St. Johns

Wildlife in nature are part of a bigger system dependant on one another for food and cover. Feeding wildlife can make them depend on humans for food and they lose their natural fear and may put themselves in dangerous situations such as crossing a road for search of food, or become aggressive if food is not provided. ·       

In addition, if bread, crackers, popcorn, or other high-carbohydrate foods are fed these have little nutritional content. Birds fill up on them and will not seek other, nutritious food in nature. This can cause the birds to become malnourished, which can contribute to a host of health problems

A diet rich in carbohydrates will cause the birds to defecate more, which can spread bacteria that can contribute to disease. Any uneaten bread left on the ground could:

Become moldy and cause aspergillosis, a lung infection that can be fatal to waterfowl

Decompose and lead to growth of excessive algae which can be out of balance and affect the health of other fish and wildlife, and attract other pests, such as rats, mice, and insects, which could spread disease. 

We thank you in advance for your cooperation. 

Situé dans l’escarpement du Niagara et de la vallée Twelve Mile Creek, cet environnement naturel fournit un décor paisible pour la faune et les visiteurs. Un endroit prisé pour la pêche saisonnière à la truite, St. Johns est également connu pour l’observation des oiseaux et l’éducation pour la nature. On y trouve quatre sentiers de différentes longueurs et difficultés à St.Johns: The Tulip Tree, Sassafras, Horseshoe, et St. Johns Ridge. Chaque sentier jalonne cette large forêt intérieure. Certains sentiers sont accessibles aux personnes en fauteuil roulant et aux poussettes.

St. Johns est un écosystème fragile, alors aidez-nous à le protéger en demeurant sur les sentiers, et en vous abstenant d’enlever des plantes ou animaux (incluant les vairons, les têtards et les grenouilles).

The NPCA is pleased to announce that the St. Johns Conservation Area has been further upgraded to improve public safety and enhance accessibility at the site to ensure the year-round enjoyment of this protected natural area for visitors. 

A new granular surface for the main entrance driveway and existing parking was installed to provide better access.

The site’s front entrance was refreshed with improved design elements.

A new front entrance sign will soon be installed to enhance the area’s sense of arrival.

A modern gate system will be installed in the spring to improve traffic flow, and to manage access and safety at the site. The conservation area can be accessed for passive day-use at no-cost. 

Thanks to site improvements that took place earlier in the year at St. Johns, the conservation area already includes the following updates:

Six dedicated accessible parking spaces located next to the pond access trail.

Reconstructed pedestrian trails and washroom sidewalks.

A new and dedicated barrier-free asphalt parking area to improve site access for visitors with mobility needs.

An infiltration gallery along the edge of the parking lot to direct stormwater runoff into the ground to help recharge local groundwater.

To provide feedback or input on these St. Johns upgrades, please contact conservationareas@npca.ca

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) is an invasive bug that has been detected at St. Johns. While not harmful to humans or pets, it is destructive to eastern hemlock trees. 

HWA feeding removes plant fluids and causes needle drop, twig dieback, and eventually tree mortality, sometimes in as little as four years. Signs and symptoms of the bug include: 

• Cottony, white egg sacs at the base of tree needles resembling small cotton balls or clumps of snow (These are tiny! Only about 3-6 millimeters in size!); 
• Swelling at the twig tips; 
• Twig dieback; and 
• Grey foliage. 

It can be spread by wind, animals, and human movement of nursery stick, logs, firewood, and other wood products.  

To help prevent the spread of this pesky bug, all conservation area visitors are encouraged to follow these recommendations to prevent the spread of this invasive: 

• Use a lint roller to remove any potential crawlers from clothing; 
• Beat and/or lint roll hats and coats worn near the affected area; 
• Brush off footwear after being outdoors; 
• Wipe down all equipment with an ethanol-based cleaner; 
• Wash all clothing before entering another conservation area or woodlot; and 
• Stay on the trails and keep dogs on a leash. 

Visitors as asked to not remove any natural material such as branches, leaves, and twigs from the conservation area. Instead, leave nature where it is for everyone to enjoy. 

For more information, please visit the Forest Health and Management page.

For a downloadable list of FAQ's please click here