surfaces can be icy or muddy depending on the weather.
  • Please stay on the marked trails to avoid trampling regenerating shrubs and trees or buried roots of understory plants such as trilliums.
  • The nature trail system is considered closed during extreme weather event notifications from Environment Canada.
  • Mountain bikes/fat bikes are not allowed as our trails are not designed to accommodate these activities.
  • Please be aware ticks, including those carrying Lyme Disease, are found throughout the Hamilton/Burlington area and are active at temperatures above 0°C. Protect yourself by staying on marked trails. RBG does not accept ticks for testing. For inquiries regarding ticks, please contact the Region of Halton or City of Hamilton Public Health.