Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor
Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor

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Doors Open Ontario:

Dutton Dunwich

in-person event information

Sunday, October 22, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Enjoy the outdoors in Dutton Dunwich with 12 self-guided tours of natural heritage treasures.

We suggest that you download and print off the brochures and map for your tour before you begin (downloadable tours/maps coming soon). Or pick up a hard copy from the onsite volunteers at each location on October 22, when the tours launch.

If you miss the in-person tours, you can do them on your own later!


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Community information

The Municipality of Dutton Dunwich is located off Highway 401, north of Lake Erie between Chatham and London.

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Become a volunteer

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for Doors Open Dutton Dunwich, contact the municipality at 519-762-2204 or planning@duttondunwich.on.ca.

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Contact information

10 In-person Doors Open sites

Buttermilk BogDoors Open Dutton Dunwich

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario
Buttermilk Bog

Located behind the Dunwich United Church, the Buttermilk Bog is a centennial project of the Dutton Dunwich Horticultural Society. The area, saturated with buttermilk from the old Strathcona Creamery, has been turned into an enchanting arboretum with approximately 50 different species of trees, including magnolias, American chestnut, sycamore, pawpaw, sassafras, flowering dogwood, sawtooth oak, butternut, gingko and black cherry.

  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available

Contact info

274 Currie Road
Dutton, Ontario

Architecture

Year built: 1999

Dates/hours open

Oct 22 - Oct 22

Dutton Dunwich Conservation AreaDoors Open Dutton Dunwich

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario
Dutton Dunwich Conservation Area

The Dutton Dunwich Conservation Area was acquired in 1993 by the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority. Located on the floodplain of the Thames River, the area is a fishing hot spot during pickerel season. It provides an ideal spot to launch your canoe or kayak on the Thames River. Look for the Hackberry heritage tree, too, marked with a plaque.

  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available

Architecture

Year built: 1993

Dates/hours open

Oct 22 - Oct 22

Fingal Wildlife Management Area (formerly No. 4 Bombing and Gunnery School)Doors Open Dutton Dunwich

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  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Fingal Wildlife Management Area (formerly No. 4 Bombing and Gunnery School)

The Fingal Wildlife Management Area was established on a former Second World War air force training base. Some of the habitat restoration activities include the development of a series of ponds, and the planting of trees, shrubs and hedgerows. Today, there are interpretive hiking trails, a viewing station and controlled hunting during the fall.

  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque

Architecture

Year built: 1997

Dates/hours open

Oct 22 - Oct 22

Harris House Backyard GardenDoors Open Dutton Dunwich

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  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Harris House Backyard Garden

Come and explore this unique garden! In 1997, Guelph landscape architect, Brad Peterson, was hired to develop a landscaping plan to help naturalize this backyard. Over 16 years, he turned this site into a Carolinian forest area, a pond, vegetable garden, wetland and sauna. Areas were planted with native species, such as shagbark hickory, blue birches, elderberries, tulip and redbud.

  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly

Contact info

8947 Iona Road
Iona, Ontario
Email: laurence.grant@start.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1853

Architect: Brad Peterson

Dates/hours open

Oct 22 - Oct 22

Highway 3 Rest AreaDoors Open Dutton Dunwich

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Highway 3 Rest Area

During your Doors Open journey, pause here and learn more about the history of Highway 3, which dates back to 1920. When the highway was first assumed, much of it was so poorly surfaced that many sections of the highway were impassable in wet weather. Today, this stretch of road has become part of the Trans Canada Trail system.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking

Contact info

27019 Talbot Line
Wallacetown, Ontario

Architecture

Year built: 1920s

Dates/hours open

Oct 22 - Oct 22

Pearce-Williams Summer Camp & Retreat FacilityDoors Open Dutton Dunwich

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  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Pearce-Williams Summer Camp & Retreat Facility

Visit the Pearce Williams Summer Camp & Retreat Facility, where campers gain life skills, develop self-esteem and explore nature. Situated in rural Elgin County, this facility offers summer overnight camps for children as well as adult retreats throughout the year. Explore the facilities and the grounds, and walk the trails in this beautiful, rustic setting.

  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms

Contact info

8009 Iona Road
Fingal, Ontario
Email: info@campisbetter.com
https://www.campisbetter.com

Architecture

Year built: 1960

Dates/hours open

Oct 22 - Oct 22

Southwold Earthworks National Historic SiteDoors Open Dutton Dunwich

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Southwold Earthworks National Historic Site

Southwold Earthworks was designated a National Historic Site in 1923. It is designated because it is a rare and well-preserved example of an Aboriginal fortified village that is surrounded by earthworks, built by the Attiwandaron (Neutral Iroquois) between 1450 and 1550. This ancient site is the only example of a double-palisaded village in Southern Ontario. Download the brochure below (coming soon).

  • Kid-friendly
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available

Contact info

7930 Iona Road
Fingal, Ontario
https://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/dfhd/page_nhs_eng.aspx?id=370

Architecture

Year built: 1923

Dates/hours open

Oct 22 - Oct 22

Spicer Trail at John E. Pearce Provincial ParkDoors Open Dutton Dunwich

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  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Spicer Trail at John E. Pearce Provincial Park

John E. Pearce Provincial Park has been a protected area since 1957. Located in the Carolinian forest zone of Southwestern Ontario, it covers 67.9 hectares (168 acres). The Spicer Trail is named for nature enthusiast and Second World War veteran, Lorne Spicer. Park at the Backus-Page House Museum to take either the red or blue trail. Download the brochure below.

  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms

Contact info

29424 Lakeview Line
Wallacetown, Ontario
https://www.ontarioparks.com/pdf/maps/johnepearce/spicer_trail_brochure.pdf

Architecture

Year built: 1994

Dates/hours open

Oct 22 - Oct 22

Storey Wetlands Trail at John E. Pearce Provincial ParkDoors Open Dutton Dunwich

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Storey Wetlands Trail at John E. Pearce Provincial Park

John E. Pearce Provincial Park has been a protected area since 1957. Located in the Carolinian forest zone of Southwestern Ontario, it covers 67.9 hectares (168 acres). Named for Mary Patterson Storey, who received her land grant in 1809, this wetland supports many water-loving and water-tolerant plants and animals – including cattails, water lilies, turtles and herons. Download the brochure below (coming soon).

  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms

Contact info

29424 Lakeview Line
Wallacetown, Ontario

Architecture

Year built: 2017

Dates/hours open

Oct 22 - Oct 22

West Elgin Nature ReserveDoors Open Dutton Dunwich

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  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

West Elgin Nature Reserve

In 1983, the Aldborough Township council appointed the West Elgin Nature Club to manage this closed landfill site. Many trees have since been planted as memorials or by those interested in the site’s natural habitat.  Several short trail walks are offered and are ideal for birding. Look for the silver maple, big tooth aspen and spicebush undergrowth.

  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available

Architecture

Year built: 1983

Dates/hours open

Oct 22 - Oct 22