As part of Maitland Conservation’s 75th anniversary we’re hosting River Fest on Sunday Aug. 30, 2026. The event runs from noon until 4 pm at Brussels Conservation Area. Admission is free!
River Fest is a family friendly drop-in event with a series of hands-on stations for visitors to explore.
Some of the stations at the event include:
- Canadian Raptor Conservancy – birds of prey flight show
- Scales Nature Park – native reptile display
- Stream Health – electrofishing and stream organisms, water sampling
- Tree Seedling give away
- Pollinator Patch – native seed give away and wildflower bomb activity
- Model Boat Building – build a simple cardstock boat and try it out
- Craft Corner – sun print activity, dragonfly craft, nature themed temporary tattoos
- Maitland Mills Association – Logan’s Mill restoration plans
- Municipality of Huron East
- Middle Maitland Rejuvenation Committee – watershed puzzle
- Maitland Conservation Foundation and John Hindmarch Environmental Fund displays
- Photo Frame – take home a polaroid photo
- Fishing for Beginners – children are invited to try fishing at the mill pond. A limited amount of equipment will be available through the TackleShare program. Anyone between the ages of 18 and 64 is required to have a Resident Fishing License.
The Brussels Leo’s Club will be doing a BBQ as a fundraiser for their club.
Visitors may enter the park from the entrance off Sports Drive (by the dam) or by the picnic shelters off Alfred St. Please note that parking in the Alfred St. lot is very limited and will mainly be reserved for accessibility parking. Visitors are encouraged to park along Sports Drive and walk in. Please be courteous of our neighbours and do not block driveways.
Questions? Please email maitland@mvca.on.ca or call 519-335-3557 ext. 226.
