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When would you like to walk with us?

Saturday February 2 Sunday February 3 Wednesday February 6 Saturday February 9 Sunday February 10 Wednesday February 13 Saturday February 16	Sunday February 17 Monday February 18 Wednesday February 20 Saturday February 23 Sunday February 24 Wednesday February 27
Check our online schedule in case of updates ahead of the day you wish to join us.

Meeting Points, TTC and Parking Information

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Saturday February 2

9:30am Vista up to 4km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info Groundhog Day! Leader: Judy Challenge: Easy/Moderate Pace: Easy/Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect: Come out and learn about the groundhog and Groundhog Day traditions. Let's see if we can see our own shadow and look for other signs of spring as we walk through the forest trail. Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids 5 and older welcome. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Get Ready for the Trail: Tips for walking in any weather! 12:00pm Rouge Marsh and Waterfront Trail up to 4km Meeting Point and Parking info The Magic of Winter Photography Leader: Christine Challenge: Easy Pace: Easy Duration: 2 hours What to expect: Winter Photography can be magical. Join Christine and explore the Rouge Marsh and the Rouge Beach Trail then exploring the Waterfront Trail for the many photographic opportunities this area has to offer. Dress warmly and bring your camera - yes even your cell phone camera. Please RSVP Family Friendly: Adults only. Dog Friendly?: Please bring your dog on another walk. Get Ready for the Trail: Tips for walking in any weather! 2:00pm Cedar 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info Partners, Pairs and Couples Walk Leader: Chana Challenge: Easy/Moderate (stairs) Pace: Easy/Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect: In the spirit of Valentine's Day, this walk is for duos. So bring your special someone, you son or daughter, your mom or dad, your BFF, your life partner or even your best four legged friend and join Chana. As we await the birds to come back, and many species of our animals are getting ready to expand their families, we will talk about how some wild pairs play the ‘mating game’. Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids 10 and up welcome. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Get Ready for the Trail: Tips for walking in any weather!

Sunday February 3

9:30am Rouge Marsh and Waterfront Trail 3-4km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info Waterfront Birding Leader: Glen Challenge: Easy Pace: Easy Duration: 2 hours What to expect: Let's check to see what birds are spending the winter at Rouge Beach and area. We will look for Great black backed gulls, mergansers, common golden eye, red finches, turkey vultures, red tailed hawks and friendly chickadees. Bird books and binoculars are helpful, dress for wind! Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids 10+ on foot welcome. Dog Friendly?: Please bring your dog on another walk today. Get Ready for the Trail: Tips for walking in any weather! 12:00pm Mast 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info Flags of Nature Leader: Martyn Challenge: Moderate/Challenging (hills) Pace: Easy/Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect: Tall and strong, swaying in the breeze, trees are the flags of nature. The trees come together to form a nation we call the Forest. Let's go for a walk through part of Toronto's largest forest and admire some of the trees that grow within it. Good boot traction like Icers or Microspikes will keep you on your feet as the trails can get rather slick at this time of year. Please RSVP Family Friendly: Adults only. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Get Ready for the Trail: Tips for walking in any weather! 2:00pm Beare Wetlands and part of Cedar up to 4km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info Snow Secrets Leader: Tove Challenge: Easy, but 1 set of stairs Pace: Easy Duration: 2 hours What to expect: Take in a magical wintry landscape while taking a closer look at snow. We'll discuss interesting facts about snow and how wildlife has adapted to it, and examine snow crystals using magnifying glasses. Don't be a "flake" and stay indoors. Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids on foot and in carriers welcome. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Get Ready for the Trail: Tips for walking in any weather!

Wednesday February 6

9:30am Orchard and Vista 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info I Heart the Rouge! Leader: Laura Challenge: Easy/Moderate Pace: Easy/Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect: February is the month of hearts, both the muscle and the metaphor. Let's exercise the former and give Rouge Park a little sugar with a brisk walk on two great trails and lots of admiration for its many winter charms. Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids on foot and in carriers welcome. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Get Ready for the Trail: Tips for walking in any weather!

