With 5 kilometres of trails around this precious marshland habitat, Hillman Marsh draws wildlife and people from both near and far. Adjacent to Lake Erie, the walking trails, nature centre, washrooms and viewing towers at Hillman Marsh can be accessed from the main entrance. A swimming beach is accessible from the North Beach parking lot on Mersea Rd. 2.
Witnessing migration activity at the Spring Shorebird Celebratioon in May is one of the highlights of this area. The diverse habitats of Hillman Marsh attract and support marsh, shore and field birds such as herons, egrets, terns, songbirds and ducks as well as a nesting pair of Bald Eagles. Over one hundred species of birds use Hillman as a migration stopover which draws sandpipers, ducks, warblers and frequently spotted annual rarities such as the Yellow-headed Blackbird, Willet, Marbled Godwit, Eurasian Wigeon, Glossy Ibis and Eastern Kingbird. A birding trail borders 87 acres of unique Shorebird Habitat where water levels are actively managed to create mudflats, providing outstanding viewing opportunities.
The nature centre is open at limited times during the spring with excellent educational displays about flora and fauna typical to the area. This is one of the Conservation Areas used to educate students from across the region about conserving our environment through ERCA’s Outdoor Education Program.
Please note, as of April 1, 2014, smoking at Hillman Marsh Conservation Area is restricted to the parking lot only. Entry fee to Hillman Marsh Conservation Area is $6 per car payable at the self-serve entry gate to help offset the costs of conservation. Special event entry is $10 per car for the Shorebird and Songbird Celebration hosted on Mother’s Day weekend. As of June, 2015, the South Beach is closed due to flooding, erosion and hazard trees.
We would also direct you to read our DISCLAIMER and our TRAIL USERS CODE.
Region(s): Essex County
Nearby towns and cities: Leamington
Trail feature tags: Boardwalk | Education Centre | Marsh | swimming | Viewing Platform
HILLMAN MARSH characteristics
Length: 5 km.Difficulty: Moderate (Trail classifications)
Trail surface: Compacted soil/hard packed and Natural
Trail use: Hiking, Cross-country skiing, and Cycling
Accessibility Notes: Accessibility not known.
Fees: $6 entrance fee.
Flora & Fauna:
Over one hundred species of birds use Hillman as a migration stopover which draws sandpipers, ducks, warblers and frequently spotted annual rarities such as the Yellow-headed Blackbird, Willet, Marbled Godwit, Eurasian Wigeon, Glossy Ibis and Eastern Kingbird.
Amenities: Washrooms, picnic area
Attractions: Viewing platform, Boardwalk, swimming, marsh, education centre
Contact:
admin@erca.org
Essex Region Conservation Authority 360 Fairview Avenue West, Suite 311 Essex, ON N8M 1Y6 Phone: 519-776-5209
Find it: Exit the 401 at Highway 77, turn left (South) into Leamington. Highway 77 turns into Erie St. Follow Erie St 2 km down to Oak St. Turn left (East) on Oak St (it turns into Rd 2), follow it (approximately 7 km) to its end directly to the front entrance
GPS Coordinates (main trailhead):
Latitude: 42.0430970
Longitude: -82.5149600