St. Johns Conservation Area is a tranquil spot great for both new and experienced hikers.
Located at 3101 Barron Rd in Fonthill, St. Johns is part of the Niagara Escarpment and the Twelve Mile Creek Valley. It is known for its seasonal trout fishing, bird watching and nature education.
Before European colonization, the land on which the conservation area now exists was the home of the Anishinaabe, Attiwonderonk, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas of the Credit peoples. They were forcibly removed from their lands following colonization of the area.
The landscape was shaped by glaciers that eroded the soil and created the hills known by hikers today. Part of the Carolinian Forest zone, St. Johns is the home of many broadleaf plants and some trees that are over 150 years old. It also contains the largest collection of tulip trees in the Niagara Region. The conservation area was formally established in 1963.
Located close to the conservation area is the St. Johns Common School, which was established in 1804. The St. Johns Common School was the first non-denominational free school in Upper Canada. This started the tradition of free public education, something that the rest of Upper Canada would not adopt for another 42 years. The renovated schoolhouse is the oldest in Ontario.
In terms of hiking, the area is relatively small at just 76 acres. With that being said, the size doesn’t limit the variety of trails the conservation area has to offer with five different options. Furthermore, hikers can choose from various trail lengths and difficulties. The Pond Trail, which is 500m long, is the most accessible. Following the outer edge of the pond, the route is good for families with small children or individuals who use wheelchairs as the path is flat and paved.
Sassafras Stroll Trail, which is approximately 1km long, creates a large loop which connects from the pond to the parking lot. From this trail, hikers can access the Horseshoe Trail (600m), the Tulip Tree Trail (1.6km) and the St. Johns Ridge Trail (1.7km). The Pond Trail and the Sassafras Stroll Trail are both mostly flat, while the others include inclines, some of which are quite steep.
Dogs are welcome on all trails, but they must be on a leash.
While the conservation area closed on Nov. 13th for enhancements to the parking lot and main entrance, the work is planned to be completed by the end of the year. The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority hopes that these improvements will help with public safety and enhance the accessibility of the site, allowing for year-round enjoyment of the conservation area.
St. Johns Conservation Area is a beautiful place to take in the region’s beautiful scenery while being active and immersing oneself in nature.