Celebrating 75 years: Maitland Conservation launches the 75-minute challenge hike

By: Jayne Thompson

Since 1951, Maitland Conservation has worked alongside municipalities, landowners, community partners and residents to protect and enhance the watershed’s water, forest and soil resources.

This year, Maitland Conservation is celebrating 75 years of stewardship of the lands around this region.

To celebrate this milestone, Maitland Conservation invites members of the community to spend 75-minutes exploring a Maitland Valley Conservation Authority property and submit an entry for a chance to win one of three outdoor prize packages.

“We wanted to create an activity that’s easy for people to participate in,” said Stewart Lockie, Conservation Areas Coordinator.

“The 75-Minute Hiking Challenge is a fun way to celebrate our anniversary while enjoying the natural spaces that conservation efforts have helped to protect and maintain.”

The 75-Minute Hiking Challenge is one of several initiatives planned throughout 2026 to celebrate Maitland Conservation's 75th anniversary.

This milestone anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on that legacy while encouraging people to discover - or rediscover - Conservation Areas that have become valued outdoor destinations.

Whether hiking through forest trails or Falls Reserve Conservation Area, visiting the Memorial Grove at George Taylor Conservation Area or kayaking across Lake Wawanosh, every outdoor adventure counts towards celebrating 75 years of conservation in the Maitland watershed.

Participants may complete their 75-minute walk at any Maitland Conservation property, though maintained trail systems are available at several conservation areas, including:

• George Taylor Conservation Area south of Walton in Huron East

• Falls Reserve Conservation Area in Benmiller (day-use pass required)

• Naftel’s Creek Conservation Area south of Goderich

• Wawanosh Valley Conservation Area in North Huron

• Gorrie Conservation Area in Howick Township

• Brussels Conservation Area in Huron East

Those who prefer being on the water may want to check out Lake Wawanosh Conservation Area (Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh, southeast of Saint Helens).

While hiking trails on the property are not maintained, time spent kayaking or canoeing counts toward the challenge.

After completing their outdoor adventure, participants can submit an on-line entry through mvca.on.ca for a chance to win one of three outdoor prize packages. Full contest details are posted on the website.

Paper entry ballots are also available at the Maitland Conservation Administration Centre in Wroxeter and at select Maitland Conservation events. Participants may also call 519-335-3557 ext. 226 to submit their information.

The contest runs until December 16, 2026, giving residents and visitors plenty of time to explore a new trail or revisit a favourite Conservation Area.

Jayne Thompson is the Communications and GIS-IT Coordinator for Maitland Conservation