Forest Tracts

Wellington County owns twelve forest tracts on fourteen property parcels that encompass over 1,200 acres. The County acquired our first tract in 1943, and additional tracts were obtained through land purchases or donation between 1944 and 1973. These properties were typically marginal agricultural lands but had significant environmental potential. After the County took possession, large scale tree planting projects were implemented in the old farm fields and the lands are now managed for environmental protection, wood products, passive recreation, and wildlife habitat.

The feet of a small child in rubber boots stands next to a pile of mossy rocks along a trail.

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Wellington County Forest Tracts

Benham Tract - Centre Wellington

Three moss covered logs piles on dried leaves along a tract.

Benham Tract

6155 Seventh Line,
Township of Centre Wellington

The Benham Tract was purchased by the County of Wellington in 1952 from Malcolm Wishart and named after the former reeve of Eramosa Township, Earnest Benham. This tract is located on a rehabilitated gravel pit, which is visible from the tract parking lot. The topography is rolling with several side trails. The terrain is challenging, but the scenery is well worth the effort. The Provincially Significant Speed River wetland complex crosses through the eastern half of the property. A winter deer yard is also present.

Cumnock Tract - Centre Wellington

Cumnock Tract

7749 Wellington Road 17 and 7009 Highway 6,
Township of Centre Wellington

Named after the former village of Cumnock which once featured a rail station, the Cumnock Tract was purchased by the County of Wellington in 1964. The tract is divided into two parcels by Highway 6. The trail located on the west parcel is somewhat rugged and not your typical groomed trail. The trail on the east parcel is flat and suitable for all walking levels. A coldwater stream crosses through the west parcel.

Everton Tract - Guelph/Eramosa Township

A narrow footpath surrounded by green trees.

Everton Tract

5278 Seventh Line,
Guelph/Eramosa Township

The Everton Tract was purchased by the County of Wellington in 1952 and the old pastures and fields were planted with a mixture of pine and spruce the following year. The tract is next to the Everton Scout Camp that was established in 1943. The Everton Tract is near the centre of an important block of natural habitat in the Eramosa River floodplain and forms part of an extensive natural habitat with a Provincially Significant Wetland and Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) along the Eramosa/Blue Springs corridor.

Peacock Tract - Town of Erin

Three small mushrooms on a moss-covered log.

Peacock Tract

5196 Trafalgar Road,
Town of Erin

The Peacock Tract was purchased by the County of Wellington in 1946 from Anna Gray. The former Peacock School was located here and is the source of the tract name. The trail winds through second growth forest and rolling terrain. Remains of the foundations of former structures are visible along the trail and there is a nice upland forest stand around the loop at the trail’s end. The forest is part of Brisbane Woods an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) and a Regional Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI).

Fleming Tract - Mapleton

Blue skies above an unpaved path next to a forest

Fleming Tract

8530 Concession 6,
Township of Mapleton

The Fleming Tract was acquired by the County of Wellington from Vernon H. Fleming and his wife, M. Irene Fleming, in 1973. Further back, the trail gets interesting, first crossing over a municipal drain and then the old farmstead. You will see a fine example of cement drinking troughs amidst the ruins. From there, go west to the end of the trail where the plantations change to a hardwood bush, overlooking an active gravel pit.

Ritch Tract - Mapleton

Badenoch Tract - Puslinch

Unpaved path in a wide clearing surrounded by tall bare trees in the fall.

Badenoch Tract

4217 Watson Road South,
Township of Puslinch

Located in the former settlement of Badenoch in the Township of Puslinch, this tract was purchased by the County of Wellington from William H. Black in 1945. The Badenoch Tract is a small trail that loops through the reforested area. The Provincially Significant Moffat and Badenoch Swamp is located to the rear of the trail. It is also an Environmentally Sensitive Area and supports a nearby cold water stream.

Little Tract - Puslinch

An adult carries a child with brown hat on his shoulders next to a tall tree.

Little Tract

6710 Wellington Road 34 and 6707 Concession 4,
Township of Puslinch

The Little Tract was donated to the County by John Robert Little, in 1946, to be reforested and dedicated to the memory of the first settlers and pioneers of the area. It is one of the most significant and diverse natural areas in the County, with parts being Provincially Significant wetlands and the entire site within the Oil Well Bog/Little Tract Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). A number of the plants and animals found within the tract are considered to be rare. In addition to being an extensive trail system, the Little Tract is also home to the County of Wellington’s Green Legacy tree nursery.

McNamara Tract - Wellington North

Mulhall Tract - Wellington North

Victory Tract - Wellington North

Dozens of leafy trees stand tall with a small opening showing a blue sky and sun shining.

Victory Tract

9238 Wellington Road 14,
Wellington North

The Victory Tract is adjacent to a property owned by the GRCA. The well-groomed trails between the two tracts join to create a 3 km long trail. This site is well used in the winter for cross country skiing as well as hiking in the summer. Victory Tract was purchased by the County of Wellington in 1945 from Arthur Lennox who served in World War I and as reeve of West Luther in 1949. It is bisected by the Provincially Significant Clare Creek wetland. Several significant species have been found and the forest serves as a winter deer yard.

NOTICE

Hunting is not permitted on Badenoch, Cumnock, Little, Peacock and Everton Tracts.

Looking for more? Check out our Wellington Walks Trail Guide for information on over 40 trails throughout the County!