Restoring Nature for Generations to Come
Nestled in the village of Alton, Upper Credit Conservation Area is an important natural green corridor connecting land and water within the Credit River Watershed that supports the long-term survival of wildlife.
The 400-acre property has an abundance of meadows, forests and wetlands that offer habitat to grassland birds, insects, amphibians and other wildlife. The Credit River, which runs through the property, is a central feature of the conservation area making it a great place to connect with nature!
What’s Changed
Historically, the Credit River in this area was impacted by agricultural land uses, for example cattle access. This resulted in the river channel widening and the loss of the riverbank. These changes affected habitat for brook trout and other fish.
This section of the Credit River is identified as providing habitat for cold-water fish such as brook trout. The presence of fish that thrive in cool water indicates a healthy river.
Restoration and Bridge Replacement
The restoration work aligned with the construction of a new pedestrian bridge over the river. We were able to restore the channel profile and construct larger spanning structural supports, known as abutments, outside the river. A 15.4 metre weathering steel bridge was installed with a stainless-steel handrail to increase accessibility for visitors. The new bridge infrastructure improves visitor experience on the trail.
Upper Credit Conservation Area is also home to a portion of the Credit Valley Trail (CVT). New signage and trail markers for the CVT were added to the property in 2020.
Come Explore
If you’re looking for a place to explore in the watershed, take a trip to Upper Credit Conservation Area. Enjoy hiking, birding, photography or simply take in the sights and sounds of nature. And while you’re there, start your adventure along the CVT. This park is self-serve year-round and open after sunrise and before sunset.
Visit our Upper Credit Conservation Area webpage for more information. To learn more about the Credit Valley trail, visit creditvalleytrail.ca.
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By Jamie Williams, Specialist, Marketing and Communications