Protection, enhancement of Bayfield River Flats Natural Area is possible thanks to vision, generosity of Bayfield and area community
There are two new projects, in 2025, to further enhance Bayfield River Flats Natural Area. One project is to create a canoe and kayak launch. The other project is to use innovative natural means to protect the riverbank from erosion. These enhancements are the latest community-supported improvements to a property that has a long and important history for Bayfield.
People walking the trails can learn about the rich historical tapestry, of this riverfront property, by reading interpretive signs at the nature area. From its use by indigenous people hundreds of years ago to its use by anglers today, Bayfield River Flats has been a thriving habitat for fish. It has been site of a dam and a river crossing. It was home to the former Thompson’s Mill. The ruins of the mill and the old dam, which was also the first bridge across the Bayfield River, are still visible at the site. The Flats was also used for marina storage for many years.
At one time, in 1820, this site was even proposed to be the naval harbour. During Bayfield’s early years, until 1900, “ … this tranquil woodland setting was the site of Thomson’s Mill. Until the saw and gristmill were fully operational in the 1840s, area pioneers had to hand saw their lumber and carry their grain on their backs on deer paths to Goderich for milling.”
The illustrious history of the Bayfield River Flats is featured in an article, by Ben Forrest, in Huron-Perth Boomers magazine. The article is called ‘Preserving the Huron Tract: Land Trust Conservancy is preserving donated land in the Huron Tract for future generations.’ The article includes an historical illustration of Thomson’s Mill, circa 1890. It also includes an historical photo of the Bayfield Fish Reel. People walking the trail can even see a fishing net drying reel installed there.
Today, the nature area is a place to enjoy flora and fauna and reflect on a rich local history. This historic site might not have been preserved if it weren’t for the vision of the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) and the generosity of the Bayfield and area community. The natural area is owned by Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy (HTLTC) and maintained by BRVTA volunteers at no cost to the public.
A fundraising campaign in 2017, led by the trail association, received donations from more than 220 individual donors and raised more than $70,000 to purchase the River Flats so the trail association could donate it to the land trust to be preserved permanently. Later, in 2023, a fundraising campaign was launched to create a new pedestrian walkway to make it possible for people to walk to the nature area from the village of Bayfield. The fundraising campaign raised more than $50,000 to make the walkway possible and the walkway was added in 2024.
In 2025, the project funders are asking the Bayfield and area community to help them reach a $20,000 fundraising goal for the canoe and kayak launch. A generous and significant donation from a local donor has the dream within reach and further donations are needed to complete the project.
A meet-and-greet community celebration and fundraiser is taking place in support of the project. The event is at Bayfield Town Hall on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 from 7 to 9 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30 p.m.)
Thanks go to the sponsor of the evening, Michael Finkbeiner, Senior Investment Advisor with Wellington-Altus.
Cash bar is provided by Tyler Hessel and 1851 Bayfield Landing.
Any donations received in excess of the funding goal will support long-term maintenance of the nature area.
To learn more, or to donate, visit the Bayfield River Flats web page. Visit the Land Trust website and the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association website to find out more.
