March 07, 2022

It’s March Break from the 14th to 18th and our long-awaited chance to get out and do stuff. Here's a rundown!

BY GEOFF BOWES FOR SOUTHGREY.CA — For the last two years, we have found ourselves in varying degrees of lockdown thanks to the pandemic. But in many ways, this winter with all of it’s inherent cold and snowy weather compounded by a persistent Omicron Variant has been the hardest to endure… Sounds like the makings of a country song about the hurt and the heartache at the hands of that heartbreaker COVID-19 — holding us back from the things we love.

Now, along comes March Break and the chance to do some things that have been previously restricted, thanks to the lifting of many measures and requirements in the Bruce-Grey area. Many outdoor activities, though, have been available to us all along.

This is Grey County. We have trails! Many of them groomed for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and just walking. What a perfect time to get out with the family and take advantage of our winter wonderland.

Here are the favourites around us:

• Grey County Forest #18 – Glen Rodin. This is a forest trail through a mix of hardwoods. The snowmobile club maintains a 1.6 km groomed trail.
• Grey County Forest #19 – Grey Main. This forest property is an extensive natural area where the forest includes stands of sugar maple, pine, spruce, and cedar. There are about 6 kilometres of trails groomed by a local snowmobile club.
• Grey County Forest #20 – Dornoch. Snowshoeing and cross country skiing is the main attraction to this winter trail, through a 2km mix of plantations, and wetland areas. Snowmobiling is by permit only.
• Grey County Forest #22 – The Rocky Saugeen. This one is for the more adventuresome. There is an unmarked trail following an old logging road. The trails are a bit rough, and unsigned, with parking along the road.
• The Beaver Valley Nordic Ski Club offers eight kilometres each of groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails near the town of Markdale. - 153 Windy Lane, Markdale; 519-986-4369. Memberships cost $40 for an adult and $80 for a family for one season or $75 and $150, respectively. Day passes are also available.
• The trails at Grey County Forest 41 – 702736 Sideroad 5, Chatsworth; 519-372-3265. This is also a fish hatchery, with trails running for 2.5 kilometres through pine plantations and hardwood trees then fields. You can take your skis, bike, snowmobile or snowshoes then continue onto the property owned by the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority. You can also ski or snowshoe at Kinghurst Management Unit, a 141-hectare property with great trails.
• The Glenelg Nordic Ski Club – West Black Line onto Hamilton Lane, Markdale. The club grooms 25 kilometres of cross-country trails amid hardwood forests that shield you from the wind, making a blustery day more welcoming. Leave the dogs at home to preserve the track-set trails. Pay your membership fees via the honour-system boxes at the main parking lot of entrance to the James Trails. The fees are $50 for adults for the season or $10 for the day. Companions under age 18 get in free if they are with an adult member.
• Bring your skis, your sled or your horse to Grey County Forest 19 – 473275 Camp Oliver Road, Priceville. A mix of forests and wetlands and trails that welcome hikers, skiers, sledders, snowshoes or horseback riders. Six kilometres alone accommodate snowmobilers.
• Enjoy a quiet ski or hike through the marsh, plantation and hardwood forest at Grey Country Forest 20 – 394755 Concession 2, Markdale; 519-376-3265. You can cover two kilometres, no matter which type of movement you choose. Bikes and snowmobiles are also welcome as long as everyone shares the trails.
• Flesherton Hills is an outdoor education area for students are both Grey Highlands Secondary School and école Macphail Memorial Elementary School, but it is open for the public’s use as well. The environmental education centre includes a mix of ponds, a beaver dam, forests, fields, an old orchard, and a picnic pavilion. It’s a fantastic area for a hike in the warmer months and its great for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.

And don’t forget about our waterfalls!

• Hogg’s Falls - 170566 Lower Valley Road Grey Highlands. It is an easy short hike to the falls. Parking is limited, so you’ll probably have to park on the road.
• It’s a pretty walk into Mc Gowan Falls in the Durham Conversation Area - 562 George St.East Durham.

And If you want to give snowshoeing a try, you can borrow a pair of snowshoes with your library card from West Grey Public Library (519) 369-2107 info@westgreylibrary.com

• 2 pairs 19” (50-90 lbs.)
• 1 pair 25” (120 - 180 lbs.)
• 1 pair 27” (160 -235 lbs

Also, check your local community centre for public skate times this March Break. Many are offered and some are free to attend!

And, if any of these ideas aren't enough to get you out and about, March Break will be enhanced once again by bookish facilities with many programs and events planned for school-aged kids and their families.

Grey Highlands Public Library

On Tuesday, March 15, from 9:30 am until 4 pm, families are invited to go on a Story Walk through outdoor trails in Flesherton and will read Good Families Don't by Robert Munsch. On Wednesday, March 16, from 10 am to 5 pm, the walk will take place outside the Markdale Library and The Sweetest Season by Elissa Kerr. Social distancing is required for both walks and participants are encouraged to wear face masks.

Also on Tuesday, March 15, at 6:30 pm, kids aged 8-16 will receive a prepared canvas, paint, and a small piece of bubble wrap to add texture to their painting and show off their creative talent. The library will lend paintbrushes — these need to be returned after the week is up.

On Wednesday, March 16, kids 4-12 can watch a virtual pre-recorded video tutorial about Kinetic Sand. Before watching, participants should collect their sand kit and prepare for the experience by gathering the ingredients of water, dish soap, mixing bowl, measuring cup and measuring spoons.

Pre-registration is required for all March Break programs.

Hanover Public Library

There are many online resources and tutorials available on the Hanover Library website, from story time videos to craft-making activities for families to share quality time during March Break. But a few special events are also planned.

At 10 am on Monday, March 14, there will be a virtual Science Workshop. Tune in at 10:30 am on Tuesday, March 15 for Storytime and Craft and all day on Thursday, March 17 for a virtual Escape Room.

In-person events include the Prenda Coding Club Launch at 10 am on Wednesday, March 16 and Family Day Trivia at 1 pm on Friday, March 18.

Southgate Ruth Hargrave Memorial Library

They are having a Harry Potter March Break Spectacular at the Southgate Library.

Southgate Wizard's Challenge (ages 10-19). The Canadian Ministry of Magic invites all wizards to test their skills with seven interactive challenges. Sign up to get your map of the muggle challenge locations. March 15-19.

Take Home Craft Kits (while supplies last, sign up encouraged). DIY wands, bookmarks and mini potions (ages 10-19). DIY dragon eggs (ages 6-12). DIY felt Hedwig (ages 4-11).

Family Trivia Night (all ages). Sign up as a team or individual and test your knowledge in a virtual Harry Potter trivia night. Must register. March 15, 7 pm.

Spectacular prizes can be won. You can sign up for the crafts by calling the library at 519 923-3248. To sign up for the Harry Potter Challenge and/or Family Trivia, visit the Southgate Library website. https://www.southgate.ca

West Grey Public Library

The West Grey Public Library has lots going on over March Break.

All branches will have a scavenger hunt for kids, as well as Grab & Go Craft Bags for little kids, older kids, and teens. This month, there’s also a special LEGO-themed Grab & Go Bag for kids 6-12.

On Thursday, March 17th at 10:30, the Library is partnering with EarlyON at the Durham Town Hall Park for a Storytime in the Park - pre-registration is required on EventBrite.com. Bundle up for the weather and meet outside for stories, songs and games, designed for kids 0-6. Current health protocols will be followed.

The Library also offers plenty of other entertainment, among them books, DVDs, Ontario Parks Passes and snowshoe kits. Stop by your local branch with the kids this March Break!

 

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