Hanlon Creek Story Map

Hidden Creeks

We are part of the  Grand River watershed , which is a huge water system that begins in Dufferin County and ends in Lake Erie! Creeks are a narrow area of water that flows into the land from a larger body of water like a river, pond or lake. Creeks can be so small that you might not even know they are there!

So how will you know if there is a hidden creek beneath your feet? A good way to identify hidden creeks is by focusing on your surroundings. If you ever pass by a pond or walk overtop of a boardwalk or bridge while on a walk, you might just be passing right over a hidden creek. 

Activity: Where do these small, hidden creeks end up? If you follow a creek in the direction it is flowing, you will be led to a larger body of water like a larger creek or a river! Try following the small creek as far as you can and see where yours leads to.

Invasive Species - Garlic Mustard

You may not know it, but your forests are full of imposter plants! They are more commonly known as invasive species which means it was brought here but is not supposed to be here. These types of plants can cause a lot of harm to other species in the forest and completely take over our forests!

A really common invasive species in this forest is Garlic Mustard. No, not like the mustard you put on your hotdogs.  Garlic Mustard  is an invasive species that spreads as fast as you can say ‘Invasive’. It has a long green stem with lots of leaves and small white flowers that sprout on the top.

A really good way to help stop the spread of Garlic Mustard is a really yummy one. Garlic mustard is an edible plant that can be made into a delicious pesto sauce. You can pull it out of the ground and use its leaves to make it yourself. Using Garlic Mustard, walnuts, garlic, olive oil and some cheese you can create a yummy new dish while helping the environment. Remember to always ask your parents before eating wild plants!

For the full recipe click  HERE 

Native Species - White Pine

The White Pine: is a species of tree that is native to southern Ontario.

Also, the eastern White Pine is Ontario’s official tree. Seeing it many times along the creek is a beautiful sight. The smell of the pine needles gives a scent that reminds you of pure nature.

Distinguishing the different types of pine trees isn’t that difficult if you know the rules of needles. Red and Jack pines each have needle bundles containing 2 needles. However, White Pine needles come in bundles of five.

Activity: While you're walking, pick up some needles from the ground and count them. See if you can find  a full bunch of 5! 

For more information on eastern white pine you can visit  HERE 

Giving Thanks to Water

Water, it is what brings us all together. The Hanlon creek runs along the entire trail and the water connects everything together. 

If the earth was a human body then all the rivers and creeks would be veins, carrying vital fluids all around, keeping it alive. 

Think about how you can give thanks to water when using it, drinking it or even walking by it. 

Activity: At the end of our path there is a bridge that goes over the creek. You can get close to the water at the base of the bridge. Kneel down as close to the water as you can(without falling in). Cup your hands together and scoop up some water. See how long you can keep it in your hands before it all trickles out. While the water is still in your hands, gaze at it. Say aloud to yourself “I am grateful for this water that gives and sustains life”. Then release the water from your hands back into the creek and watch it flow downstream.

What's Next?

Thank you so much for going on this adventure through Preservation Park!

Hopefully you learned something new and had fun while doing so.

You can head back through the same path, or continue to explore through different parts of the park.