A Tour of Wildwood - an Opportunity Not to be Missed
A Tour of Wildwood
What if a walk through the forest could reveal more than just trees? At Wildwood Ecoforest, every trail has a story to tell. Join us for a public tour and discover the fascinating ecology and history among these trees!
As you explore Wildwood's 104-acre ecoforest with one of our knowledgeable guides, you'll learn about the forest a little differently. A tree is no longer just a tree but a record of past events, a source of medicine, a home for wildlife, or a reminder of the people who have cared for this land for generations.
Wildwood’s forest tells stories of disturbance and resilience. You may come across trees shaped by forest fires and see how they withstood the flames, or lightning-struck trees that show how powerful natural forces can be. These unusual sights provide a glimpse into the ways forests change over time and how they continue to recover.
Look even closer, and you can see some of the forest's smaller stories too: too many lively thatching ant hills to count, or nurse logs slowly returning their nutrients to the soil while nurturing the future giant trees. You may even encounter a living stump, a reminder that the life of a tree does not always end when it's cut or damaged.
You’ll be introduced to the topic of ecoforestry, an approach to forestry that focuses on the health of the whole ecosystem rather than solely on timber production. Learn how ecoforestry principles can help maintain biodiversity and create more resilient forests. You will also hear about Merv Wilkinson, the visionary who founded Wildwood and spent decades supporting the idea that trees can be harvested in a way that supports the natural ecosystem.
And the best part? There is always something new to discover. Wildwood changes dramatically throughout the year, and each season brings different plants, colour, wildlife and ecological stories of the forest. A tour in the spring may introduce you to emerging wildflowers and new growth, whereas summer brings buzzing pollinators and lush greenery. Fall reveals changing leaves, fungi, and the forest's preparations for winter, while winter offers a different perspective on the quiet resilience of the ecosystem.
Whether you're a lifelong nature enthusiast or simply curious about what lives beyond the trail, a public tour is an opportunity to slow down, look closely, and discover something you may have walked past a hundred times before.
Come explore the stories of Wildwood for yourself! Register online for an upcoming public tour on the 3rd Sunday or every month and see what the forest has waiting for you. Click here to see tour dates and to register.