Saturday February 9

9:30am Beare Wetlands and parts of Cedar and Vista 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info The Wild Year Ahead Leader: Rob/Jenna Challenge: Easy, one set of stairs Pace: Easy Duration: 2 hours What to expect: Gather up the kids for a wild walk! This family friendly walk will help you learn what to expect as each season arrives. Starting with Winter, there's still lots to show you, so grab your boots and warm layers. You will earn that hot drink you've been thinking of after some good walking! Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids 5+ on foot and smaller kids in carriers welcome. Please no strollers. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Get Ready for the Trail: Tips for walking in any weather! 12:00pm Mast 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info Winter Wonderland Walk Leader: Urmilla Challenge: Moderate/Challenging (hills) Pace: Moderate/Fast Duration: 2 hours What to expect: Join us for a faster pace than usual hike and walk your winter blues away! Please RSVP Family Friendly: Adults only. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Get Ready for the Trail: Tips for walking in any weather! 2:00pm Cedar 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info Welcome to Rouge Park Leader: Lindsay Challenge: Easy/Moderate, 2 sets of stairs Pace: Easy/Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect: If you are new to Rouge Park or a regular visitor, this walk will get you ready for further adventures with us! As we always say, "You never know what will happen." Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids on foot or in carriers welcome. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Get Ready for the Trail: Tips for walking in any weather!

Sunday February 10

9:30am Vista and Orchard 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info Love is in the Hare Leader: Aasiya Challenge: Easy Pace: Easy Duration: 2 hours What to expect: Ready to share the gift of nature with your loved ones? Bring them along to join Aasiya for some fresh air and breathtaking views in Rouge Park! We'll hike through meadows, explore the park's Carolinian habitat, and maybe even find some rabbit tracks in the snow. Don't forget trails are in winter conditions so we recommend boot traction or at least boots for hiking, no smooth soled boots or shoes. Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids age 10 and up welcome. Dog Friendly?: Please bring your dog on another walk today. Get Ready for the Trail: Tips for walking in any weather! 12:00pm Vista and Orchard 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info Did You See the Groundhog? Leader: Barb Challenge: Easy/Moderate Pace: Easy/Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect: We are on our way to spring, but there is still plenty of winter to enjoy. Come out for another winter walk and a chance to learn about the species who live right here in our backyard. Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids on foot or in carriers welcome. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Get Ready for the Trail: Tips for walking in any weather! 2:00pm Mast 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info Winter Fresh Leader: Chris Challenge: Moderate/Challenging (hills) Pace: Easy/Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect: What better way is there to exercise than getting outdoors and breathing in the fresh air. After this introductory hike, you will be an expert hiker (or at least a bit more "in the know"). Surrounded by trees, we will hike along the historical Mast trail to Twyn Rivers road and back. No experience needed, just a good pair of hiking boots (no flat soles please) and warm socks. Another tip: layer your clothing and keep the cotton at home! Please RSVP Family Friendly: Adults only. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Get Ready for the Trail: Tips for walking in any weather!

Wednesday February 13

9:30am Cedar 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info Winter is Here Leader: Kathy Challenge: Moderate (stairs) Pace: Easy/Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect: The snow is on the ground and it appears that all the Rouge Park's residents are hibernating... but are they? Today we'll look for evidence of birds and animals out and about their daily business and talk about how they cope with the challenges of winter. Please dress for the weather. Traction aids recommended. Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids on foot and in carriers welcome. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Get Ready for the Trail: Tips for walking in any weather!

Saturday February 16

9:30am Mast 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info I Heart Hiking Leader: Daniel Challenge: Moderate/Challenging (hills) Pace: Easy/Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect: Roses will always be red, But the winter is now cold. Come romp through Rouge Park's Mast trail, And let your love of trail adventures unfold. Please RSVP Family Friendly: Adults only. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Get Ready for the Trail: Tips for walking in any weather! 12:00pm Orchard and Vista 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info The Poetry of Nature Leader: Darlene Challenge: Easy/Moderate Pace: Easy/Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect: It is Valentine's weekend, so come to the Rouge and hear some of the poetry that been inspired by nature. Copies of the poems will be provided to those who RSVP. While we walk through the park, we will look for signs of Spring! Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids on foot or in carriers welcome; please note there are stairs on the trail, so strollers are not advised. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Get Ready for the Trail: Tips for walking in any weather! 2:00pm Beare Wetlands and parts of Cedar and Vista 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info The Wild Year Ahead Leader: Bruce Challenge: Easy, one set of stairs Pace: Easy Duration: 2 hours What to expect: Gather up the kids for a wild walk! This family friendly walk will help you learn what to expect as each season arrives. Starting with Winter, there's still lots to show you, so grab your boots and warm layers. You will earn that hot drink you've been thinking of after some good walking! Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids 5+ on foot and smaller kids in carriers welcome. Please no strollers. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Get Ready for the Trail: Tips for walking in any weather!

