Timber! Leftovers... Traditional Cache
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Terrain:
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Size: 
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For those that like a bit of a hike. 1 L sized Lock'N'Lock container, camo'ed.
Timber leftovers.
This property (the McKenzie-Davis Tract) has a number of plantations on it. A long time ago these trees were planted for timber production and harvesting. Back when they were planted there was a big demand for Red Pine and White Pine logs for lumber. Trees harvested from these plantations are still used for lumber but the plantations also have another used. Now these plantations are being managed to jump start forest regeneration and by regularly harvesting the planted trees we can help this regeneration along. As time goes on this area will incrementaly move from a coniferous plantation towards a regenerated deciduous or mixed forest. The plantation also provides soil stability and shelter for both wildlife and regenerating plants. Under the shelter of these trees young trees will grow, but to do so they do need at least a little light. Therefore every so often the plantation needs to be thinned out.
This section of the looped trail will go some plantations that have recently been thinned. Throughout this thinned plantation you will see piles of woody debris, some may think this looks "messy" or is a waste but in fact it is very important that this woody debris is left here. The majority of the nutrients in a forest are stored up in the actual trees, by leaving this woody debris behind this leaves some nutrients behind to be re-absorbed into the forest. Also any logs or large pieces of wood left behind provide homes for salamanders and other wildlife. Piles of branches can provide shelter to rabbits or other small mammals to hide from predators.
Thinning the plantation also allows more light to reach the forest floor and this allows more plants to grow up under the trees. The young trees under the planted ones can get a chance to grow bigger and taller as the plantation is thinned. As you walk this trail you can see the areas where the young deciduous trees are starting to grow in. Eventually these young trees will become the dominant trees in the forest and eventually all the planted trees will have been harvested to make room for them.
Park at Mountsberg Conservation Area (which the McKenzie-Davis Tract is considered a part of). Do not try to park on Milboughough Line, its no parking on this stretch and they will ticket and tow.
Water and washrooms available near the parking area but none available once you get into the trails. This hike will take around 2 hours, or longer if you decide to explore the other loops in this property. There is lots to explore in this varied and beautiful area. The only downfall is the proximity to the highway 401 which can be annoyingly noisy. Area closes at dusk. The trails are fairly wide and flat for the most part. This side of the property does not get many visitors so the trails are not packed down and there is Poison Ivy growing into and over the trails in some locations.
Please do not hike in the ski tracks! There is at lease one regular cross country skier that uses this property (almost daily). Please walk beside the ski tracks and not in them. It makes it very hard for skiers if you ruin their tracks.
Note: Mapletown will run weekends March and April and daily during March Break, the park will be extremely busy with muggles at this time. (but you'll still likely find yourself alone over on the McKenzie-Davis Tract).
Regular entrance fees apply. Or save money (and get perks) by becoming a member. Automated gates now in use, schedule your visit online is best, but usually someone at the gatehouse on weekends. Outhouses available on site. Park closes at dusk.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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Treasures
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