GDA members and others have worked closely with Lafarge to install and monitor a number of bluebird boxes on one of their large end-use pits. Volunteers visit the site several times each birding season to conduct bird counts and report that the houses are a big hit!...
Our Work — Projects
Acquired Lands
We were instrumental in the negotiations that led to the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority acquiring the properties known as the Pleasure Valley and Wilder Forest lands, and the Skyloft property. GDA made a substantial donation of time and funds to help these...
Trail Maintenance
We assist TRCA with trail maintenance on the 200+ km. of trails in the East and West Duffins Headwaters properties. Since 2007 we have supported the TRCA with approximately $15,000 yearly towards the cost of routine trail maintenance such as mowing. Until 2021 we...
Paper Maps
In 2016, GDA commissioned Chrismar Mapping Services to develop a set of printed, waterproof trail maps for the area between Lakeridge Road and Brock Road, south of Reg. Rd. 21 and north of Durham Road #5. Uxbridge had claimed the title “Trail Capital of Canada” yet...
Online Maps
Online maps for many of the trails in this area can be downloaded using the app, Avenza. Maps include: Durham Regional Forest Main Tract, East Duffins Headwaters, Dagmar Forest, Clubine Forest, Secord Forest and Wildlife Area, and Goodwood Resource Management Tract....
Trail Signage
Many of the trails have navigation posts which have maps and numbers, so trail users always know where they are standing even if they do not have a cell phone or cell coverage. The tops of the posts slope to the north to further aid in navigation. GDA collaborates...
Federal Land Holdings
“We are working to secure the transfer of approximately 1,000 acres of the Federal lands to the Rouge National Urban Park which would create valuable trail connections to the Park for the residents of Seaton (section A on map) and Claremont (section B on map)...
Refurbished Rail Line
Our members were centrally involved in a project to refurbish a high, and historic heritage bridge along the rail line in the town of Uxbridge. The project was completed in 2015 with financial support from OTF, the Trans Canada Trail, local service clubs, private...
Trans Canada Trail
Starting with a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation in 2001 and assisted by subsequent OTF grants we helped to secure and construct an almost totally off-road route for the Trans Canada Trail from the town of Uxbridge 15 km. south to the Pickering town line....
Golf Courses
GDA supported the efforts of the Township of Uxbridge to establish golf course maintenance policies which are environmentally friendly. These practices involve reduced water usage and reduced fertilizer and herbicide use. As a result of this work, all of the golf...