The Fingal Wildlife Management Area (FWMA) exists on an old World War II air force training base. Some of the habitat restoration activities included the removal of the military infrastructure, development of a series of ponds, planting of trees and shrubs, establishment of hedgerows, food and cover plots and brush piles. Today, the area is complete with interpretive hiking trails, a viewing station and hunting during the fall from controlled access points in the south parking lot.
It is on 724 acres of crown land and is co-managed through a partnership agreement between the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Elgin Stewardship Council. Close to 100 acres of this land consists of natural habitats including forest, deciduous and coniferous plantations, tallgrass prairie, ponds and hedgerows. The purpose of this land use is to provide habitat for upland game species, as well to provide wildlife-based recreational activities like hunting, hiking, research, environmental education and nature appreciation. 395 acres is under active farming. Having these different land uses together provides a demonstration area to show how wildlife and agriculture can co-exist.
Annual Youth Hunting Day Events
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Establishing a 40 km trail network for the public to use
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Adding interpretive signage to help visitors learn about the property and wildlife that depend on the variety of habitats present
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Working with local groups including the local army cadets to assit with management of the site
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Developing a new partnership with the London Royal Astronomical Society for viewing stars at night
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Establishing a reforestation plot to compare the differences in survival and growth of native hardwood seed and seedlings
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Building of new viewing stands over looking the tallgrass prairie field
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Developing a management plan for the site
Trails
FWMA has three main hiking trails; War-of-Roses, Tallgrass Prairie and South Woodlot. The tallgrass prairie trail has a viewing stand within that over looks the Carmichael Pond. Here is a great place to see many waterfowl, or even eat your lunch. The War to Roses Trail is a 1.5 km route that follows the old Air Force road system, combining nature and history together.
Link to trail map:
http://www.elgintourist.com/sites/default/files/editor_media/132_Fingal_Trail_Map.pdf
We would also direct you to read our DISCLAIMER and our TRAIL USERS CODE.
Nearby towns and cities: Fingal | St. Thomas
Trail feature tags: Interpretive signage | Viewing Platform
FINGAL WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA TRAILS characteristics
Length: 21 km of trails of varying lengthsDifficulty: Moderate (Trail classifications)
Trail surface: Natural
Trail use: Hiking
Accessibility Notes: Accessibility not known.
Fees: None reported
Flora & Fauna:
During breeding and migration season, over 200 species of wildlife can be identified. This vast amount of wildlife at Fingal makes it perfect for wildlife related activities, including hunting. Each year over 200 ring-necked pheasants are released for hunting to compliment the other small game species that can be harvested on site during the open season and in accordance with Provincial Hunting Regulations. Hunting small game is permitted on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays during appropriate seasons and in accordance with Provincial Hunting Regulations. Hunting for deer and wild turkeys is not permitted at FWMA at any time. Access to the site for hunting purposes is controlled through the south parking lot along Scotch Line where there are 10 marked parking spaces to control hunter numbers. Parking and hunting in an unmarked space is prohibited.
Amenities: Picnic area
Attractions: Interpretive signage, Viewing platform
Contact:
tourism@elgin.ca
Elgin Tourism 519-631-1460 x 168 Toll Free 1-877-GO ELGIN (463-5446) x 168
Find it: 34479 Fingal Line, Fingal, ON
GPS Coordinates (main trailhead):
Latitude: 42.6889530
Longitude: -81.3327010
Found two adult racoons dead at the base of trees in the last week…I think the hunters have run out of things to shoot.
Hi, I was wondering if you guys have a sign posted that dogs need to be leashed at all times??? Everytime I go people have dogs off leash & that doesn’t seem right at all & people are telling me to get over it, I’m sorry but any off leash dog that comes at my girls is a problem & some girl told me to get over it, I know central Elgin bylaws are the same as London for off leash (dog parks only)
Thanks for your post about signage at Fingal Wildlife Management Area. Ontario Nature Trails does not, itself, own or manage any of the trails listed on its website. We simply provide a database of nature and hiking trails throughout Ontario. I would suggest that you email your concerns to the Elgin Stewardship Council at elgin1@bellnet.ca or call them at 519-631-4491. Or contact the local MNR office as they co-manage the property.
Dear Melissa,
I’m sorry to hear that you felt threatened by off-leash dogs at Fingal. It has become one of our favourites to bring our dog. Our dog needs to run and there are so few places you can let them do this. We cannot keep our dog on a leash and keep up with her needs. I hope you could find a lovely place to walk where dogs are not found off leash. Gibbons Park in London for example is really lovely and I doubt you would find an off-leash dog there.
I agree. Common courtesy is leash your dog while passing others. We have been charged at by barking dogs, had wet, muddy dogs jump all over us. If your dogs cant behave leash them. Not everyone wants dogs jumping on them
Hello Melissa and Nancy,
Then please find another place to walk where dogs will be leashed. This is grounds for hunting training, for dogs to meet and learn commands as well as run and have a great time. There are multiple places where you are able to find trails with specific rules. In the politest way possible, Please stop ruining things for the rest of us, when you have many options. Pinafore park is right close by, might be up your alley where dogs are required to be leashed.
Thanks,