17 | durhamregion.com This Week | Thursday, June 2, 2022 | Durham residents looking for some beautiful spots to soak up some sunshine and fresh air don't have to go far from home, as the region is filled with different forests and conservation areas. Here are some places to check out: LYNDE SHORES CONSERVATION AREA The 272-hectare park is a great place for adults and children alike. Simply walk the trails, or catch glimpses of Marsh Wren, Blue-winged Teal, Common Moorhen and the Virginia Rai from one of the four viewing platforms. A canoe and kayak launch is open from July to September. Visitors may only feed the songbirds seeds only. • The entrance for annual parking pass holders is located at 1285 Victoria St. W., Whitby. The second parking lot at 625 Halls Rd. S. in Whitby costs $6 per day. DURHAM FOREST EAST CROSS CONSERVATION AREA This natural core area in the Oak Ridges Moraine features cold springs and wetland, vital forests, meadows and beautiful sandy soil. Hike or mountain bike on marked trails or horseback ride on the sandy soil. Free parking is available on site all year at the Devitt's Road parking lot. The Boundary Road parking lot is open from May to November. 4560 Devitts Rd., Scugog ALTONA FOREST This 53-hectare property provides essential habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals native to southern Ontario including songbirds, foxes, coyotes, hawks and rare amphibians. Some of the trees have been dated more than 160 years old. Wildlife includes more than 125 species of songbirds, which either live in or pass through the forest, red-tailed hawks, a herd of deer, a pack of coyotes, three species of owls and a variety of wildflowers. 1883 Altona Rd., Pickering PETTICOAT CREEK CONSERVATION AREA A good mixture of nature, pools and a splash pad, this conservation park is perfect for people of all ages. The unique natural corridor for wildlife is also home to 69 types of trees, including willows, oak, birch and pine, and a wide variety of wildlife, notably whitetail deer, fox, red-tailed hawk, rabbits and squirrels. The bridge crossing the creek offers great views of Lake Ontario. 1100 Whites Rd, S., Pickering. DURHAM REGIONAL FOREST This forest encompasses 596 hectares -- with 16 kilometres of trails in four marked loops -- that is located at the top of the Oak Ridges Moraine. The forest is renowned for its excellent cross-country skiing, mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding and is home to a wide range of wildlife species such as woodpeckers, thrushes and vireos. Concession Rd 7 in Uxbridge DARLINGTON PROVINCIAL PARK Relax on the beach or take a hike on one of its trails and watch for the many species of wildlife and birds that live there. Other activities include camping, fishing, boating and canoeing and education activities. Many programs are offered including children's activities, campfires, evening films, singalongs and guided hikes. 1600 Darlilngton Park Rd., Bowmanville HARMONY VALLEY CONSERVATION AREA At roughly 28 hectares, the park contains a mix of habitats including hardwood forests, coniferous plantations, open fields, meadows and wetlands. The trails make it ideal for walkers, hikers, runners and nature enthusiasts, and the off-leash area makes it a great place for dog lovers. 915 Grandview St., N, Oshawa ENJOY THE OUTDOORS KRISTEN CALIS KCalis@durhamregion.com NEWS Durham Regional Forest is one of many in Durham that can make for a great day outside. Jason Liebregts/Torstar 223 King St. W. (905) 432-2066 rocpal.com Let Your Dreams Become reaLitY New Showroom NoW oPeN