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Lost Nature Trail at McMaster Video



The longest remaining intact trail fragment from the former Coldspring Valley Nature Sanctuary of the Royal Botanical Gardens (1958-1963) lies just out of sight behind a sign directing cars to parking lots in west campus - the former nature sanctuary long buried beneath asphalt since McMaster University bought the property from the RBG for cheap parking, built later that decade (1968), and persists today.

Known as Maria's Walk on old RBG trail maps, it was one of the several trails that weaved through diverse habitat and across the (former) floodplain: the shortest trail of the former system, now the longest remaining footpath.

In fact, it's still, a nice trail used by people moving between campus and parking, and other destinations.

I hope you stay connected with us at Restore Cootes as we try to get McMaster to improve trail access, and recognize this lovely footpath for its historical role in the area's natural and human history.

HISTORY HIKES

Restore Cootes offers guided hikes for groups to explore the area's history, and to see the rehabilitation work that is ongoing to reclaim parking for nature along Ancaster Creek and bring the area closer to its natural state. Get in touch with us to arrange a tour!

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