HISTORY
The Nature Area is comprised of 77 hectares of stream valley lands and wetlands on the shore of Lake Ontario. It is located between the CN Railway and Lake Ontario, Toronto Street to the east and Cobbledick Road, in Newcastle, to the West. The Waterfront Trail traverses the property and walking/hiking trails provide access to shoreline, Newcastle Marsh and Wilmot Creek. Wilmot Creek and
the marsh at its outlet possess unique and special attributes that are significant components of the ecosystem of Lake Ontario’s north shore. In recognition of the environmental significance and recreational values of Wilmot Creek and the Lake Ontario waterfront, the Municipality of Clarington has set goals for establishing a Nature Area on these lands, preserving them for ecological benefit and the health and enjoyment of Clarington residents. With the Municipality’s acquisition of the lands surrounding the marsh and the participation of agencies, interest groups, and individuals in an Environmental Management Plan process, the first steps toward the establishment of the Samuel Wilmot Nature Area were taken in 1998. The development of the site was conducted in accordance with the principle of protecting the ecological integrity of the natural environment while providing for recreational uses and enjoyment of its natural and visual resources. The management strategy for the Nature Area assumed a slow phased approach that ensures environmental protection of significant areas as a priority and slow progressive recreational use of the site as funds and site conditions permit. While ensuring protection of this provincially sensitive wetland, a walking trail system providing viewing and interpretive opportunities has been established. The successful realization of the recommended concept plan for the Nature Area will take time and resources, and the Municipality can only achieve these objectives with community support and involvement. SAMUEL WILMOT NATURE AREA MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
(SWNAMAC)
The Samuel Wilmot Nature Area Management Advisory Committee is a group of volunteers appointed by the Municipality of Clarington to assist the Municipality and the Ministry of Natural Resources in managing the Samuel Wilmot Nature Area. The Committee is also dedicated to preserving and improving the condition of the Nature Area for the benefit of the wildlife that resides there and the enjoyment of the residents of Clarington. DIRECTIONS to the SAMUEL WILMOT NATURE AREA
If you’re coming from the west:
Take 401 east
Take ext 436 for ON-35/ON-115 toward Lindsay/Peterborough
Merge onto King’s Hwy 115
Tkae the exit toward Newcastle
Merge onto Hwy 2
Turn right @ Cobbledick Road
Follow Cobbledick Road south; parking lot is on the right. If you’re coming from the east:
Take 401 west
Take exit 440 for County Road – 17/Mill Street toward Newcastle/Bond Head
Turn left @ Mill Street South
Take first right @ Toronto Street
Follow Toronto Street south; parking lot is on the left.