Sunday February 17

9:30am Cedar 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info The Wild Year Ahead Leader: Giselle Challenge: Easy/Moderate Pace: Easy/Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect: Gather up the kids for a wild walk! This family friendly walk welcomes kids 8 and older to help you learn what to expect as each season arrives. Starting with Winter, there's still lots to show you, so grab your boots and warm layers. You will earn that hot drink you've been thinking of after some good walking! Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids 8 and older welcome. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Get Ready for the Trail: Tips for walking in any weather! 12:00pm Mast 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info Homes in Rouge Park Leader: Sherry Challenge: Easy/Moderate (2 sets of stairs) Pace:Easy/Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect: Even in the winter, Rouge Park is home to a number of different species. Winter provides an excellent opportunity to see the various dwellings without the leaf cover. Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids on foot or in carriers welcome, no strollers please. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Get Ready for the Trail: Tips for walking in any weather! 2:00pm Orchard and Vista 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info Dog Lover's Walk Leader: Mikal Challenge: Easy/Moderate Pace: Easy/Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect: Calling all pooches of all shapes and sizes, colours and textures. Bring your canine companion for a pooch-friendly walk to meet other dog owners and dog lovers. Share stories of how your furry friend makes you laugh, and we will share how dogs can enjoy Rouge Park right at their owner’s side. All welcome, but if you aren't crazy about Fido, or Fido is not comfortable around other dogs, try another walk today. Cameras and binoculars are optional and dress appropriately for the weather. We look forward to seeing you. Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids aged 10 and up welcome. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Get Ready for the Trail: Tips for walking in any weather!

Monday February 18

10:00am Beare Wetlands and parts of Cedar up to 4km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info The Wild Year Ahead - for kids 4-9 Leader: Diana Challenge: Easy Pace: Easy Duration: 2 hours What to expect: Gather up the kids for a wild walk! This family friendly walk for kids 4-9 will help you learn what to expect as each season arrives. Starting with Winter, there's still lots to show you, so grab your boots and warm layers. You will earn that hot drink you've been thinking of after some good walking! Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids 4-9 on foot or in carriers welcome. No strollers please. Dog Friendly?: Sorry no dogs on this walk. Get Ready for the Trail: Tips for walking in any weather! 1:30pm Beare Wetlands highlights and Vista 4km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info The Wild Year Ahead Leader: Aasiya Challenge: Easy/Moderate Pace:Easy/Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect: Gather up the kids for a wild walk! This family friendly walk for kids 10 and up as well as adults will help you learn what to expect as each season arrives. Starting with Winter, there's still lots to show you, so grab your boots and warm layers. Bring your favourite hot drink in a reusable insulated mug, as you will earn it after some good walking. We still recommend boot traction or at least boots meant for hiking, no smooth soled boots or shoes. Please RSVP Family Friendly: For kids 10 and up. Please bring younger ones to our morning walk. Dog Friendly?: Sorry no dogs on this walk. Get Ready for the Trail: Tips for walking in any weather!

Wednesday February 20

9:30am Orchard and Vista 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info Tracks in the Snow Leader: Peter Challenge: Easy Pace: Easy/Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect: Using Peter's new animal track and scat guide (yes, it tells you what type of droppings you are looking at!), we will compare and identify wild tracks and look for patterns of movement.We will also discuss factors which cause various animals to travel in winter. Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids age 10 and up welcome. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Get Ready for the Trail: Tips for walking in any weather!

