Welcome Brook Conservation Area, located on the Lynn River in the southeast corner of the Town of Simcoe, was purchased by the Long Point Region Conservation Authority in 1972 from Richard, John and George Brook. The Brook family operated a mill, known as a shoddy, which created fabric woven of yarn from the shredded fibre of previously worn or used material. Brook's Woolen Mill was erected in 1868 and until its destruction by fire in 1886, maintained a prosperous business with local sales of yarn, wool, blankets and wholesale trade of tweeds and other cloths.

One building, containing the mill shaft, survived the fire and remains vacant at the entrance to the nature trails.

Since the acquisition of the property by the Long Point Region Conservation Authority, Brook Conservation Area has been used as a passive recreational area for hiking, picnicking, fishing, bird watching, mountain biking and cross-country skiing. With several accesses to the Lynn Valley Trail, Brook Conservation Area is an ideal spot for nature lovers of all ages.

Trail Guide: Flora and Fauna

Please Note: Colours Refer to Trail Markings

Across the dam, the trail to the right is known as Lowland Lane. The blue markings trace the path of the Lowland Forest. Typical tree species in this area include Eastern White Cedar, Norway Maple, Beech, Ironwood, Basswood and White Ash. The understory is comprised of Honeysuckle, Dame's Rocket, Moneywort, May Apples and Sensitive Fern. Climb up the old stone stairs and you may see a squirrel feasting on the juicy berries of the Red Mulberry Tree or enjoying some Wild Grapes.

The Trail to the left of the dam is called River Run, marked in orange. As this trail curves around the Lynn River, it passes through Multiflora Rose and Wild Raspberries. As the forest thickens, Eastern White Cedar and White Pine dominate. Heading back down the river, another lowland Forest emerges, containing Black Willow, Lowlands Ash and Eastern Cottonwood.

Pine Pathway in green, winds through the typical Upland Forest, containing Scotch Pine, White Pine and Black Ash. There is little understory beneath the pine needle groundcover of this plantation.

Grassy Gully, labeled in yellow, borders on a grove of Black Willow, Black Cherry and White Ash. Song birds are common within the interior trails, as well as along the Lynn Valley Trail.

The Lynn River lies on the Norfolk Sand Plain, a natural aquifer creating a Seepage Forest. Wildflowers and grasses, including Goldenrod, European Iris, Forget-me-nots, Pink Smartweed, Scotch Thistle, Sedge and Skunk Cabbage are prevalent. The water lookouts provide ideal places for waterfowl and other wildlife sightings. Keep an eye out for Mallard ducks, Painted turtles and muskrats.

Enjoy

Brook Conservation Area comprises over 2.3 km of cleared nature trails, which follow the scenic Lynn River and wind along the abandoned Lake Erie and Canadian National Railway Lines. Fragrant meadows of wildflowers can be seen bordering the remaining railway pilings at the water's edge.

A sandy shore provides easy access for the recreational fisherman to catch a few of the plentiful fish species of the river, including carp and trout. Rest benches tucked into picturesque look-outs are also a relaxing way to enjoy the water.

Take a leisurely walk along the main trails, following the natural curves of the Lynn River or venture into the interior of the park where wildlife sightings are common.

The area boasts several varieties of squirrels, as well as rabbits, raccoons, turtles and toads. Many chipmunks also call Brook their home and their squeak can be heard throughout the park.

Another familiar sound is the Eastern wood-pewee, which announces its name to every visitor. Chickadees, blackbirds, blue-jays and juncoes also abound.

Have a picnic on the grassy field out front or stop at one of the rest benches along the trails. Don't forget to snap a picture of the Brook Dam and the rushing waters of the Lynn River.

Enjoy and please help to keep Brook beautiful.

Long Point Region Conservation Authority

4 Elm St, Tillsonburg, ON N4G 0C4

phone: (519) 842-4242 fax: (519) 842-7123