Outdoor Hiking Trails in London, Ontario – Longwoods Road Conservation Area

Longwoods Conservation Area - @serenapoulin Instagram

Longwoods Road Conservation Area is located West of London near Delaware, Ontario. The 155-acre conservation area features five different nature trails and bridges, two of which are wheelchair accessible, that wind through Carolinian woodlands and ravines. Click on each of the trail names to find out about its features and different wildlife, plants, trees and more that you can discover: Carey Carolinian Arboretum & Trail, Turtle Trail, Westwood Trail, Millstream Trail, Longdo Trail, Eastwood Trail, & Pondview Trail. The area not only hosts fantastic trails, but is home to the Ska-Nah-Doht Village and Museum!

There is also a picnic area with lots of tables, so be sure to pack a blanket and your meal to make a day of it! Please note, there is a pay and display admission system.
 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EDUCATION

Did you know that when the spring and summer rains fall, it passes through the porous soil where the moisture is absorbed by the forest mycorrhizae? "These tiny fungal 'root' networks thread throughout the soil beneath our feet, and are responsible for up to 80% of a forest tree’s water uptake. The fungi absorb nutrients contained in the tree roots, forming what is known as a symbiotic relationship, meaning both parties benefit from each other," (Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority).

Some interesting facts to think about as you explore the trail areas (Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority):

• Photosynthesis occurs during the day when sunlight is available and produces more oxygen than is used by the plant’s nighttime respiration.
• At night while the Gray Treefrogs, Spring Peepers, and owls are calling, the trees and forest plants respire. Respiration is the process where oxygen is used to process nutrients to fuel cells and is necessary for all living organisms.
• The forest ecosystem removes much of the CO2 plus many forms of air pollutants from the atmosphere, allowing us to live healthier lives.
   

TEACHING OPPORTUNITY 

Ska-Nah-Doht Village and Museum provides an Indigenous experience through their 18 outdoor exhibits, palisade maze, longhouse and much more! The recreated longhouse village was built from data collected by archaeologists and traditions that have been passed down by First Nations (Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority). 

Did you know that Aboriginal peoples have lived in the country we now call Canada for thousands of years? If you look at a map of Canada, you will be able to see many names of provinces, territories and cities that have Aboriginal origins. "In fact, many people believe that the name 'Canada' comes from the Huron word for 'village', kanata," (Government of Canada, People & History). 

How do you think Indigenous peoples' culture, history and languages shaped Canada before Europeans began to settle in North America? Chat about how their way of life could have looked!