Step Into Nature

This interactive map is your guide to 11 conservation and wildlife areas throughout the Otonabee Region watershed. Tour the Otonabee Region watershed and discover unique natural features and special places nearby.

Open Otonabee Conservation Map App

Get out and explore more than 300 Conservation Areas across Ontario.  

There are 12 Conservation Areas in the Otonabee Region for you to visit and step into nature.  

Visiting a Conservation Area for the first time?  Learn about planning your trip here. 

Camp Kawartha encourages everyone to get outside and explore nature. Can't get outside? Check out their online resources including videos and activities.

There are 11 Biokits developed by Environment Canada that encourage you to get outside and discover biodiversity in a new way. Explore urban areas, parks, or the Trans Canada Trail using these resources. Using each kit you will explore the sights, sounds, and species in your neighbourhood! You can even check the status of biodiversity in your area using a diagnostic tool.

Interested in exploring wetlands, through fun indoor and outdoor activities? Ducks Unlimited Canada has a variety of online resources to engage and educate youth about wetlands and conservation.

Learn about wildlife and natural areas across Canada through games, activities, and resources from the Canadian Wildlife Federation. 

Forests Ontario has education programs and resources about forests, pollinators and the Envirothon.

• Focus on Forests is a free, online resource for Grades 1-12 
• Tree Bee is a tree identification and forest conservation competition for students in grades 4-6
• Ontario Envirothon is an environmentally-themed academic competition that involves hands-on learning. Students showcase their knowledge related to forests, soils, wildlife and aquatic ecosystems. They also practice critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork and leadership skills. As future environmental leaders, students learn about career paths in the natural sciences.

Create an ecosystem in your yard by planting a tree, a patch of milkweed, or growing an entire garden! You’ll create habitat for a diversity of bees, caterpillars, butterflies, and birds. Explore strategies for transforming your garden for native wildlife. Check out In The Zone Gardens for ideas and species lists.

Wait for a clear night, go outside, and look up!

Watch the International Space Station pass overhead. It is the third brightest object in the sky and easy to spot if you know when to look up. It looks like a fast-moving plane but is actually in orbit 400km above sea level and travelling at 28,000 kph.

Attend an event hosted by the Peterborough Astronomical Society to view the night sky or become a member. 

The Kawartha Land Trust protects 33 properties. Get involved by volunteering or explore their public nature reserves and trails. 

Many local municipalities have trails and parks you can visit. Check out their websites for details.

There are also Provincial Parks for you to explore and the Trent-Severn Waterway.