A new wetland is set to open in Grand Bend this summer, offering 2.3 kilometres of hiking trails.
It's located in the 40-acre Serenity Nature Reserve at 70050 Corbett Line, which was purchased in 2023 by the Phil McNamee Charitable Foundation and established last year.
David Carter, with the foundations board of directors, said it will have free, accessible day use.
"Nature reserves are important," said Carter. "To improve physical and mental well-being, to provide free and accessible hiking, and to encourage more outdoor time in nature and less time inside on screens and devices. The nature reserves provide habitat for species such as the Green Heron."
He said the wetland has a marsh with a depth of five to six feet is graded to collect runoff.
"Earthworks and seeding took place at the property in autumn 2024 and trees are being planted at the site in spring 2025," said Carter.
The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) said staff helped sow native wildflower seeds.
There are more than 20 species of wildflowers sown and staff plan to plant 5,000 trees over seven acres this spring.
Additionally, staff plan to plant 500 plants, to stabilize berms at the site.
"We're really grateful to have the collaboration we do have with Ausable Bayfield Conservation, and we're grateful for the funding we have received through various funders for this project," said Carter.