Are you looking for a new and interesting place to hike and enjoy nature? If so, a new nature trail awaits you at the Rosedale Farm north of Neepawa. This is a terrific trail from start to finish.

A walk beneath the dense canopy along this trail leads through a variety of habitats and provides an assortment of nature viewing opportunities. Colorful wildflowers currently bloom here including the showy rhombic-leaved sunflower and smooth aster. However, a wide array of other less-showy native plants are found along the way including wild raspberry, strawberry, sweet cicely, moss and assorted mushrooms.

The trails consist of two separate loops that are each 2.5 km in length, with cross-trails allowing for shorter walks. However, the two longer trails also join up making it possible to walk for five kilometres without covering the same ground twice.

While the trails snake through tall stands of red pine, Scots pine and other trees, this was not always the case. This land was once broken for agriculture, but due to the steep sloping topography farming proved fruitless. As part of a provincial government land acquisition program, two quarter-sections were purchased in 1966, with another quarter added in 1971. This land was to serve as a demonstration project and outdoor laboratory for research into soil erosion control.

For anyone interested in songbirds this is an excellent place to visit. Several years ago Manitoba Conservation studied the bird species using the shelterbelts here. They determined it was one of the most productive bird areas in the entire province.

Upon arriving at the trail's parking area I watched a red-tailed hawk take flight from the top of a tall tree. Its high pitched scream could be heard long after it disappeared from sight. At the same time turkey vultures could be seen drifting high above the escarpment.

While the new hiking trails were officially opened earlier this summer, the Rosedale Farm has long been a recognized hiking place. It was also included as a site in the best-selling nature book “Scenic Secrets of Manitoba”. Here is an excerpt from that book:

“This tract of Crown land was established to demonstrate conservation techniques on land subject to erosion. Shelterbelts and block plantings of trees have been established. The diversity of tree and shrub species has made this an excellent habitat for a variety of wildlife.

Listen carefully and perhaps you'll hear the chattering of a red squirrel or the drumming of a ruffed grouse. The Scots pine plantations are now well established and provide superb habitat for all types of mammals.

Keen-eyed observers might be able to catch a glimpse of white-tailed deer or rabbits before these fast-moving animals bolt for the dense pine cover of the forest. Many different bird species nest in the surrounding habitat.

This site is located on sloping land and offers panoramic views to the east. On a clear day, you can look across the mosaic of agricultural fields and see Lake Manitoba, one of the world's larger freshwater lakes.”

Directions: from Neepawa, go north on PTH 5 for 16 km. Turn west on PR 265 and travel 7.7 km to the parking area.

It should be noted that full credit for this trail goes out to a dedicated group of local volunteers. It is totally a volunteer effort.

If you are interesting in exploring other interesting and unique nature sites you might enjoy reading my current book “Manitoba Naturally”.

It is a national best-seller and it was selected as the Canadian Outdoor Book of the Year.

It is currently available at bookstores or by calling (204) 476-5210 or by email at: bills@mts.net. You can also order online at: www.manitobanaturally.com.

Be sure to watch for my next book that is set for release in early September 2010.

This new book is titled “Manitoba Wild” and it features many spectacular, yet little known, nature places located throughout Manitoba. It can be pre-ordered by phone (204) 476-5210.