COVID-19 Response – July 21st Update

Although Stage 3 reopening will come into effect for the Niagara Region on Friday, July 24, 2020 we have made the decision to continue with our current set up.

Passive Trail Use

Weekdays 5pm to 8pm * Weekends 9am to 8pm

No access to facilities including washrooms

Last week we were pleased to announce a modified summer day camp for the month of August. In order to comply with Ministry of Health guidelines our property needs to remain closed during camp times to ensure the safety of our staff and campers. Our summer adventure camp is one of our unique offerings as well as a valuable revenue stream. Thank you in advance for abiding by our hours. Please note that we are taking this very seriously and persons or vehicles entering during protected program times are at risk of being charged for trespassing or having their vehicle towed – this includes vehicles that block our gates.

Thanks to funding support we launched several new supported outdoor programs in July for vulnerable populations as well as welcomed back some of our work experience participants. Check-in and check-out for these programs is through our main (north) gate. This means that the area directly surrounding the Nature Centre and the Nature Centre itself remain closed to the general public. Keeping this area protected is vital to maintain the safety of these programs which include:

• Scheduled Trail Walks for Group Homes
• ‘Forest Friends’ Fitness and Craft Sessions for Day Program Participants
• Work Experience Program
• Active Seniors Trail Walks

We value your friendship and are grateful for your support. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions – elisabeth.graham@heartlandforest.org

Elisabeth Graham

Executive Director

COVID-19 Response – June 22nd Update

Welcome to the new normal at Heartland Forest – at least for now. This day has been a long time coming and we are excited to share how Heartland Forest is responding to Stage 2. It has been an emotional and financial roller coaster ride and we all know it's long from over.

Many of you may be unaware that we are a private charitable organization with no on-going government funding. At the outset of this journey we immediately lost 70% of our income. That's tough! We've made difficult decisions, we've made significant cuts and we've done all we can to protect the vulnerable populations we are so passionate about. Thanks to each one who has reached out with support during this challenging time. It continues to be such an encouragement.

Effective today, we are opening our trails for passive public use as well as meeting urgent needs by launching exciting new programs. This is worth celebrating!

We value your friendship and hope to see you soon. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions

https://www.heartlandforest.org/summer-adventure-camp-2016

Contact 905-356-7384 or visit http://www.heartlandforest.org