It is Hidden Gems Feature Day here on myFM and right now we would like to highlight Rock Glen, which is located just outside of Arkona. Michael Bax, Superintendent of Rock Glen Conservation Area says their main attraction is their 10.7 meter waterfall but the conservation area has so much history tied up into it.
Bax says settlers in the 1800’s built gristmills for grain, and the base of one is used for a platform down by the falls. There is also a ton of fossils you can find like Brachiopods that look like butterflies, Horned Coral and Crinoid stems but the most rare is Trilobites.
Rock Glen is located at 8680 Rock Glen Road in Arkona. For locals, it’s right across from the Rock Glen Family Resort, and Bax says they have about 1.5km worth of trails and about half of them are accessible. They are many spots in the area to have a picnic.
The Conservation Authority also had Educators that come out and explain the history of the area and the environment. Rock Glen Conservation Area also has a good working relationship with the Arkona Lion’s Museum. The Museum houses Ted Baxter’s collection of local fossils. The Museum and collection helps teach about fossils and the Devonian Era, where most of the fossils are from.
The area is open year round but the trails are NOT maintained in the winter. It is asked that you pay admission. It is $4 for adults, kids 5 and under are free.
The area is owned and operated by the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority. The Authority does have education programs in the summer and more educational opportunities for everyone.
For more information you can go to https://abca.ca/conservationareas/rockglen/ or visit them in person at the falls or go to the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority Office in Exeter.
You can listen to the full interview with Bax here: