Visit the New Terra Cotta Conservation Area

Location:
14452 Winston Churchill Blvd., Terra Cotta  L0P 1N0 (2 km north of the Village of Terra Cotta),
(905) 877-1120

Enjoy all the great features the new Terra Cotta has to offer.

• Visitors Welcome Centre
• renovated Watershed Learning Centre hosting educational programming
• modern washroom facilities
• improved trail signage
• cross-country ski rentals and groomed cross country ski trails
• group picnic reservations and pavilion rentals
• fully accessible buildings

Terra Cotta Conservation Area consists of 485 acres of unique natural environment that has gone through significant changes over the years and is now an excellent representation of the Niagara Escarpment features. The Area, for many years, was previously used as a recreational facility with campsites, parking lots and a large swimming pool. In the interest of restoring this property to its natural state the campsites have been replanted, the parking lots re-vegetated and the swimming pool removed and replaced by an award winning wetland, used as a learning tool illustrating to visitors the importance of wetlands.

Whether it’s the brief flash of a white-tailed deer bounding into the woods, the sound of a pileated woodpecker finding its insect meal or the simple peace of sitting by a quiet pond, we hope you enjoy the natural beauty and opportunities offered at Terra Cotta Conservation Area.

Interested in learning about the management directives that will ensure the long term protection, appreciation and enjoyment of Terra Cotta.

Check out CVC's management plan for the Terra Cotta - Silver Creek Complex of conservation areas. (PDF format, 16 mb)

Area Features

Visitors Welcome Centre

The new Visitors Welcome Centre is located just north of the main parking lot. Here you can come to find out more information on the area , buy snacks and merchandise and rent cross country skis or snowshoes; you will also find our new modern washroom facilities are housed in this building. This space can be rented for after hours meetings of up to 20 people.

Watershed Learning Centre

The Watershed Learning Centre is located just south of the main parking lot, take the trail to the left of the main map kiosk and follow the signs. New and exciting Landscapes for Learning education programs will be taking place at this recently renovated facility.

Landscapes for Learning Public Events

Take part in a series of year-round programs that range from guided nature hikes, wildlife drawing classes, presentations by accomplished authors, hands-on workshops and fascinating demonstrations. All programs are open to the public and educators and take place in our newly renovated Watershed Learning Centre. Programs are generally included with regular admission. For more information on these programs, please visit www.creditvalleyca.ca/education.

Trails

Terra Cotta is a trail lover’s paradise. A variety of trails take visitors past the forests, fields, lakes and ponds of the Niagara Escarpment surroundings and let you experience natural settings, so close to urban and rural developments. The trails at Terra Cotta accommodate all levels of trail users, from beginner to expert with a variety of terrains and distances. Please note in the winter months Terra Cotta Lane and McGregor Spring Pond trail are designated for cross-country skiing only. Great loop trails for hiking and snowshoeing include the wetland trail and the AF Coventry trail. Check the Terra Cotta Area Map to get an overview of the trails.

Visitor Activities

• over 12 km of nature trails
• hiking
• over 6km of groomed cross country skiing trails*
• cross country ski rentals*
• snowshoeing*
• skating on Wolf Lake*
• bird watching
• viewing of artificial wetland
• photography
• picnicking

• Families and groups
• Picnic pavilions available with reservation
• group picnic reservations accepted beginning 2010, please call 1 800 367 0890

• Fishing for Largemouth Bass or panfish, catch and release recommended
• Weddings and Special Events
• Cycling on Terra Cotta Lane only
• Education programs (see events calendar)
• Public meeting space, for up to 20 people, available after January 1, 2010, please call 1 800 367 0890
• All buildings are fully accessible

* conditions permitting

Get Involved

Attend an Event

Check out our events calendar for educational programming, workshops, volunteer opportunities and special events at Terra Cotta and throughout the Watershed.

Become a Friend of Terra Cotta

The Friends of Terra Cotta are a group of local residents and volunteers who have a love for Terra Cotta.  They work in partnership with the Credit Valley Conservation Foundation to raise funds and awareness of CVC’s efforts to transform this area into a Centre for Environmental Learning.

Members of this group have generously offered their time and expertise for the betterment of the area.  Their goal is to preserve its natural integrity while also improving the quality of the user experience at Terra Cotta Conservation Area for all residents and visitors.

For more information or to become a member of the Friends of Terra Cotta, visit the Credit Valley Conservation Foundation Website.

Become an Our Credit Member

“Our Credit” annual memberships are valid in 10 Conservation Areas, including Terra Cotta Conservation Area, for one year from the date of purchase. Save on admission and help protect your local conservation area by purchasing a family, personal or senior membership today from area staff or online. Each membership comes with rental savings coupons and a free gift. Buy an Our Credit Membership online or call 1-800-367-0890.