Practice household water conservation - turn off the tap when you brush your teeth, use a low flow showerhead and consider shorter showers. Only run full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine.

Windsor/Essex Encouraged to Step Into Nature

People across Ontario can stay close to home, yet still Step Into Nature by visiting one of Ontario's Conservation Areas listed in the newly published Your Guide to Ontario's Conservation Areas.

In conjunction with Conservation Ontario, the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) is pleased to announce the release of this publication which highlights more than 250 of Ontario's top Conservation Areas - natural areas that feature a variety of all-season outdoor activities. Twenty-one Conservation Areas are located within the Essex Region.

This 64-page, full-colour guidebook includes maps, charts that list activities available and unique features. Keeping active and healthy is easy for families at Conservation Areas. Most Conservation Areas are close to urban centres and offer year-round activities such as hiking, fishing, camping, swimming, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Some Conservation Areas even offer more extreme activities such as snowboarding and rock climbing.

"Experiencing nature is often the first step to learning about our environment," said Ken Schmidt, ERCA General Manager. "We are constantly striving to improve the visitor services at our areas to ensure they provide recreational opportunities for our regional residents."

Close to home and across the province, Ontario's 36 Conservation Authorities collectively own and operate almost 400 conservation areas for people to explore and enjoy. Your free copy of Your Guide to Conservation Areas in Ontario can be found the Essex Region Conservation Authority office, John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area, Holiday Beach Conservation Area, Hillman Marsh Conservation Area and your local tourism office. You can also find the information online at www.ontarioconservationareas.ca.