There are so many local conservation areas in the Quinte Region, I decided to do a little series featuring a different location in each blog post. I want to showcase just how easy it is to get outside and enjoy nature in our area. This series will include a little write up with myself and sometimes my crew (depending on the day I visit), and I will post a map, along with the trail(s) that we complete or have completed.
H.R. Frink Centre (Pond Trail to Boardwalk section)
This conservation area is located on Thrasher Rd just off HWY 37 north of Belleville, Ontario. It contains 341 acres of land, which has a multi purpose use. The local school boards use this conservation area for educational purposes, and it is open and accessible to everyone. During the school days, you will find students completing numerous activities, so we tend to visit on weekends and after school hours. I have actually brought my classes here as part of their Geoventure training for team building, snowshoeing, and fire-making skills. (But that’s another blog for another time).
Below is a map of the area, and I have also attached a PDF file above. Just click on HR Frink Centre. Today we decided to walk from the parking lot to the boardwalk. This follows the pond trail, boundary trail and link trail until you reach the boardwalk. We have hiked every trail in this CA and they are all so beautiful.
This is the beginning of the pond trail from the parking lot. We were actually surprised to see a few cars in the lot with lots of fresh footprints in the snow. But, just so you know, we didn’t see a single person on our hike. That can happen here as there are so many trails to follow.
Today my crew joined me (this was actually on Christmas Day), and yes my son is wearing his pajamas. He is quite the character.
Along the trail, we found some really nice fresh snow on the trees, and a favorite activity for us is to stand under the tree and shake off the snow. It creates a nice little snowstorm above our heads. My boys had quite the time running from tree to tree. I had to laugh when my hubby didn’t have his hood up all the way and he ended up with some snow down his neck. He’ll learn for the next time.
As we walk further down the trail, this section is a popular area during the school days for their survival games. There are sections that have ropes and signs letting the students know where the survival boundaries are located. You can also see signs of their shelter building skills. I don’t think the one below would keep you warm in winter :).
There are two ways to access the boardwalk and the first section is getting replaced. This boardwalk was in dire need of some maintenance, so it is a good idea to help support your local conservation areas. Without this support, these trails to wear away. As you can see in the picture below, this is a big section that is torn up and awaiting repairs.
As you continue down the trail, you will turn onto the second access point for the boardwalk. There is so much wildlife here in the summer that there are days I just come and sit on the bench and watch and listen.
It was so quiet that even the beaver that lives here was nowhere to be seen. You can see all the tracks going in and out of their home. It’s ok little beaver, we won’t stay long and disturb you.
We returned to the parking lot along the same trail. We decided that today we would take a short walk. If you are in this area, the HR Frink Centre is a great place to visit. Come back again to read more about the HR Frink Centre and other Quinte Conservation areas that we visit.
