With the Covid-19 pandemic leading to the closure of all HCA Conservation Areas earlier this Spring, many regular trail users found themselves resigned to sheltering in place. Adopting an isolated, sedentary lifestyle has been essential to stopping the illness’s spread but it has come with its own negative health consequences. It’s no secret that increased screen time and limited opportunities for fresh air and exercise can affect your mental and physical health.

HCA’s decision to re-open long-distance trails was met with great enthusiasm by Hamilton’s trail users. Even more enthusiasm greeted the re-opening of select Conservation Areas where physical distancing is possible. Trail users have quickly returned and appear to have a new appreciation for the mental and physical health benefits of time spent in nature. The tremendously positive public health impact of these re-openings should not be underestimated.

What many visitors don’t know is that these beautiful, diverse and tremendously necessary conservation lands are only protected because of the generosity and foresight of supporters like you. That support can be seen across the watershed. We’ve had kind words from supporters hiking the Fifty Point CA trail loop as well as donors returning to their daily hikes in the Dundas Valley CA. Neither experience would have been possible had it not been for the community generosity our Foundation has enjoyed since 1976. For being a part of that incredible community legacy, we cannot thank you enough. Your support is now more important than ever.