Saturday February 23

9:30am Rouge Marsh and Waterfront Trail 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info I Heart My Heart! Fitness By the Lake Leader: Diana Challenge: Easy Pace: Moderate/Fast Duration: 2 hours What to expect: Meeting at the upper parking of the Rouge Beach/Marsh area, we will view what winter is like at the marsh area and then head west on a newly opened section of the waterfront trail, turning around when we reach 2.5km or an hour, whichever comes first. This is a fitness walk with a quick pace but the path is flat with gentle inclines. Along the way we will talk about winter fitness, how to mix up workouts and use heart rate training zones to improve the effects of your exercise. Diana will demonstrate how her heart rate monitor helps her make her workout work better! And of course, we will talk about the natural features we can see along the trail. Hiking boots are still advised as it's winter and the path may be snowy and damp. Please no running shoes or smooth soled shoes. Dress for wind. Get a head start by learning about taking your heart rate and heart rate zones for fitness (from About.com, an external link) Please RSVP Family Friendly: Adults only. Dog Friendly?: Please bring your dog on another walk today. Get Ready for the Trail: Tips for walking in any weather! 12:00pm Mast 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info A Winter Extended Viewpoint of the Forest Leader: Vicki Challenge: Moderate/Challenging (hills) Pace: Easy/Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect:With very little leaves on the trees, our view of the forest is greatly expanded. We will hike and see how many terrain features we can find, even in the winter snow. We will look for a copse, a spur, a re-entrant, ... We may even find a witch's broom! Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids on foot ready for hills or in carriers welcome. Dog Friendly?: Please bring your dog on another walk today, owing to an allergy concern. Get Ready for the Trail: Tips for walking in any weather! 2:00pm Orchard and Vista 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info Welcome to Rouge Park Leader: Erik Challenge: Easy/Moderate Pace: Easy/Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect: If you are new to Rouge Park or a regular visitor, this walk will get you ready for further adventures with us! As we always say,"You never know what will happen." Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids on foot or in carriers welcome. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Get Ready for the Trail: Tips for walking in any weather!

Sunday February 24

9:30am Woodland 5km Meeting Point and Parking info What's Happening in Woodland? Leader: Marie Challenge: Easy Pace: Easy/Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect: This relatively flat trail might seem unassuming, but there is always something up on the Woodlands Trail. We'll check out the Little Rouge and ivestigate the flow of the water, see if there are any signs of an early spring, look for animal tracks, and keep our heads to the sky as we pass through the meadows. Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids on foot and infants in carriers welcome. No strollers please. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Get Ready for the Trail: Tips for walking in any weather! 12:00pm Cedar 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info Traces in the Snow Leader: Mikal and Walter Challenge:Moderate (stairs) Pace: Easy/Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect: This trail looks gorgeous in the peak of winter. If covered with fresh snow or trodded by many steps, it offers an unforgettable winter experience. A cedar and a birch tree hug is a landmark to take some photos, and hey, you might recognize the traces of some forest inhabitants that roam here out of our sight. Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids on foot or in carriers welcome. No strollers please. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Get Ready for the Trail: Tips for walking in any weather! 2:00pm Woodland 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info Input Inspiration Leader: Linda Challenge: Easy Pace: Moderate Duration: 1.5-2 hours What to expect: Input inspiration means that during this hike Linda would love to hear your ideas on environmental topics that are of interest to you that she can do research on and post the topic as the theme for a future hike of hers. Feel free to come with your ideas written out on paper, otherwise she will take good notes!! Linda wants to offer meaningful hike themes for people and to get meaningful, open minded discussions going about environment-related topics. So come prepared with ideas and see you soon ! Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids 8 and older welcome. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Get Ready for the Trail: Tips for walking in any weather!

Wednesday February 27

ALERT! WALK CANCELLED DUE TO TODAY'S STORMY CONDITIONS Please join us next Wednesday. 9:30am Mast 5km Meeting Point TTC and Parking info Midwinter Blahs Leader: Peter Challenge: Moderate/Challenging Pace: Easy/Moderate Duration: 2 hours What to expect: With spring less than a month away what are the signs that winter is nearing its end? Does the cold really deepen as the season passes? Have all the preparations for the cold paid off, or are some creatures in distress? What beauty can be found in the dullness of old snow and dark bark before the new life of spring begins? Please RSVP Family Friendly: Kids on foot and in carriers welcome. Dog Friendly?: Dogs on leash welcome. Get Ready for the Trail: Tips for walking in any weather!