Dumfries Conservation Area

Bring along bug spray. The mosquitoes were ferocious during my June hike even during mid afternoon. 75 hectares of nature reserve with a huge picnic grassy meadow and many trails through a beautiful forest and marshlands around the ponds. Along the hike there are beautiful wildflowers, blooming shrubs and deciduous and evergreen trees as well as an abundance of songbirds. Really vast nature reserve with an amazing history. Percy R. Hilborn widely known asPR, was born in Berlin, Ontario in 1886 and died in Preston in 1972.Throughout his long life he was a successful businessman and industrialist. He became Charter President of the Preston Hespeler Rotary Club in 1927, was a Founding Board Member of the University of Waterloo, and earned a Silver Acorn for his support of Scouting.PR started to preserve farmland as early as 1916 when, with Laurie Barrett, he purchased theSpottiswood farm on the outskirts of Preston. In 1948 he bought out his friend's interest, envisioning a wildlife and wilderness Park. He purchased the adjacent Dyck farm in 1953, part of the Ciuciura farm in 1955 and the McAllister farm in 1967.On this property he planted thousands of evergreens,constructed two ponds and plowed the upper pond for public skating in winter.In 1967 PR donated this parcel, now totaling 70 ha, to the province of Ontario with the provisos that it be allowed to remain wild and be used for passive recreation. In 1970 with PR's permission, the province transferred Dumfries Park to the Grand River Conservation Authority to carry out his wishes.

Want to explore more of the place, quite a lot of litter along the trail we walked though.

A great green patch in the city of Cambridge, great walking trails, hidden pathways, covered gazebo, lots of manicured grass, but also acres of virtually untouched natural areas… perfect for dog walking, a bicycle ride or an evening stroll. Lots of free parking just off Dunbar Road in Preston.

I love this place.It's such a nice forest oasis in the middle of the city. There's so many different paths to explore. You could spend as little or as much time as you want in here. The dog and I are big fans and it's super close to us so we're here pretty much daily.I highly recommend!!

A small conservation area with trails that are great for walking the dog. A small parking lot which is usually not too full. It could be a great place for a family picnic. Nothing special, just a nice green space with some short trails, a couple of fields and a few picnic tables. I really like the new walking/cycling path that runs along side the park on Dunbar Rd.

Great place for a walk. Some benches to sit and eat as well. Parking is available.

I'd never been before. This property is magnificent. I was close to the main entrance. From what I could see it's a massive beautiful area. I will be returning soon to enjoy a larger portion of this .

We visited during a hot summer afternoon. We couldn't explore more, we just had our favourite lunch in a quiet & calm place, in the middle of nature. A couple of picnics table is available with a decent car parking option. Will be visiting again in fall.