Parks & Trails
Zurich is home to the Zurich Conservation Area and Commemorative Woods that is located just outside the east end of the village and is a great place to go for a picnic and explore the nature on the trails. Plus the Lion's Park that is home to a baseball diamond, playground and picnic pavilion.
Note: these are nature trails. Trail surfaces may be slippery or uneven. Be especially careful during windy, wet and icy conditions. Make sure to wear appropriate clothing, footwear and bring the proper equipment for your preferred trail activity. Stay away from fast-flowing water.
The Zurich Conservation Area
The Zurich Conservation area is a great place for a picnic or a small hike down the Pioneer Trail. Pack your blanket and basket, grab a local meal and enjoy a peaceful meal amongst the trees. Zurich Conservation Area is a small property in Zurich managed by the Municipality of Bluewater. A small picnic pavilion is available for use. Protection of water quality and habitat are among the objectives for this conservation area as well as providing a site for Commemorative Woods and passive recreation.
Klopps Commemorative Woods
The Commemorative Woods is a place for family and friends to plant trees as a living memorial and legacy. Trees can also commemorate special occasions where a long-lasting natural tribute is appropriate.
Be Aware Of The Following Plants When Visiting
Poison Ivy
A common, native plant in the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority watershed. ‘Leaves of three, let it be. Berries white, take flight.’ Leaves may either have smooth edges or a few coarse teeth and may appear shiny. If you come into contact with Poison Ivy wash the affected area with hot soap and water as soon as possible, launder clothes in hot water. Habitat: Open woods, fields and roadsides, disturbed areas.
Stinging Nettle
From between half a metre in height to three metres tall. Stems and leaves are covered with short, stinging hairs which can cause irritation and inflammation if touched with bare skin. Flowers are in clusters with separate flowers attached by short stalks along a central stem about 1-7 centimetres long.
Giant Hogweed
An invasive, non-native plant introduced from Asia. It has large, flat-topped to slightly dome-shaped flower (similar to Queen Anne’s Lace/Wild Carrot) and seed head and a bumpy or bristly stem growing up to five metres in height. Skin contact with Giant Hogweed sap may cause severe skin rashes when exposed to sunlight. Habitat: Roadsides, streambanks, waste areas, yards.
Watch out for Ticks on the Trails
Present in the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority watershed. Wear light-coloured clothing, so it’s easier to see ticks Wear closed-toed shoes, long-sleeved shirts, long pants tucked into your socks and use insect repellent containing DEET.
After outdoor activity put your clothes in the dryer.
Check yourself and your children: behind your knees, on your head, in your belly button, in your groin area, underarm area and on the back of your body – use a mirror, or ask someone to check for you.
It is a good idea to have a shower as soon as you can to wash off any ticks. If you discover a tick on your body remove it, place the tick in a secure container and contact your local public health unit
Directions for removal can be found at Ontario – Tick removal and and at Tick removal and Lyme disease – Huron Perth Health Unit
Zurich Conservation & Commemorative Woods Rules & Regulations
Rules protect the environment, you and your fellow users. These rules must be followed and are enforced under the Conservation Authorities Act and Trespass to Property Act.
Please refer to signs and entrance kiosks for permitted and prohibited activities.
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The property is closed to the public between sunset and sunrise.
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Motorized vehicles, bicycles, e-bikes, horses, hunting, alcohol use, drones, fires and camping are not permitted.
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Dogs must be on a leash, under control, and you must clean up after your dog.
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Ensure your pet does not damage or interfere with vegetation or wildlife and does not interfere with others’ enjoyment.
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Do not remove or damage plants, trees, wildlife, signs or structures.
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Stay on the trails and respect neighbouring landowners.
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Fishing is permitted in compliance with applicable legislation.
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Please do not litter.