The Wildlife Sanctuary Nature Area is Trent University's largest and oldest Nature Area. Located in the southeast corner of Symons Campus, this Nature Area includes many types of ecosystems and a robust trail network. In August 2019 wetlands that cross this Nature Area were identified as Provincially Significant by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

Location and Use

The Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the southeast corner of Symons Campus, between University Road, Pioneer Road, and Douro 9th Line, this Nature Area includes many types of ecosystems and a robust trail network.

Physical Description

Some of this Nature Area is still being used for agriculture (east side). Other areas of the Wildlife Sanctuary were clearly used for agriculture in the past, with evidence of rail and stone fencing, and regenerating fields scattered throughout. Deciduous swamps are fed in part by the Otonabee College Wetland Nature Area to the north, on the other side of Pioneer Road. An intermittent outflow crosses University Road into the Canal Nature Area, and eventually flows into the Trent Canal.

Ecosystems and Species

The Wildlife Sanctuary offers a wide variety of ecosystems, including three main wetlands, regenerating agricultural fields, areas of cedars, and some young deciduous forest.

Nature Area History

The Wildlife Sanctuary is Trent University's oldest Nature Area, established in 1974-5. Originally the eastern half of the Wildlife Sanctuary was called Wildlife Sanctuary East, but in 2001 the two parts were merged into one large Wildlife Sanctuary Nature Area.

Over the years there have been many groups, some international, that have contributed to building boardwalks and helping to maintain the trail system.

Trent University campus and natural areas

Red Trail map (all trails)

Blue Trail map (all trails)

Yellow Trail map (all trails)

Trails, Access, and Points of Interest

This Nature Area offers an extensive trail system, using colours to identify different trail routes. Trails traverse the western half of the Wildlife Sanctuary only. The main access is off of University Road, where a short driveway leads to a parking lot. When the Nature Area is busy, visitors sometimes also park on the side of University Road (be careful, as the road is busy at times).

The trail system includes a red, yellow, and blue trail system. The blue system is longest, at 3.7 km, while the read is 1.9 km. As of mid-2019 there is a second access point, off the south side of Pioneer Road, across from the new baseball field. Walk south to meet up with the longer blue trail.