There is now a new trail and entrance for nature lovers to enjoy at the popular Potter’s Creek Conservation Area. For decades the trailheads have been at the south end of the property along Old Highway 2 but that officially changed Friday with a ribbon-cutting event at what’s known as Potter’s Creek North.
The parking lot and trailhead are at the north end of the area along West Moira Street just west of Wallbridge-Loyalist Road.
At the event, retired CAO of Quinte Conservation Terry Murphy, was honoured by having a section of the northern trail named after him.
Retired CAO of Quinte Conservation Terry Murphy. (Photo: Quinte News)
Murphy, who headed the organization for 29 years, was joined by his family at the event.
“We’ve had some tough years but we always made it through. I always thought I was a lucky guy having two families, one at home and one at work.
I’m really happy about Quinte Conservation’s concept plans for the future. It’s great.”
Murphy was referring to a three-tier system of ranking the organization’s conservation areas. A Tier 1 area would be near a population centre and would feature a parking lot, picnic areas, boardwalks, lookouts and trail signage of various kinds. Potter’s Creek, The Frink Centre, Vanderwater Park and Macaulay Mountain are examples of Tier 1 areas. Parking fees would have to be paid, either daily or by annual pass.
Tier 2 areas would have minimal parking and minimal amenities and Tier 3 areas would be left to stand in their natural states.
Both the current CAO of Quinte Conservation Brad McNevin and the Chair of the Board of Directors Belleville Councillor Chris Malette stressed the importance of green space and natural areas.
CAO of Quinte Conservation Brad McNevin. (Photo: Quinte News)
“Covid wasn’t a good thing, but in one way it really was,” said McNevin. “It led people to discover and understand just how important green space, wild areas, and fresh air and exercise really are to our overall health and happiness. More people got out and enjoyed the simple pleasures of nature. I’m really excited about what we’ll be doing over the next five to ten years.”
Malette pointed to the hard work and dedication of Quinte Conservation’s staff over the years despite changing governments and changing legislation affecting conservation areas. “I’ve learned a lot since being on the board of directors (now into year five) and I’m impressed with and proud of the staff.”
Malette stressed that if the popular conservation areas were to be improved and maintained over the years “we can’t keep going back to the same taxpayer to make the necessary improvements and changes. The folks who enjoy our properties are also going to have to chip in and user fees are nothing new.”
Find more information on Quinte Conservation here.
Chair of Quinte Conservation’s Board of Directors Belleville councillor Chris Malette. (Photo: Quinte News)
