Wildwood campgrounds ready for next week's opening

St. Mary's Wildwood Conservation Area will soon be ready for the camping season.

The popular site near Wildwood Lake east of St. Marys will be open for seasonal and overnight camping on Wednesday, May 1, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority officials confirmed in a release.

This will mark the 56th campaign season since the Wildwood Conservation Area opened in 1968.

“We're looking to build on the success of last year – we had a great season with well-attended events, new rental equipment and new visitors discovering what a beautiful spot Wildwood is,” ” said Alison Miller, the conservation area's superintendent.

In addition to camping at the conservation area's 480 campsites, visitors can take part in a wide range of outdoor adventures. The conservation area boasts hiking and cycling trails that range in length from 1.2 to 25 kilometres. Visitors can also take part in a rental program that allows them to borrow canoes, kayaks, standup paddelboards and other sports equipment. Boating and fishing opporunities are also available

There are also a number of special presentations planned for the summer season at the Wildwood Conservation Area, including:

■ Wild Ontario on Saturday, July 20;

■ Sciencssational Snakes on Saturday, July 27;

■ Canadian Raptor Conservancy on Saturday, Aug. 3;

■ Scales Nature Park on Saturday, Aug. 10; and

■ Speaking of Wildlife on Saturday, Aug. 24.

For more information on park activities, or to book online, visit wildwoodconservationarea.ca.