Malcolmson Eco-Park

Malcolmson Eco-Park is a unique natural park located in north St. Catharines, Ontario. In 1976 the St. Lawrence Seaway Authority leased its 36-acre property adjacent Lock 1 to the City of St.Catharines. The City of St.Catharines formally purchased the site on August, 1989. The City of St.Catharines Council named the parkland after St.Catharines' na... tive Mary Malcolmson who was instrumental in founding the first Canadian Girl Guide Troop in 1910. The community surrounding Mary Malcolmson Park turned down a 1989 park development proposal and instead proposed the park become a natural ecological park that would protect the Carolinian species that inhabited the park. In 1992 the Friends of Malcolmson Eco-Park were endorsed by the City of St. Catharines as the official stewards of the park. The Friends of Malcolmson Eco-Park are a non-profit group of volunteers that have dedicated themselves to preserving and enhancing the park resources. Natural areas in the Niagara Region have decreased significantly over the last few decades and natural areas such as Malcolmson Eco-Park have been invaluable for migrating bird species and home to many rare Carolinian species. This park also provides local residents a chance to connect with nature as they walk and cycle on the trails within the park. The Friends of Malcolmson Eco-Park are very active throughout the year in the park. The planning of activities in Malcolmson Eco-Park are led by the The Friends Advisory Committee. This committee plans and implements projects in the park. Over the last 15 years the Friends have removed tons of garbage, planted thousands of native wildflowers and trees, designed a trail network, enhanced park wetland areas, and provided environmental educational opportunities to local schools. Earth Day celebrations at Malcolmson Eco-Park are an annual tradition for the City of St.Catharines where 150 volunteers and local politicians such as the Mayor, City and Regional Councillors, Provincial MPP and Federal MP have attended. Presently, the Friends ...Read More